How to Get a Brand Collaboration + Instagram Collaboration
As a social media manager as well as a local San Diego blogger, I've done my fair share of blog writing, publicity, press, events, & pretty much everything under the social media sun. I've been on both the giving & receiving end of social media marketing. Sometimes that means a brand collaboration, sometimes that's an Instagram collaboration - I have first-hand perspective on what brands look for before working with a blogger. How can you secure a brand collaboration? How do you find local influencer marketing?
Related reading: How I Earned $15,000 from Blogging in 2017
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1. Quality Content & Photography
Before a brand even gets around to reaching out to you, we scour your blog to look at your content, your writing, & your photography. We browse your content & photos to judge if a possible brand collaboration would work. We want good spelling & grammar. We want clear & interesting photos. We want to see your personality shine through your words & content. We view your past posts as a reflection of what a collaboration would look like.2. Social Media Following
We actively look at all of your social media channels to determine if your blog is a good fit for us. After all, we are providing a service, product, or financial compensation to you & your service is exposure, website clicks, & potential sales for us. You don't have to have an enormous social media following. Count up your followers on all your social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, Tumblr, etc. My tip: sometimes it's more powerful to say, "I have 3,000+ followers across my social media channels," rather than "I have 907 Facebook followers, 750 Twitter followers, 824 Instagram followers, 500 Tumblr followers, etc." If you're looking for an Instagram collaboration, brands will consider your overall reach & comments - they might ask to see your analytics.3. Activity on Social Media Channels
What good is a social media following if you never Tweet, update, or post? We're looking to see if you're active on social media channels by updating relevant & regular information to what we're selling. For example, a vegetarian jerky brand reached out to me because I Tweeted several times about being vegetarian. If you're a San Diego blogger, make sure you're following local San Diego accounts.4. Engaged Readers
Engagement is extremely important! You can have a huge social media following but no engagement. You're more valuable to us if you have 100 daily views & 2 clicks to our website versus 10,000 daily views & 2 clicks. If you're lacking in followers, your engagement level may save you. If you have both a decent social media following & engagement that makes a wonderful mixture.5. Demographics
All the above are great & everything, but are your readers who we are targeting? Your blog readers, their age, their location, & their habits, affect whether or not our brand is a good match for your blog. If we're selling candy bars but your blog focuses on healthy recipes, we're probably not a good pair. If you're a single woman in your early 20s, you may not be a good fit for our family-oriented timeshare rentals.6. Reliability
Did you know that when brands send free stuff or pay for a sponsored post, that costs money? It usually comes from a yearly or quarterly budget set aside specifically for marketing, social media, or influencer outreach. Blogger outreach is costly & brands only have a certain amount of budget & inventory to give out, so we want to ensure that you will be a reliable blogger should we decide to work with you. How long does it take you to respond to emails? How often do you update your blog? What's your turnaround time for collaborative or sponsored posts? Do you have past examples?7. Media Kit, About Me, or Sponsor Page
After we determine that everything about your blog is a good match for us, we look at your media kit, about me page, &/or sponsor page to find out more about you. We're trying to find your contact information, other brands you've worked with, your page statistics, & any readily available information. This is the final touch before we gather all the content we've accrued & either take it to a superior for approval or begin reaching out to you.You heard it from me everybody! This is a step-by-step guide in what brands look for before working with a blogger or pursuing blogger outreach. It's a tedious & time intensive process to find the perfect match for the brand, but if we are a good team it's well worth it.
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Catch up on previous posts from my social media series:
How To Create Authentic Social Brand Mentions + Why They're Important
How To Create Authentic Social Brand Mentions + Why They're Important
Were these tips useful? Let me know if you have any other questions! :]
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Why You Should Go To KAABOO Del Mar
KAABOO Del Mar is the new music & arts festival to watch out for. Every music festival has to start somewhere & KAABOO* made its 2015 inaugural showing with a bang. The thing about KAABOO is that it's not just a music festival; it's multifaceted with many layers, opportunities, & experiences.
KAABOO festival 2016 is scheduled for Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 18. Last year's festival took place September 18 - 20. Although it was met with a variety of noise complaints from neighbors, according to The San Diego Union Tribune, it was an overall success. If you're contemplating whether or not to attend, here are some reasons why you should go to KAABOO Del Mar music & arts festival this year.
The Live Art
As each day passed, I got to witness the art take life & transform before my very eyes. What began as a mere sketch on day one turned into a full-blown mural by day three. It's basically like going to an art gallery & being able to see the progress.The Excellent Music
Obviously the largest selling point of a music festival is the music. During its inaugural year, KAABOO festival featured performances from No Doubt, The Killers, Zac Brown Band, Snoop Dogg, & more. Aerosmith, Fall Out Boy, Jack Johnson, Lenny Kravitz, Ludacris, & Steve Aoki are some of the artists slated to play at KAABOO 2016.The Free Stuff
I'm not sure if it was just because it was its first year in existence but KAABOO killed it with all the free stuff they gave out. There were Lara Bars, free screen printed tote bags, samples of Starbucks drinks, Kettle brand chips, & more. It was utterly glorious, especially for those trying to save money on snacks.The Comedians
Laughing is good. Laughing is great. Laughing is beneficial for your soul. Comedians add dimension to the festival experience. Anthony Jeselnik & Joel McCale were some of the headliners for 2015. This year, however, KAABOO is upping their comedic ante with stars like Janeane Garofalo, Dana Carvey, Doug Benson, David Cross, & Darrell Hammond. Yes, please!The Food
Sometimes festivals have the most horrible food in existence, but that's not the case here. KAABOO Del Mar has genuinely gourmet options for any type of person — vegan, gluten-free, etc. There's a delectable choice for everyone with live demonstrations from chefs. You can't get any more gourmet than that.The Crowd
The average age of the KAABOO crowd is about 10 years older than the average Coachella patron. If you've been to enough shows, concerts, & festivals, you'll understand the value of a nice crowd. The daily average was about 15,000 to 16,000 people, according to The San Diego Union Tribune. That's a huge difference compared to Coachella, which hosts about 99,000 people per day, according to the LA Times.The Fashion
As with any other festival, it's exciting to see what people choose to wear. Seeing as 2015 was its debut, I didn't see a particular style. I did notice that the majority of people were dressed for comfort, which was refreshing. I didn't get that "I'm only here to get my pictures taken" kind of vibe. We'll have to see what KAABOO 2016 brings.The Location
Take a look around & you'll see the true beauty that is Del Mar, California — palm trees, sunny skies, & the rolling blue ocean nearby. KAABOO is held on the Del Mar Fairgrounds so it's somewhat nostalgic to have a music festival there as well. It's an iconic venue that has been part of many families' traditions for years.The Afterparty
Not ready to go home after the headliner's act finishes? You don't have to. Go to the after party with the late-night DJs at the Encore, which is open until 2:30 a.m. If you feel like staying late, there's no need to go home.
How does the fest sound to you? Will you attend KAABOO Del Mar? :]
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*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ticket from KAABOO Del Mar in 2015. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure here. :]
*Disclaimer: I received a complimentary ticket from KAABOO Del Mar in 2015. All opinions are 100% mine aka Carmen's. Learn more about my disclosure here. :]
Rory Gilmore Outfit from Gilmore Girls
Lorelai Leigh Gilmore, better known to most of us as Rory Gilmore, has a comfortable, cozy, minimal, simple style that's perfect for everyday wear. This particular style inspiration comes from Gilmore Girls season one episode 19 called "Emily in Wonderland." It's very reminiscent of the early 2000s & can be easily emulated with a modern twist. Do you have a favorite or season or episode from the series?
How Do I look Like Rory Gilmore? Here's what you need to get this simple look:
At Chilton, Rory always had to wear a school uniform. We know Rory's iconic Chilton uniform with the plaid skirt and blazer, but Rory Gilmore has a range of fashion choices throughout the series. There's her school dance dress, the Life and Death Brigade gown, . You won't find her rocking jeans in class, but throughout the course of the show, Rory wears a lot of comfortable outfits since she's at home or once she heads off to college.
Cardigan
Start off with a stitched button up cardigan. This intricate knit cardigan is stitched to perfection; it's a mix of retro & modern. Find a color that you like best! There's a vintage feel to it, but it's not quite as bulky as the one that Rory wears.
Their hair, makeup, costume, dresses truly ranged throughout the show, so just go with cozy. Rory Gilmore fashion moments often include a turtleneck sweater or oversized knit sweater, pants or jeans. Some were more memorable such as the red polka dot dress from the dance marathon. The Danceathon dress was iconic in looks but also because of the emotional rollercoaster fans went through over the course of the episode. Shop for chic women turtleneck sweaters.
T-Shirt
Underneath your cool cardigan, you'll need a plain black t-shirt. I'm pretty sure we all have one in our closet but this H&M version is a good choice. It's plain which means it's the ultimate versatile piece to include in your wardrobe.
Get the Look: Rory Gilmore Outfit from Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is a popular comedy-drama television series from the early 2000s. The show was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino & starred Lauren Graham & Alexis Bledel as the lead characters, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore. The show debuted on October 5, 2000, on The WB. A Year in the Life premiered on Netflix in 2016. Rory and Lorelai are a dynamic dup but so is Rory and Lane! Rory Gilmore's best friend is Lane Kim.
Rory's fashion, especially in the older episodes, is very minimal & modest. She doesn't reveal too much & she isn't trying to impress anybody with what she wears. Comfort is key. If you want to shop the look, click on the links, the clothes are all available on Amazon!
Pants
Go for chic black skinny pants or stay authentic to Rory & opt for classic black slacks. This is something Rory would wear in the present day. The pants sit above the hip & come with cool slant pocket details.
Choker
Chokers are very reminiscent of the 90s but the early 2000s were chock-full of them too. Black velvet choker is always a good choice & goes with everything. There are also choker sets online so you can mix & match.
If you've ever thought about where is Stars Hollow? Where was Gilmore Girls filmed? Can you visit the set or go on a Stars Hollow tour? I answer all of these questions & more. Read my related blog post: Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
Boots
Rory wears a cool boot like Dr. Martens, combat boot style with a round toe. There are more affordable black combat boot options too.
Gilmore Girls is a favorite for many. The show is known for its fast-talking dialogue and flair for pop culture references.
Some fans like the Year in the Life revival whereas others want to forget it entirely. Throughout the series, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore wore some fun outfits, from the vintage red polka-dot dress & vintage hair updos on the dance marathon episode to the cozy t-shirt & jeans.
They also wear sophisticated, chic looks such as the handmade gown Lorelai crafted for Rory's Chilton dance. The mother-daughter duo definitely wore a lot of outfits throughout the years. Think of all the episodes! That is quite a collection. When I visited the Warner Brothers Studio Tour, I was able to see some Gilmore Girls outfits, even Lorelai's house.
Over the course of Gilmore Girls, Rory's style changes in the later seasons when she grows up & gets out of high school. No more school uniforms after all. This particular outfit is from the very, very beginning with easily recognizable bits & bobs of the early 2000s. The outfit might not be one of the most recognizable on Gilmore Girls, but it's easily replicable and stylish. I love getting inspiration from the past & putting a funky, new twist on it. You can often find Rory wearing blue jeans, something preppy like a polo, t-shirts. She likes to be comfortable. Rory's outfits change throughout the series, so you can pick and choose something to your suit your personal style.
Related reading: Where Was Gilmore Girls Filmed? Where Is Stars Hollow?
Other fun Halloween costume ideas from TV Shows / Movies
Laney Boggs Prom Dress from She's All That - view here.
Rory Gilmore from Gilmore Girls - view here.
The Plastics from Mean Girls - view here.
Wednesday Addams from The Addams Family - view here.
Cher's gorgeous white dress in Clueless- view here.
Cher's Yellow Plaid Outfit - view here.
What's your favorite episode from the series? Do you have a favorite season?What do you think of this Rory Gilmore inspired look? Would you wear it? :]
7 Things To Do in San Clemente, California
If you find yourself in glorious & bright Southern California, do yourself a favor & check out San Clemente. Located between San Diego & Los Angeles, this spunky coastal town in Orange County has so much to do & see & experience. The San Clemente town slogan is "the Spanish Village by the Sea," which rings true once you start exploring. Look no further for things to do in San Clemente, California.
1. Walk down the San Clemente Pier
No stop in San Clemente would be complete without a walk down the pier. It's not very far & the wood is in great condition, so it's quite an easy journey. Once you make it to the end you'll see the remarkable blue green horizon of vast ocean.2. Hang out at San Clemente State Beach
Heading to the beach is the very first thing you should do on a warm SoCal day in San Clemente. Take a dip in the water, wriggle your toes in the sand, watch the surfers do their thing, or just bask in the sunlight.3. Stroll the San Clemente Beach Trail
Since you're already at the beach, enjoy the San Clemente Beach Trail. In addition to getting your step count up, you'll witness the wonderful views of the shoreline with a breath of fresh air. It's a relatively easy & tranquil trek. Soaking up the sunshine is one of the best things to do in San Clemente!
4. Browse the local shops
San Clemente has a lot of unique eateries, funky shops, & cool spots to enjoy. Walk down the main street & you're in the heart of all the businesses. There are clothing boutiques, delightful restaurants, & anything your heart desires.5. Take a look at the houses
I had a blast just looking at the various houses & buildings in the area. Many of them have a very distinct Spanish inspired architecture. Some are brightly colored & others have beautiful front lawns with an abundance of succulents. Just take a moment to peruse & enjoy.6. Go to the San Clemente Farmer's Market
Walk around & relish in the farmer's market on Sundays from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Get your locally grown fruit, aromatic & fresh bread, or maybe even a bouquet of surprisingly affordable flowers. The farmer's market can be done in 30 minutes or less if you're in a hurry.7. Casa Romantica
I'm super sad I didn't get a chance to visit Casa Romantica during my trip to San Clemente. It sounds amazing but it was closed by the time we got there. It's a lovely cultural center & garden. I'd love to go on my next trip in the area.
Have you visited this coastal town? What are your favorite things to do in San Clemente, California? Leave a comment :]
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