BITW 112: Ask Alexa & What Not to Do on a Press Trip

Today’s episode focuses on four travel blogger questions. Questions focus on working with tourism boards, how to get paid to work with a tourism board, how to land sponsored posts, a travel blogger tax question and one about the process of pitching print publications. I also share the number one thing you should never do on a media trip!

Welcome to Ask Alexa!

This is a Q&A episode that is aired once monthly. If you have a question you’d like answered on an upcoming episode, simply head to http://breakintotravelwriting.com/ask-alexa/ to submit your question. I need the Q in the Q&A to continue this segment!

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Ask Alexa Questions:

Question #1 : From Sher & You can follow her in Instagram @SherSheGoes

What is your experience with getting tourism boards and brands to offer payment for press trips? I find that about 50% “get it” and 50% still believe in the old journalism mindset that coverage should be produced for free in exchange for a comped visit. I personally think compelling, original content that drives engagement is something worth paying for. Curious to hear your thoughts and any insights you might have from the PR / brand side.

Answer: There is a lot of history behind my answer this question. It includes explaining the shift from print magazines sending journalists on assignment and paying for their time and story to tourism boards now taking on a budget to drive tourism. My advice to Sher was to create a group of other bloggers and/or journalists that you can connect with to trade leads for tourism boards that pay for press trips. There is a lot more I share, so for full answer click here to listen to the full episode.

Related Podcast with more information on this subject: Episode 21 with Lindsay Carnett: What a PR Firm is Really Looking for From Travel Writers

Question #2: From Gary with NevertoOldtoTravel.com & Cooking-Outdoors.com

Tax question – best advise (non binding legally): What and how do you record “Comp” travel when filling your yearly taxes? Example: FAM trips that include some or all – Flights, Hotels, Food, etc.

Answer: The best thing to do is to check with your CPA (accountant) and ask the rules based on the country you live in. Her additional advice, which is based on the United States is that all income, in-kind income or complimentary items should be included in ‘other income’ on your tax return. For additional information on proper tax returns for bloggers and the full answer click here to listen to the full episode.

Related Podcast with more information on this subject: Episode 82 with Amy Northard

Question #3: From Kaila with www.nylonpink.tv

I am having a really difficult time pitching to print and more serious media outlets. I was wondering how long most writers spend on pitches? It takes me at least an hour or two to research the outlet and craft the perfect pitch. Check out past and recent articles they’ve already published and thinking of a pitch that would be timely and relevant. It seems like so much time to spend when most likely you will never hear from the outlet. Pitches just seem to require so much more than even a job application requires and getting a job pays much more than writing an article. I was wondering what a working writer’s process was like?

Answer: I think you are on the right track. It’s important you do your due diligence and research each publication before pitching. I think it’s important to realize as you go through this process, it will take less and less time in the future. Also, as you land a publication or two, you’ll also begin to work up a list of editors you can work with. Like anything new, the most time will be spent in the beginning. There is a lot more I share, so for full answer click here to listen to the full episode.

Related Podcasts with more information on this subject: Episode 5 with Michele Peterson & Episode 18: How to Pitch an Editor with Bruce Anderson of Sunset Magazine

Question #4: From Yukti from https://travelwithme247blog.com

How do I get or approach sponsored posts for travel bloggers?

Answer: The first step is to make sure you are on the mailing list for PR companies. If you haven’t already, sign up for Cision, which will fill your inbox with potential sponsored post possibilities. Next, head to Instagram and Twitter. These two platforms are a great way to find brands interested in working with bloggers. Click here to listen to the full episode and my tips for using social media to find sponsored post leads.

Related Posts with more information on this subject: How to Use Cision to Connect with Travel PR

Episode Resources

Travel Writers Academy 2017 Mastermind and Media Trip
Website Traffic Course
Ask Alexa form to ask a question & be featured on an upcoming podcast
Aspiring Travel Writer Facebook Group
Travel Writer’s Academy
Valerie Mitchell with Mama Likes to Cook and Valerie Was Here
Cision

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Today’s podcast is sponsored by The Travel Writer’s Academy. By Joining the “Travel Writers Academy” you will learn everything you need to take your travel blogging career to the next level! Joining the Academy guarantees you will travel more and connect with the right people so you can start taking media trips and travel to places you are only dreaming of right now! If you want to travel more and get media trips head to http://breakintotravelwriting.com/travel-writers-academy/