Alt Summit // Building Relationships with Ad Networks

 The second session I attended was entitled Building Relationships with Ad Networks. Let's be honest, do you see any ad's on this blog? This session was a little ahead of where I currently am, however, it was really helpful to hear from experts to see how they make money at blogging. 

The panel consisted of (from left to right) Sarah of Say Media, Danielle of Sway Group, Erin of Design for Mankind, and Meg of The Practical Wedding. 

Together, they shared lots of great advice. Here is what stayed with me: 

• Build a Media Kit! 
• Provide a service to your community. Find out their need and service your community with that need. 
• Know where you want to be in 2014 and then plan backwards! 
• Practice makes Perfect! If you get an icky feeling with a brand, it's because you know it's not a right fit. 
• Be cognizant of your mobile presence. How does your site look for mobile viewing? Is an app an option? Mobile advertising will triple before 2014. 
• Don't be a travel brochure for someone else's "city". 
• Match ads to your blog the same way you match your shoes to your outfit. 
• Set expectations with sponsors, write a simple contract outlining what you provide and in turn, expect from them. 
• Always ask for an amount of money that makes your stomach hurt. Brands expect to negotiate. 
• Be a media trained blogger
• Build relationships! Know your niche and all of the other blogs within that niche.
• Create a clean premium layout! Focus on content - brands want to know that my readers listen to me. 
• To contact a brand for advertising: google brand, find press releases, find social media, contact that person. Pitch in comment form on sites. 

Lot's to think about! I think the point I want to work on the most right now is to be a media trained blogger and understand all that that entitles! ;) 

Happy Tuesday!