September 23-24 will see the much-loved Olympia Beauty Show return to London’s Grand Hall. This annual event brings trade and professional visitors with a passion for hair care, cosmetics, beauty therapies and spa treatments (and more!) together in one place to discover the latest trends and technologies emerging in these sectors. Many product demonstrations are also presented across the event’s three stages.
It is quite likely that a number of successful UK beauty bloggers will be among the 20,000+ attendees. The Olympia Beauty Show – and similar industry events – provide ample opportunity for online beauty writers to network with brand CEOs/directors, as well as fellow bloggers. If networking is successfully undertaken, future product reviews and invites to additional beauty events can be secured.
Many bloggers however, simply recite the URL of their blog and/or their Twitter handle at PRs and fellow bloggers they meet at such events. The problem is, PRs can meet literally hundreds of people at beauty shows, and remembering everyone’s details is highly unlikely.
Many beauty bloggers think they shouldn’t bother creating physical promotional business cards or leaflet printing because they work in the digital realm, but this really is not so!
Here’s a look at two beauty bloggers who make good use of business cards to promote their talents at beauty events...
Yamari Lesca
Website: yourgotogal.co
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Blogger background
Yamari started her own blog around two years ago because she was feeling “creatively frustrated”. She had just finished a journalism degree and couldn't find a job in the media industry, and so she took a job at a department store (where she was forced to work in the kids’ dept).
Soon after, Yamari decided to start her own blog, to allow her restricted creativity to flow, and to share her passion for all things fashion and beauty.
Why does Yamari use business cards?
When posed this question, Yamari said her main reason for using business cards is to create a professional image for her site. She wants to inspire confidence in the beauty-industry folk she meets, and show that she takes her blogging exploits very seriously.
Since Yamari is also trying to build a strong brand image, she felt it was important to include her logo, and employ aesthetics she describes as “fun and cute.”
In her own words...
“I've seen a lot of changes in the Miami blogging scene in the past year. People started contacting me and asking me to cover events or review their products, instead of me approaching them. Since I work full time and blog on the side, I don't get to attend these great events as often as I would like. When I do get the chance though, I take my business cars and hand them out accordingly. I don't just give them to anyone, but if I engage with a person who seems genuinely interested in working with my blog I’ll hand one over. This means they have my contact details ready to hand.”
Alexis Lewis
Website: coverlook.onsugar.com
Above: The front and reverse of Alexis’s business card
Blogger background
Alexis hails from New Orleans and has always had a fascination with cosmetics. After spending much of her youth standing within the beauty and makeup aisles of local retailers and experimenting incessantly with different looks, Alexis eventually became a contributor at Cover Look Collection; for whom she is also the natural hair correspondent.
Alexis is also the community manager for beauty site Every Bliss.
Why does Alexis use business cards?
Alexis uses the business card above as part of her work as Cover Looks Collection’s natural hair correspondent. Her primary reason for printing business cards was so people she meets at industry events would remember her more clearly. This aim is aided with the inclusion of her picture to one side of the card.
Alexis wanted to keep the overall design simple, while making it clear which industry she work in. Her contact information is included on a white background in order to not detract attention.
In her own words...
“I decided I needed promotional business cards when I found I was struggling to get industry types to remember who I am, and what my blog is affiliated with. PRs tend to meet so many people that retaining contact information and blogs URLs can be really difficult.”
The author of this guest post is Nicola Green, a beauty consultant who orders her own business cards from http://www.solopress.com/business-cards/
I definitely think business cards are a must at events - it means you don't need to bother scribbling it down on scrap paper or having the other person have to get their phone out to write it down, or simply remembering it when they're meeting loads of bloggers. It comes across as much more professional too - even if you're just a hobby blogger, people will be more likely to check out your blog!
ReplyDeleteI got business cards made to this event, i think it gives you a much more professional look, than just reciting your URL. I feel it also makes you look like, you're taking it more seriously, even if you are just a hobby blogger, i think having printed business cards gives you that little but more.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait for the event :)
xx
Business cards a must for any of us who want to take our blogging to the next level!
ReplyDelete