Blogging to Connect with Influencers - Caitlin Pyle

Caitlin Pyle, a passionate entrepreneur who has built a seven-figure business in only 3 years, shares her insights on how blogging and connections with bloggers allowed her to rapidly grow her reach and revenue, and how, as an influencer, she decides who to add to her network. Caitlin's journey Caitlin had built a successful proofreading business before she created her blog. She attributes her success, among other factors, to the way she was able to niche down to a small target audience of people who were interested in a proofreading business working at home. Her proofreading course became a huge success, bringing in six figures within 90 days, and skyrocketing her business to eventually reach seven figures. Because she was able to build a seven-figure funnel, she's now a proud member of the "Two-Comma-Club," created by Russell Brunson from Clickfunnels.  Your influencer marketing story Focusing on what you're gifted at Caitlin's influencer marketing journey started when she applied to be interviewed at a targeted blog for those who were interested in building a work-at-home business. Her intent at the time, was to gain exposure by delivering valuable content to the owner of the blog. She chose collaborating with a blogger because writing is her gift; what she enjoys doing. Finding new sources of blogger connections Having experienced the positive results from her blog interview, she started to use HARO.com, a PR website that that helped her land new interviews and guest-posting opportunities on other relevant blogs. Expanding through affiliates Caitlin found her first affiliate partner by simply Googling "proofreading" and then reaching out to blog owners and other influencers who had the highest rankings. At the time, she saw the potential of collaborating with others who had a larger audience than hers grow her own business. It's important to note that when Caitlin started to build her network, she had a proven product, a clear proposal that made it easy for potential partners to say yes. A change in mindset Caitlin said that, to create those affiliate connections, she had to dramatically change her mindset. Who she used to think of as a competitor, became an ally. She proposed the idea of promoting her course to hew new connection, and because it was a perfect fit for that blogger's audience, she got a yes. That first affiliate led to the next, and the next...The rest is history! Worst influencer marketing moment Caitlin once supported an entrepreneur with her launch, and did everything it took to maximize sales. As a result, she became one of the top launch partners. However, after the launch was over, the entrepreneur in person would ignore her every time Caitlin tried to ask her for support. It became clear that the person wasn't interested in delivering value to Caitlin and creating a long-lasting connection. Lesson learned: Always put people first in your business or you'll jeopardize the relationship. "The more you give, the more you get," Caitlin says. How to Stand Out As an influencer, Cailin receives pitches for guest-posting, JV and affiliate partnerships, and interviews. She mentioned the following to stand out when you submit a pitch and start the relationship in the best possible way. Position your pitch based on the value you have to offer to the influencer Leverage a common connection whenever possible Include information that supports your expertise Show that you're really interested in the influencer Take time to build the relationshiip Cut yourself out of the equation, and just focus on serving other people Only reach out to people who share your values Don't be a cookie cutter marketer who sends out mass emails to influencers Don't try to reach out to too many people at the same time. Otherwise, the quality of your pitch will decrease Don't take yourself too seriously. As Caitlin says, "Nobody gets out of this alive." One thing you're most excited about Caitlin is excited about the launch of her new Work-At-Home program early in 2018.  She's launching it with a virtual Summit. I have the honor to be part of the Summit, and I can tell you that this event is revolutionary in the way it's laid out and also in the way that it leverages product bundles to increase sales! Resources mentioned Google Calendar for organization Software tool: Zoom for interviews and networking Book: Lucky Bitch: A Guide for Exceptional Women to Create Outrageous Success by Denise Duffield-Thomas.  More About Caitlin Pyle Caitlin Pyle is a former freelance proofreader turned multimillion-dollar business owner. Together with her husband, Ben, they've created an online media empire that has helped thousands of people learn the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs. Caitlin firmly believes that living the life you want is possible -- if you're willing to work for it. Get her inspiring, fun, and valuable newsletters at http://www.CaitlinPyle.co