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
car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhen outside audiences important to your operation do not understand... Read More
It's one thing for a senior manager to approve story... Read More
As a mobile detailing company it is important to have... Read More
Experience tells me that too many business, non-profit and association... Read More
SORRY?WERE YOU SAYING SOMETHING?Many spokespeople approach media interviews the same... Read More
What's a Capability Statement?As the name suggests, it tells potential... Read More
Your public relations effort really should involve more than press... Read More
Only two media in Spanish speaking countries offer RSS: the... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
Don't let yourself be diverted by communications tactics playtime. You... Read More
How to write a press release is a major challenge... Read More
If you want to know the best way to approach... Read More
What's a press release? This is generally a one page... Read More
Some folks see the word "strategic" as a needlessly tiresome... Read More
Here are two to-the-point questions recently posed by several association... Read More
Last month, we told you about "pay for play," a... Read More
Relationships are based on trust-not just romantic relationships, or doctor/patient... Read More
The least expensive, most effective way for you to promote... Read More
Managers in the non-profit, association and business worlds need to... Read More
Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story... Read More
Who wants to face the challenges of a business recovery... Read More
What is the true purpose of public relations and how... Read More
If you have had any experience in public relations or... Read More
As a business, non-profit and association manager, how satisfied are... Read More
Being part of a trade show gives small business a... Read More
Granger limo Chicago ..Advice about business and life often gets around to one... Read More
The power of public relations is its ability to alter... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, your public relations... Read More
Do it by restructuring your business, non-profit or association public... Read More
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More
Parties, videos, booklets and column plugs?Or public relations that does... Read More
You've probably noticed, if you live on this planet, that... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers are in a stronger position... Read More
Personnel mentions in the newspaper and product plugs on radio... Read More
Whenever a recession or volatility threatens the economy, companies immediately... Read More
It behooves you to know and remember the names of... Read More
Media kits include a combination of information whether created for... Read More
How do you make a good relationship with a newspaper... Read More
Whether you are a business, non-profit or association manager, your... Read More
The public relations bar, should such a proficiency measure ever... Read More
The short answer is, it works best when its fundamental... Read More
I am often asked by clients to target USA Today... Read More
Before you even think about writing a press release, there... Read More
The name of the game is doing our part to... Read More
New business owners often miss out on publicity opportunities because... Read More
There's still time to review your public relations program like... Read More
Many of my clients have had the misguided perception that... Read More
Don't let yourself be diverted by communications tactics playtime. You... Read More
Although it seems less common these days, there are still... Read More
Public Relations |