IHA recently caught up with Anne Sage, a speaker at our upcoming event, The Inspired Home Influencer Conference, which will kick off the 2019 International Home + Housewares Show. Anne has been blogging since 2008 with her signature smart yet stylish approach to fashion, interiors, entertaining and more. Be sure to check out her site: annsage.com
What do you look for in brands to partner with?
Anne: The first question is always “Am I ethically aligned with this company?” I have to share their core values in order to be willing to put my name behind them.
The second question is “Is this something that I would actually recommend, use, etc. – do I see the value in what they are looking to promote?”
So, while it’s “pay to play”, not everyone can just write a check and get promoted; there are filters that you run everything through.
Anne: Absolutely. And it’s not always black and white; sometimes there is some internal back and forth that I go through. For example, I am not generally a fan of fast food, but I understand that for some it’s their only option. So, can I get behind healthier fast food options, even though it’s still fast food? Yes, I can – and I have.”
What do you say to brands that don’t think they should have to pay for you to talk about them if you’re already a fan/user/etc.?
Anne: Managing expectations is critical, as is knowing the value of what you are doing and being able to put it into familiar terms.
With regard to my being a fan of a brand already, there is always a chance that I will mention products that I’m excited about without a financial arrangement. But I cannot guarantee it. If I am in a contractual arrangement, a level of exposure is guaranteed and that’s the difference.
And further, I like to position what I do as similar to what an ad agency does when they create an ad. I am providing a piece that includes research, concept and content development and design. There is real time and intellect being put into what I am producing for them and they are used to paying others for that kind of effort in other areas, so it helps them get their heads around it.
Don’t miss Anne’s session, “How to Pitch Brands and Accurately Price Your Work,” at the 2019 The Inspired Home Influencer Conference on Friday, March 1, 2019. Bloggers with a social footprint of at least 10K followers and social media influencers with a following of 50K+ are invited to attend. Click here to learn more and purchase tickets.
If you are an exhibitor interested in the speed networking portion of the conference, please contact Leana Salamah by February 19th.
