Episode #15: "Professionalism. Always." with Trae Bodge
“It’s becoming a huge thing. It’s how these platforms make money. If you don’t have an affiliate set up, you might be losing lots of opportunities.”
-Trae Bodge, on product PR
Affiliate-based, e-commerce reporting is fairly new, yet ubiquitous, which is why it may be weird and confusing for PR’s to navigate. Don't worry, because our guest, Trae Bodge, who straddles the line of PR and journalist and is an expert in this space, will help us all come out on top. There’s even some tips on virtual press events under the new normal!
In this episode, you’ll learn...
That many reporters (including Trae) are more empathetic for PR’s than you think
Why and how to keep it professional no matter what
How to pitch in the e-commerce space, and why affiliates are the way of the future
Our guest is:
Trae Bodge, an accomplished lifestyle journalist and TV commentator that has been featured in outlets like Cheddar, Rachael Ray show, Today, and more.
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Show Notes:
:00 -- Jaclyn talks about the rise of e-commerce in online media and the challenges that come with it, and introduces our guest, and how she can help us make sense of it.
1:12 -- Jackie asks Trae how she became a widely sourced shopping expert. She talks about relationship building and establishing her expertise.
4:40 -- Jackie asks how a PR person can pitch Trae, if she’s solely working on assignment (as opposed to writers who actively pitch to their editors). Spoiler: Trae welcomes these kinds of emails and takes them very seriously!
5:56 -- Britt mentions that Trae sounds organized and asks her to go more in-depth around how she organizes her experts.
7:43 -- Trae explains what it takes to get blacklisted by her.
10:16 -- Jackie asks what other qualities good publicists embody.
14:22 -- Trae gives another example of what not to do as a PR professional.
16:55 -- Britt talks about celebrating a “no thanks” from a journalist. Trae agrees and speaks about how she views and responds to the follow up.
18:11 -- Jackie talks about how she came across and pitched Trae and was added to her publicist list. She asks Trae to describe her list and how publicists may get on her list.
23:20 -- Jackie asks what background do the best PR’s tend to come from.
27:47 -- Jackie asks Trae what events she was going to pre-COVID. Trae goes into depth about virtual events post-COVID.
34:00 -- Brit asks what other incentives are appealing to her in working with brands. She asks if she is open to affiliate programs. Trae gives some good tips here and how having an affiliate program can help increase your odds of getting your product covered by e-commerce websites.
39:23 -- Jackie asks Trae for final words of wisdom for listeners.
Things we mention
Email Trae to get on her press list.
Connect with Trae
Connect with Jackie & Britt
