FAQ
For Bloggers
Q: Is TBEX Connect a professional blogger association?
A: 
No. TBEX Connect is an online tool for bloggers to be more visible to the industry, and for the industry to be able to easily search, find, and connect with bloggers within a niche that complements the goals of them, their destination, or their clients. It's a way to represent yourselves as bloggers, while also showing you're experienced and trustworthy by meeting the minimum standards.
On the site you'll be able to create an online resume through our custom-built API that can only be accessed by industry subscribers who are interested in finding the right people for press trips, partnerships, advertising, and more. They will contact you directly through our messaging system. Your profile will not be able to be accessed by other bloggers.
We aim to serve both bloggers and industry subscribers by cutting out a lot of the favoritism and bureaucracy that can sometimes hinder easy connections. We also encourage bloggers to join a professional association if they choose, as those organizations can be a good source of professional development and networking.
Q: Why do I have to pay $4.99 USD to join as a blogger?
A: First, this small fee helps us keep spam applicants out (we actually have staff review each application). In addition, paying the dues ensures you're genuinely opted-in to TBEX Connect (many blogger databases add you without your permission or interest), and this is attractive to the industry subscribers. Be assured we're not trying to gouge you. We actually charge quite a lot less to bloggers than few other groups who've created subsequent products with less technology and industry contacts are charging (from $50+) ...
Q: What makes this different from media databases or social media rating systems?
A. 
What makes TBEX Connect (far, far) different from things like media/blogger databases, Klout, etc., is that we're trying to show your actual influence across web platforms, as well as the influence you gain by being quoted by others -- including mainstream media -- in real time through our custom-built API. We also include sections for offline activities (news media appearances, speaking engagements, print features and interviews), so that a member of the industry can get a full picture of who you are.
You are unique. Not just an involuntary listing in a database, or part of a flawed algorithm.
You also have opportunity to give your TBEX Connect profile access to your real-time Google Analytics stats, which will show the last six months of visits and pageviews on your profile (see a sample to the right). It's not required, but the hundreds of industry members who have signed up to be notified of when they can subscribe have expressed this as something they are very keen to use in blogger searches and in reporting after they've worked with you on a campaign, press trip, etc.
(And keep in mind the industry members we've consulted with have told us they can work with fairly low numbers if the blogger is a really good niche fit for their client/destination/etc., so don't be intimidated.)
Q: How do I update my profile once my application has been accepted?
A: On the "edit profile" page, scroll down and fill out as much additional information as possible on each tab, including places you've been quoted in the press and any sites you contribute to, and anything else you'd like featured.
You can also select what sorts of things you accept (press trips, advertising, gear items to review, press releases, etc.)
You're limited to selecting up to 5 main topics about which you blog, but regions can be unlimited.
Be sure to hit the big blue "Save" button at the bottom any time you make changes.
The more you add, the more likely members of the industry can find you, so remember to update your information whenever something important, or a new event has occurred. And be sure to log in and review your information for updates every few months to make sure you're not out of date!
Q: Why do you want me to add my Google Analytics statistics to my profile?
A: Authorizing our API to access your analytics isn't a required element, but is strongly encouraged. Industry professionals will have many search/filter options and if they include a "minimum pageviews" element in their search and you haven't included your analytics, you won't appear in their search results.
TBEX Connect does not have access to, or store your Google Analytics password. Your profile will only display the last six months of visitors & pageviews and it WILL NOT be visible to other bloggers -- only industry subscribers. View the sample profile above to see how it will display your stats.
Q. Why can’t I just upload a screenshot of my site’s traffic instead of live Google Analytics?
A: This way it remains constantly updated without you having to update your statistics often. Also, a screenshot wouldn’t pull data into the search feature when industry subscribers create a query involving traffic statistics.
See the example to the right for a sample of how many industry will be searching bloggers (in one of the search elements -- others are by niche, region, etc).
Q: Do I have to list all of my advertisers when I apply to join TBEX Connect?
A: No. All you have to do is select which type of advertising disclosure you use to let your readers know when content, ad graphics, links, or reviews are sponsored. This can be through a disclosure page if you choose.
It is important for potential brands and sponsors working with bloggers to know you disclose advertising, especially US-based companies subject to FTC regulations (as of Dec 1, 2009).
If you do not advertise on your blog, select “N/A.”
If you select “No” because you do not disclose all advertising, and do not intend to, you are unfortunately not eligible to join TBEX Connect.
If you don’t currently disclose advertising to your readers but would like to, you can create a customized disclosure page at disclosurepolicy.org at no charge, then submit your TBEX Connect application.
Q: What if I’ve been blogging for more than a year, but not at my current website?
A: If you’ve launched a blog/website that is at least six months old, but have been blogging for longer than one year for other outlets, fill out the application and link us to the very first blog post you’ve written on another site showing a date at least twelve months previous. If further information is needed, we’ll email you with questions once we review your application.
Q: How do I cancel my account?
A: Email us at: admin [at] tbexconnect [dot] com to let us know you’d like your account deleted.
Have a question we missed?
Email us at: admin [at] tbexconnect [dot] com