I see it everyday.  Literally hundreds of people on Twitter asking if anyone will sponsor them to attend a blog or social media conference.

Everyone would like to have their trips paid for, so what makes you special?  Why would a company pick you over everyone else asking for sponsorship?

The Wrong Way To Get A Sponsor

There is a reason only a handful of people actually ever get sponsors to pay their way to conferences.  Because most bloggers are doing it wrong.

You can’t send out a Twitter message asking (in general) if anyone would like to sponsor you.  Companies get proposed to all the time, so they will quickly look over your cries for help.

If you want to be noticed and truly considered for sponsorship to a conference, you have to prove to the companies you’re targeting why you are the best candidate.

Don’t assume anyone else knows how great you are, just because you think it. If you do, you’ll never be looked at for a sponsorship.

The Right Way To Get A Sponsor

There are many things involved in increasing your chances of landing that perfect sponsor, but with determination and the right guidance, you’ll be suprised at how simple it really is.

1. Create A Sponsor Me Page

The first thing you should do, before anything else, is to create a page that contains the following:

• The reasons bloggers should be sponsored.
• The reasons you should be the blogger to be sponsored.
• What you’ll offer the sponsor.
• What you want from the sponsor.
• What conferences you would like to be sponsored for.
• How to get in touch with you.

2. Create A Letter That Sells You

Once your page is created, you need to focus on writing a letter, that is short and concise that includes all of the same points included in your sponsor me page.

Not every company wants to spend the time scouring your blog trying to find out why they should sponsor you, so sending them a letter by email (or even better, by snail mail) containing the same information, not only makes you look professional and sophisticated, but it also makes sure you’re key points of interest don’t go un-noticed.

3. Contact Companies Through Social Media

The companies more likely to sponsor your conference trip are those that are already into social media and blogging.  Those that know where the future is going and want to be in the front of the pack.

They understand already why sponsoring bloggers is so important, so half of your work in selling yourself to them is done.

When you contact the companies using social media, make sure to provide a link back to your sponsor me page.

In Summary

Companies don’t just give money to anybody that asks them.  If they did, they’d be out of business within a week.  They have to have a great reason to sponsor you and justify it with some kind of return on investment (ROI).

If a company doesn’t see a return on investing in you, they will move on to the next person.  And first impressions are still everything.

Have you been sponsored for a conference?  What process did you go through?  I would love to hear your feedback on your experiences.