I get swag. I do. Many magazine writers, editors and independent bloggers do. Companies send out products to curry favor in the hopes that those who have an audience will write about them and promote them to their readers. It’s fun and exciting to be among the first to try the latest anti-aging face cream or lipgloss. I must admit, however, that I’m always surprised at the reaction of friends when they hear about my swag. It often goes something like this: “Can you give me whatever it is you don’t want?” “I want to be there the next time you clean out your swag closet.” “How can I get products sent to me?”
You can become an Influester, that’s how. Sign up at Influenster.com, fill out some information about yourself and, if you’re chosen by the Influenster team, you’ll be sent a box of free, full-sized products to your doorstep. The catch? Influenster asks only that you tweet about the product, share the info on Facebook and write product reviews on their site. (Hate the product? Influenster asks for honest reviews. The site is also a resource for shoppers to read users’ reviews before they buy. Therefore, Influenster doesn’t expect you to write glowingly about something you don’t like.)
Why would a company send me free products? What do they get out of it? Influenster counts on your use of social media and online reviews to share your opinions with their thousands of followers. The site is a free, online community of active social media users who want to share their opinions with their peers in exchange for perks and rewards. As an Influenster, you’ll earn status by engaging with brands via social media, posting unique reviews, participating in challenges and interacting with other members on the Influenster platform.
Go to Influenster.com to request membership and learn more. Don’t know a tweet from a Vine? No problem. As I mentioned above, the site is a valuable resource to read reviews of products before you buy. But, if you love Facebook, Twitter and secretly harbor a desire to be a YouTube superstar, sign up to be an Influenster and let your command of social media provide you with a box of perks – and the cachet that comes with knowing that your opinion matters and will be rewarded.
For more info, visit: http://www.Influenster.com and look for my product reviews. I’ve been an Influenster almost since the company’s inception.
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hmm, should I try for it?
Definitely! You’re already using social media. (They just ask you to Tweet and like a brand’s Facebook page.) They also ask that you do product reviews on their own website. That’s fun. The site itself it fun. The Vox Boxes, as they’re called, are filled with full-size samples that often match a theme – Love Vox Box for Valentine’s Day may include perfume, lip gloss, body spray, red or pink nail color – that sort of thing. A health Vox Box might include flavored water, granola bars, etc. It’s fun. Let me know how it works out for you. xo, Mel
ok- got the invite but- there is no enter button on the registration, so it just sits there! ugh!
Hmm. That’s weird. Send them an email, write on their Facebook page or Tweet them. It’s my experience that they are very responsive. Let me know …
woo- worked tonight- off to have fun!