Generating publicity for a big event this fall or winter?
Don’t put so much thought and effort into getting a big two-page spread—complete with photos, maps and a schedule of events—in your local daily newspaper, then overlook a critical little detail that can land you in hot water.
Don’t forget about securing a spot on event calendars. That’s right. That tiny little three-line mention in the Friday entertainment entertainment section of your local newspaper can mean the difference between drawing a huge crowd and hosting an event that’s an embarrassment.
Why are event calendars sometimes more important than the big two-page spread? Well, if you’re like me, you don’t have time to read the big feature stories. But on Friday, you grab the entertainment section in your local paper and check out the event calendar while planning your weekend.
Event calendars are everywhere–in your daily and weekly newspapers, newspapers, city magazines, free shoppers, local special interest publications, Craigslist, your local TV and radio stations’ websites, and even in your church bulletin.
Publicity Hound Judith Reppucci, who compiles events for a monthly lifestyle magazine on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, says savvy Publicity Hounds pay attention to all the little details of getting onto event calendars.
For example, check the publication closing dates for every calendar, and don’t assume they’re all the same. The magazine she works for goes to print two months before it’s on the news stand.
Your event has a much better chance of getting top billing on the calendar if it includes a photo with a well-written caption. That doesn’t seem like such a big deal, but editors who compile event calendars usually have two or three other jobs. If your good-quality photo happens to be handy, and the editor doesn’t have to call you for more information, chances are good the photo will appear along with the notice of your event.
Judith’s other tips on how to get onto event calendars are in the September/October issue of The Publicity Hound subscription newsletter.
The issue also includes articles on the incredible, shrinking half-life of articles; tips for writing great photo captions; how to follow up with reporters after you’ve pitched a story idea; three new lifestyle magazines that debut this fall; a task to put on your publicity to-do list in October; how to recycle publicity from a speech you’ve given; how to become a heavily quoted source; 5 ways to sell more books on TV; where to find an online newspaper archive; two new and very cool tips booklets on publicity; where to get a free ebook on how to become a syndicated columnist on the web; and September/October story ideas. You can buy the issue for $10 here.