Lucy Mary

This is where my FBI skills (just to make it clear, I don't work for the FBI) come into play. These days, I like to research a brand's ethos and values before agreeing to any collab. 

Blogging is such a diverse and inclusive place and it's always been that way. We need to be working with brands who stand by that also with their products and customers. I don't want to work with associate myself with a brand that doesn't show diversity and inclusivity within its company. 

I will confess guys - when brands started reaching out to me, I never really considered these factors before and wholeheartedly apologise for that. Coming into blogging, I was incredibly naive about these things. I just felt honoured that a brand wanted to work with me. But that's changed. Before I consider working with a brand, I do my research before I say yes. It does take time, but it's time I'm more than willing to take now.

So, before working with brands, as I said, there is a kind of checklist I go through before working with a brand. These are the major factors they have to meet before I say yes -

This one is at the top of my list. Are they being diverse and inclusive within their brand and through their social media channels? Are their campaigns embracing diversity by including people from different backgrounds? Is the campaign showing something we could all relate to somehow? If they show no sign of that, then it's a red flag and a big fat no. 

Sustainability has become a major part of our lives in recent years, particularly with climate change taking hold. I like to know if a brand is practicing sustainability methods, eg recyclable packaging, eco-friendly products etc. Climate change is affecting us all and it's important that brands help to support the environment.

My followers are the reason I keep doing what I'm doing. I will only work with brands I know that my followers may like to know more about. I've promoted and tried out so many different items over the years and written reviews on them. I like to work with brands that work well for the people who follow me. For instance, I wouldn't work with B&Q on a lawnmower collaboration when my followers have zero interest in lawnmowers. Well, a couple may, I don't know. But you know what I mean.

There's no better feeling than when a brand you use every day reaches out to you for a collab. That's when I know that I'm doing things right! When you have been a dedicated customer for years and then they finally reach out to you, it's so satisfying! I think there's always a risk in working with a brand you have never used before. I always like to read the reviews on a brand before agreeing to anything. 

I like to know which bloggers have worked with a brand in the past. Did they have a good experience with them? Did they do all of the above? If a blogger even says no to any of these factors I have already listed. then it'll be a no. There's been a few times where I have almost agreed to a collab to then find the brand doesn't treat the blogger well. Then it would be a goodbye from me!

I was going to discuss the 'B' word - budget, but I think that's another post for another day. 

I'd love to know your thoughts on this - let me know!