Everyone knows the value of free publicity. And given the opportunity, most businesses would jump at the chance to have a news article written about them, or to be covered by TV and radio stations.
But the chances of those stories coming to you on their own are very slim. That's why smart businesses go out of their way to create news, and bring free publicity to them. And it takes a lot more than just your run-of-the-mill press release.
In fact, blanketing every available news organization with generic releases will do you more harm than good. Do it too often, and your releases will start hitting the round file before they are even read.
Just like every other aspect of your marketing, publicity campaigns need to be targeted to be effective. Because even if you do manage to score a write up in your local paper, it won't help you much if your target customer isn't a subscriber. Find out what papers and magazines your prospect does read, what newscasts he listens to or watches, and target those.
Once you have your targets chosen, make sure you have something that will be of interest to them. Remember, you're not writing an ad for your business. You're trying to convince a reporter that you have a story she will want to cover. To do that, you need to know the outlet you're sending your release to, and what kinds of stories they consider news.
It's a rare media outlet that will care about your new product, or sale, or internal promotion ? unless you give them a good reason to. You need some kind of emotional hook that will make your story interesting to the readers/listeners/viewers.
Can you tie your product or sale to a news event? Or better yet, can you create an event of your own? Staging an unusual event or charity benefit can get you lots of positive coverage.
Don't just stop at news releases. Write articles on some new development in your industry and submit them to the publications your prospects read. Distribute ezine articles far and wide over the internet. This establishes you as an expert and gives you exposure.
When you do have an article published or a story done on you, milk it for all it is worth. Make copies and use them in your marketing. Frame them and put them up in your store if you have one. At the very least, tell people you were featured in such-and-such publication.
Publicity can be a great marketing tool. But bottom line is, you have to make it happen. And use it to your advantage when it does!
Does your marketing forge an emotional connection with your prospects? It can. Lisa Packer delivers persuasive, targeted copywriting that dramatically increases your business. Unleash the power of words on behalf of your business by visiting copywriting that dramatically increases your business. today.
professional maid services Deerfield ..Think that you aren't big enough for national media coverage?... Read More
Prior to launching a new public relations campaign, evaluate the... Read More
If you get the hang of speaking to the press... Read More
Strong for business, non-profit and association managers when they use... Read More
Unlike some professionals like lawyers and doctors, financial planners aren't... Read More
A Press Release is a captive story that can be... Read More
Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More
Press releases are a useful tool for announcing news and... Read More
It's safe to say that we live in interesting times.... Read More
It's a phrase I hear over and over again from... Read More
You won't accomplish much if you call the gas company... Read More
The call came into my office and the voice on... Read More
And here it is: public relations alters individual perception leading... Read More
You are a senior business, non-profit or association manager. So,... Read More
Yes, that's what public relations really is when it tracks... Read More
Are you launching a new product or website? Announcing a... Read More
With all due respect to all those stereotypical males out... Read More
What are you trying to do with your business, non-profit... Read More
As a business, non-profit and association manager, how satisfied are... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, your public relations... Read More
Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of... Read More
HOW TO BE RELAXED AND EFFECTIVE ON-AIRHow does one stay... Read More
Shooting from the hip always creates anxiety.Especially when managers order... Read More
Imagine you're in the breakfast cereal business. You make the... Read More
There's the old joke about the two buzzards sitting in... Read More
quick home cleaning Lake Forest .."Cindy, where's that story? I need it yesterday!""Coming right up,... Read More
No comment. These are probably the two most damaging words... Read More
There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More
It's one thing for a senior manager to approve story... Read More
Many people are intimidated by radio interviews, whether live or... Read More
When properly applied by business, non-profit and association managers, public... Read More
Whenever a recession or volatility threatens the economy, companies immediately... Read More
Even after a nice piece in a national publication, or... Read More
The power of PassionPassion is an extraordinarily powerful spring. Without... Read More
Experience tells me that too many business, non-profit and association... Read More
Do you want to be quoted by the national press... Read More
The practice of public relations is often misunderstood, thus overlooked... Read More
Your public relations people are busy. The buzz is all... Read More
Although, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you may... Read More
Every reporter, from the cub at the small town paper... Read More
How much more fundamental can you get than this? As... Read More
Before you even think about writing a press release, there... Read More
Etymology is the study of the origins of words.As languages... Read More
They can when they invest in the basics. The best... Read More
Publicity seekers know that Christmas can provide a bonanza of... Read More
If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
The wind of changes...The digital world has changed the form... Read More
Does it really make sense to bet your PR budget... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
Public Relations |