What is a pitch and how do I know if it's good? 15 Tips (Part 3)

In case you missed them, read my first 5 tips (Part 1) here and my second 5 tips (Part 2) here…

11. Find the win-win.

Partnering with a company or an individual should be a win-win. Both parties should benefit (relatively) equally. "Equal" is not always easily defined, but if you feel like it's imbalanced, don't be afraid to say so. You don't have to be pushy or demanding; be kind but firm. And be proactive. Think of creative ways to make it more mutually beneficial. Perhaps you ask them to pay you a bit more or provide their upgraded product instead of their standard product for you to test-drive.

One mistake many new bloggers make is to feel honored to be contacted with a pitch at all…and then agree to almost anything. Flattery is nice, but not adequate compensation.

12. Know what's expected.

So you've done your homework, come up with a win-win situation and have decided to pursue the opportunity. Be very clear about exactly what is expected of you and them. What will be the requirements you have to fulfill as part of the agreement? What will be the requirements they fulfill? Do you have to mention them in a post? How many posts are they expecting? How much will they pay you? How will you receive payment? When? Make sure it's all specified. Save all your communications — emails, Skype chat transcripts, whatever. In general, the more details the better, so no one is surprised down the road.

13. Contracts need extra care.

Sometimes a company will want you to sign a contract. Sometimes a contract is essential and should not, or cannot, be avoided (like for a book deal). But some companies want you to sign a contract for something less significant. Understand that signing a contract brings things to a whole new level.

Personally, I shy away from many smaller contracts because I simply don't like being bound by them. For example, I've know a fair number of bloggers who have contracted with ad networks only to realize the ads served are really not a good fit for them, but they are stuck in it for a year. Sometimes they aren't allowed to pursue other ad options while under contract. Sometimes the ads that pop up on their site are not appropriate and so they have to contact the ad network to take them down (while the ad remains on their site in the meantime). Sometimes they don't get paid in a timely fashion.

All that to say, read and understand a contract fully before you sign it. Of course, get everything in writing. Again, take note of the companies others have had trouble with. Consult a lawyer and/or accountant if you're unsure of what you're signing.

14. Disclose.

If you do partner with a company or individual, make sure you adequately disclose that relationship to your readers. I wrote more about that here.

15. Remember there are other fish in the sea.

Hopefully all goes well with any opportunity you pursue. However, things don't always turn out as you hope. In that case, don't be discouraged. There is no shortage of great companies and individuals to work with. Opportunity abounds and it's unlikely turning down one pitch or having one bad experience is going to make or break your blog. Oftentimes, the disappointments make for the best learning.

OK, your turn! What are your tips for evaluating pitches?

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