There are many ways you can get tons of free publicity in the form of write-ups in magazines, newspapers, and even radio and TV. And sometimes you can turn family events into human-interest stories that editors like and will publish in their magazine and newspapers
One way is to compose a printed news release on your product or service, but include a story involving your family into the release. Write the release like a news article in a newspaper. Tell who, what, when, why, and how interested people can benefit from your product. Avoid hard selling copy --- just give the facts, and if you can weave in an interesting story in the process, all the better.
For example, I am a musician with a line of products in the music educational field. Years ago I created a giant musical staff out of plastic and turned it into a game that kids could play on the floor. In the news release about it, I told how my own kids used it, and included some dialog between them:
"That's a whole note!" exclaimed my daughter Kendra.
"Is not! It's got a stem, and whole notes don't have stems" my son Kurt corrected her.
"Is too!"
"Is not!"
"Is too!"
"Is not!"
"Oh?what's a stem, Kurt?"
"It's the line coming down from the note head, stupid."
"I am not stupid!"
"Are too!"
"Am not!"
Finally Mom intervened before an all-out war broke out.
But henceforth and evermore both of my kids knew the difference between a whole note and a half note.
For some reason, editors found that little story amusing, and wrote up the story pretty much as I sent it in. They also included information on how interested parents could get a "Giant Staff Game" for their own kids, and as a result we got orders from all over the states and some foreign countries from both parents and schools. It was written up in House Beautiful, Better Homes & Gardens, plus many music magazines and teachers' journals.
This was not just a one-time fluke, either -- over the years we received news write-ups galore in everything from the Wall Street Journal to Popular Mechanics -- all related to our product, but written in a way to make editors smile and then decide to publish the release in their publications.
Can you do the same? Think about the funny little incidents in your family life, and then think of ways you can work that into a news release about your product or service.
Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and music educational materials such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. His courses have been written up in hundreds of newspapers and magazines. His book-CD-DVD course titled "How To Play Chord Piano" (http://www.chordpiano.com) has sold over 100,000 copies around the world. He holds an advanced degree from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He has also logged time as an assistant music therapist and piano tuner, as well as a working pianist. He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled "Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions" with over 55,000 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free subscription by going to http://www.chordpiano.com
weekly home cleaning Highland Park ..With all due respect to all those stereotypical males out... Read More
Recently someone asked me why so many restaurants go out... Read More
Sometimes there seems to be no client news worthy of... Read More
Yes, and that pressure often comes from a CEO who... Read More
I heard a speaker recently who was talking about how... Read More
Is that what we are? Fanatic, over-the-top disciples of some... Read More
If you're like most publicity seekers, you probably think oneproject... Read More
Prior to a TV interview it is guaranteed the journalist... Read More
If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More
About a year ago I read a feature story in... Read More
Do editors of newspapers, magazines and online news sites really... Read More
What's the real reason some managers shy away from public... Read More
Does it really make sense to bet your PR budget... Read More
Prior to launching a new public relations campaign, evaluate the... Read More
Most people consider getting publicity the most important part of... Read More
You can SO measure return-on-investment for a public relations program!Try... Read More
?lose the confidence of your key target audiences? discourage them... Read More
Although, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you may... Read More
Above all, you need to know that the right PR... Read More
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an... Read More
You are getting a good deal when you accept the... Read More
When your book is mentioned on television, sales go up.... Read More
If your key ? that's KEY ? outside audiences don't... Read More
1. Your press release should sound like news, not an... Read More
One of the primary tools still used by PR professionals... Read More
whole house cleaning Park Ridge .."Cindy, where's that story? I need it yesterday!""Coming right up,... Read More
How do press releases or interest stories have an effect... Read More
The public relations bar, should such a proficiency measure ever... Read More
You can SO measure return-on-investment for a public relations program!Try... Read More
One big mistake that many marketing-minded financial planners make when... Read More
How can media training help you create a successful Hispanic... Read More
How do you make a friend of the media? A... Read More
Always ask, "Is now a good time?"Deadlines in journalism are... Read More
In the 'Age of Scepticism' gaining media coverage is one... Read More
Mark Twain once said the rumors of his death had... Read More
If your key ? that's KEY ? outside audiences don't... Read More
More than half of America skips the Super Bowl, the... Read More
The annual detailing of the Kentucky Derby Train is an... Read More
Sorry about my otaku with this issue (otaku = more... Read More
Ever get the feeling that your public relations program isn't... Read More
They'd hate to admit it, but the media is pretty... Read More
Why, public relations that stays true to its fundamental premise,... Read More
Years ago when my Dad owned a group of local... Read More
That big story the media pursue each day is what... Read More
A press release is often your only chance to make... Read More
The power of PassionPassion is an extraordinarily powerful spring. Without... Read More
I recently worked with a group dealing with an unusual... Read More
Don't let yourself be diverted by communications tactics playtime. You... Read More
They can when they invest in the basics. The best... Read More
Keep these few crucial details in mind when writing and... Read More
Public Relations |