Recently I had a lot of bloggers contact me and ask how they can get started working with Auto Makers. That has inspired me to share tips on how to get started!
I started three years ago, when Chevy contacted me in regards to an auto loan/review, you might say I started in style – a Chevy Camaro 2014!
Later this year I will share this story, but for now, I want to share that my passion for cars, which has followed me since teenage years in Brazil, has propelled me to devote time and effort to grow that segment because I truly enjoy sharing the cars and showing my point of view on each vehicle I have the privilege to enjoy!
So, here are my best tips to get started:
- Attend Auto Shows, visit Local dealers, create an auto tab on your blog and develop your own content before expecting brands to loan you a vehicle! It’s always about giving before receiving. Most brands will not loan a vehicle if you have never done a post, nor have an auto tab on your blog.
- Give your own perspective to a post, in my case, I’m a woman – I will not just talk about numbers and price point, I will share my point of view as a woman and what the vehicle tells me, not what is in the Monroney paper. You can find that on any website. I personally think it’s pointless to put that on a car review.
- Find local auto associations in your area, I joined IMPA, where I attend monthly events to learn and network with auto industry professionals.
- Attend Auto Shows as a press member on press day prior to opening day to connect with brands and learn what lies ahead. My plan is to attend at least two Auto Shows this year.
- Locate the Brand press or PR contacts and introduce yourself and manifest your interest in working as an auto blogger.
- Educate yourself about industry and vehicle changes and do your homework, before attending events.
- Use your social media influence to make a difference and offer the brand those numbers in exchange for the vehicle availability.
- Support other vehicle bloggers to be under the brand’s radar.
- Connect with bloggers and journalists and ask questions and ask for help!
- Do your research before offering to be a correspondent in larger auto blogs, because sometimes they will change your voice and you will have to sacrifice your style and identity to get a vehicle loan and I believe nothing is worth that!
The more I grow my auto segment, the more I believe that working to grow my content, my reviews and establishing my voice to bring a different point of view will help my community make an informed decision.
Feel free to contact me for additional questions and/or help and good luck on starting such a great and exciting segment on your blog!
These are great tips. I was wondring when I can find articles how to do it since I read a lot of blog posts featuring cars.
Unfortunately I do not drive. Not because I do not have interest, but I live in a City where Traffic and Parking are not only nightmares, but parking a car is almost as much renting an apartment here. So I take public transportation everywhere and never thought much about driving except when I go on vacation, so I am considering finally getting licensed so I can go further out when I travel. I guess once I am fully licensed I will consider auto reviews. I have already been invited to Auto events in my city so I guess my site is on their radar anyway even though I don’t drive! 🙂
I love to review cars, especially when we go on road trips! I love learning about cars that other bloggers review as well.
This is so cool! I think it is awesome that bloggers are reviewing vehicles.
This is awesome. I love cars and head to the Detroit Auto Shows often. I never thought about really writing about it on my website before. Thanks for the tips.
I used to review cars on my blog but it wasn’t something that I had an interest in pursuing so that didn’t last past a half a dozen cars. I’m thrilled that you have a passion for it though. I love driving my new car though lol.
So awesome that you found something that works well for you! I haven’t tried blogging about the auto industry at all, but it seems like a lot of fun!
I think it is great that you have a passion for something and are involved in the community associated with it. This is a really cool car. I am not a car enthusiast, but even I would be happy driving this vehicle.
Its always great when you find a car you like. I take forever when it comes to choosing a new car for myself.
These are some great tips. Thank you for sharing! I’ve been to some car shows before, and they’re a lot of fun. I love cars and so does my husband.
I’ve never considered attending a car show for the purpose of blogging! These are some really great tips! Thank you for sharing your story and experiences with us!
These are great tips! I so enjoyed my first auto show in Houston and would love to do more events like that. Also, your scopes are the BOMB! I am trying to grow in that area, as well. Thanks for sharing!!!
🙂
Traci
This is great insight into becoming an auto blogger. Bloggers offer such a unique perspective on brands and products and cars are no different!
These are great tips on how to boost or even start Auto Blogging . When I start my blog I will have to come back to this post for sure. Thanks for sharing this awesome information and helping other bloggers.
It was nice of you to share how to get started in this area if work. It will benefit others.
These are great tips. I’m not sure if I want to be an auto blogger. I do love reading car reviews, though.
I do love to have a first-hand account on a vehicle from someone who’s driven it. I also like to rent cars from time to time just to see which ones I like when it comes time to make a new purchase.
I’m glad to see more women reviewing cars. We are a huge part of the market. It was nice of you to share your tips on getting started too.
Auto blogging can really be fun! Imagine reviewing and driving different cars. You would be earning money and having fun.
Good for you to be a well-informed auto blogger – this is a great post for those who are looking for tips on the topic.
Those are great tips for auto bloggers! That car looks great.
Great information. I would love to start doing opps like this.
I love going to car shows and looking at all the different cars. I love the style classic cars have. I have never thought to blog about it.
What a wonderful niche to get into – auto blogging! It is definitely something that a geek like me would love to read because I happen to like cars!
I love this post! I really appreciate your openness. Very inspiring to get out there and pitch!
Ps. I sent you an email, but not sure if it went through…
Looks like you enjoy the cars…I am more of a chef…but like to ride in nice cars.
Those are all excellent tips for those who want to venture in the auto blogging world!
I would add that you have to have passion for the subject as there is so much to talk about it and share with the audience.
It’s always a great learning experience 🙂
I think my husband would love it if I became a car blogger over a home decor blogger. I have always wondered how someone goes about doing this.
I have seen a lot of bloggers visiting auto shows lately. They always have some cool insight into what is coming up in the car world.
It is so nice to see someone share their knowledge with those that want to learn. I have always been one to say I will help others as those that helped me, but not everybody likes to do that.
Incredible tips! We have two old cars, barely able to start this winter, so this might be an opportunity I’d love. Now I know how to get started!
These are great tips. I love reviewing cars and agree with you that we, as bloggers, bring a unique perspective that is way more personal than the information people can find on car sites.
Those are some great tips. I’ve never really been interested in doing cars on my blog but I like reading about the new features in cars.
Aren’t cars fun! I mean, I don’t want to take them apart or anything, but I DO love sexy lines and a powerful engine.
That’s a sweet ride! I don’t normally pay much attention to vehicles unless they are classic cars but I totally appreciate blogger reviews when I am looking to purchase a new car. Ours is getting old (over 200K) and it’s starting to cost more than its worth.
I think it’s great that you found something you like. I have very little interest in cars as do most women I think, but I think you will attract a lot of men with these car posts for sure.