News from BelleRinger PR

MORE ABOUT CONTESTS In an earlier post I discussed participating in contests sponsored by bloggers. Using visitors to do your market research is only part of the reason to participate. But participating can also help you build a database of people interested in your site and/or products. Why do you need such a database? For the newsletter you send out regularly (or that you should!). More about that later.

BEAUTY 411 I just discovered Beauty Banter and am I ever grateful! This well-written blog includes makeup reviews, recipes for facial products, step-by-step directions for applying makeup, styling hair and more. Talk about a treasure trove. One of the most helpful pieces of advice I found is for applying Oscar Blondi's Pronto Dry Shampoo. Given that the bottle has a narrow applicator at the top, this shouldn't be difficult. However, The Beauty Whore (this is the author's name, honestly) suggests putting the powder in the palms of your hands, pressing them together to remove excess then finger combing through your hair. Perfect for greasy bangs.

CHANGE CAN BE GOOD Today I received an email from one of my favorite blogs, The Daily Obsession , that had a link to their new web site. Wow. It's as clean and sophisticated as the blog itself. What's with the pretty swimsuit picture you ask? Follow this link to see TDO's rave review - and you'll see what the new site looks like!

BLOGS SPELL SUCCESS FOR SMALL BUSINESS There's a lot of talk about how blogs and social networking are changing the way PR and marketing are done today. They've turned it on its ear! Witness the phenomena of handbags. It's doubtful that many of today's smaller designers would be as successful as they are without word of mouth. Or rather, buzz among the bloggers. It's always gratifying to learn about an acquaintance or client who's gained national recognition through blogs alone. KLEAN Bath & Body recently reached out to beauty and fashion bloggers; what better way to gain exposure for bath and body products. The company hoped to see increased orders and customers - which happened. Many of the major bloggers posted product reviews (including product pictures and the company logo); smaller bloggers followed, having seen the first round of reviews. Social networking in action. But it gets better. KLEAN was recently contacted by a major national retailer (...