Etiquette For Bloggers 101

Over the past few weeks I’ve had a few discussions about blogging, tips for new bloggers, trips and so on. Some of the discussions took place over email, and some were in person, but how they happened doesn’t matter. What matters is that they happened and this is not a new trend. Many new (and not so new) bloggers are having conversations about the world of blogging and how to’break out of the cubicle and make it as a blogger’. I’m not going to pretend like I know it all, I obviously do not. However as someone who has been blogging for a little over two years, I think I have some insight. That being said, what I’m writing about doesn’t only apply to bloggers. In many ways the following applies to anyone in the business world (and yes, if you’re trying to participate in press trips, or monetize your blog, you are in the business world).

Although my time in travel blogging is short, I’ve spent over 10 years in the retail industry, half of which was spent in retail management. When I wasn’t in retail, I was working in offices. I’ve worked in the Bankruptcy world. I’ve been in Data Entry. I’ve answered phones. I’ve planned large events. I’ve worked over 20 trade & consumer shows. I’ve been in Healthcare. I’ve tried many different industries before settling on my passion. Travel (with a side of Photography). Over the years I have learned a lot. I’ve had shitty boses that I hate to this day and I’ve had amazing boses who taught me a lot.

As I mentioned above, if you’re monetizing your blog or looking to participate in press trips, then in some respects you are a member of the business world. If you want to be successful or even have a good business reputation (which is vital to any business owner), then here are a few etiquette tips to help you do that.

Thank-you Notes

Don’t scoff. If you’re Mama forgot to teach you the importance of sending Thank-you notes for gifts, or after parties, than allow me to step in. A short Thank-you note (or email) can go a long way. If you’ve participated on a press trip it’s a good idea to send the Tour/PR agent a Thank-you note for inviting you. This is also a good time to share with them your honest feelings about the trip and offer any feedback you may have.

If you have attended an event, our a toursim board has hosted you in some way or another, a Thank-you note (or email) is also a great idea. Keeping good relations is not only good business practice, but it can play to your advantage in the future. If you’ve laid a good foundation, the same company may approach you for future campaigns, or pass your name onto colleagues who are looking for someone.

Dress the Part!

Know your audience. In business it’s important to ‘dress the part’. If you’re attending a conference with a dress code which requires business attire, dress the part. You don’t have to spend a lot of money. The point is this, if you show up to a business attire function wearing jeans, there is a 95% chance that nobody will take you seriously. That being said, you don’t want to show up to a casual grassroots meeting in a three-piece suit. Know your audience and dress the part. I’ve interviews many people of the years for jobs and if an applicant shows up in sloppy attire, well, it’s hard to look past that. If you’re attending a conference or meeting with a PR/tour company, you are on a job interview (or something very close to it).

Know When to be a Professional

I know it sounds corny, but this is something very important. If you have been invited on a press trip or attending a sponsored function of some sort, be conscious of your behaviour. I’m not saying you have to act like a nun or wear a chastity belt. I am saying that getting shit-faced just because the alcohol is free is not always the best idea. Sure, in some instances it may not matter, but if you’re on a sponsored trip, you are being observed. If your niche is being a ‘party-animal’ travel blogger, you have nothing to worry about. If you want people to take you seriously and don’e want them to think you’re a drunk, then you need to be conscious of your behaviour. 

Be Confident, NOT Cocky!

There is a fine line between confident and cocky. Learn it. Know it. Don’t f*ck with it! In the business world people respond well to someone with confidence. Walking into a room with confidence is not always an easy thing, especially if you’re why. The key? Smile! Walk in with a smile and be genuine. Nobody wants to interact with someone who walks in thinking they are the Queen of Sheba. It’s awkward and being too cocky will usually earn you more enemies than friends. 

Just Ask, But Nicely!

In the blogging world, as in business, if you want something, ask! I’ve had a few conversations lately about press trips and events. Many new bloggers want to know how they can ‘get out there’ and turn their travel blog into something that can make them money, or how to approach tourism boards about sponsorship to give their blog new material. Here is the trick…ready? Ask! I’m serious. If you have a story idea and you want to work with a certain tourism board or company, email them. Be concise. Be polite. Be upfront. They might say no, but they might say yes. If you’re turned down, don’t be gloomy. Your blog may not fit with their current campaign, but now that you’ve emailed them, they know who you are! If a campaign comes along that may fit with your blog, chances are they will contact you.

Breaking into the blogging business, as with any business, can be a challenge. There will be ups and downs. You’ll have highs and lows. No matter what your blogging goals are, remembering proper ‘Blogging Etiquette’ can go a long way. As I said on Twitter tonight…

Don’t forget WHY you started a blog. Keep that passion alive, no matter what. Write what you love. Be yourself. Don’t worry about others.