Blogger Outreach: Average Chap

Speedy Spotlight with Raj Dhokia, author of the men’s lifestyle blog, Average Chap. Raj spoke to us about the importance of keeping a blog conversational,  writing fashion and lifestyle tips for the guy next door (rather than models and big spenders) and working with brand marketers.

Why should people read your blog? What makes it different? Average Chap is a honest take on the state of men’s fashion and lifestyle in the UK. Whilst believing in being fashionable, this blog is for the average chap, not the model, not the big spender, just the average guy, in an effort to make the UK’s gents casually more dapper. 

How do you measure the success of your website? Response and engagement from other men (and their partners) wanting advice and guidance.

What’s your favourite blog and why?Rosalilium – I’ve seen the work that has gone into this blog from it’s roots. It is a true and ethical lifestyle blog that I always enjoy reading.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a blog? Don’t start a blog, start a conversation. Be passionate and have a reason to turn it into a blog. It is hard, but you get back what you put in. Consider a course or e-book for guidance and reach out to the community for help.

How do you work with marketers and PRs? I try to remember they are people too and they probably just want other people to make their life easier, so I do, while respecting both our professionalism.

Who do you work with in brand marketing? PRs? SEOs? Anyone else? I work with anyone, as long as they are professional, respectful, match my blog and are ethical. I find direct contact, blogger agencies and PRs do this best, unfortunately SEO companies are lagging in this respect. Fashion and high street brands are a good fit for my blog and are obvious partners.

What can marketers do better in working with you? Bring me something creative, something out of the box. Bring me value for my time and something with fair mutual benefit.

I’m a marketer with a lot of experience, as are many bloggers, so don’t assume I don’t know how budgets work. Marketers should educate themselves on how to work with bloggers, understand that not all bloggers are the same and approach them individually. This might take more time and a quick read of their blog, but in the end it will yield much better responses.

What was your blogging highlight of 2013? Organising and delivering the Blognix Blogging Conference in Birmingham

What will be big in your blogosphere in the coming months? Expanding my presence on more platforms like Pinterest, meeting my digital friends in person and growing my new travel blog – Awesomewave.net.