Jeanette Simpson of Lakewood Ranch, Fla., writes:
“I have just published my first book, From Interior Design Intern to Employee: How to be a Keeper (Including Tips from Those Who Hire.)”
“It’s written specifically to help interior design interns transition from college to career.
“Aside from social networking, contacting university design departments and all vendors, reps, designers and architects I know, how can I reach my target audience—college students?
“Any advice from your Publicity Hounds would be greatly appreciated.”
I hope Publicity Hounds can also give Jeanette some specific tips on how to use social media to target college students.
How can she use video? What about Twitter, Facebook and MySpace? Are there niche social media sites for interior designers or students who are studying interior design?
Let’s hear your ideas.
Jeanette, ASID has student members, in fact, they do a lot to involve students in the Society’s activities. You might contact your local ASID chapter to be included in their newsletter, offer to do a presentation to student chapters, etc. ASID also has a LinkedIn group where you could promote your book. There are other design groups on LinkedIn, too, where you might promote your book.
Being that most of the interns are college students and are heavely into Facebook, Youtube and etc, how about producing several videos. This is where the students are, this is where you need to be. Make some simple 2-3 minute tips videos about getting a job with links to Amazon or where they are selling the book. Promo the book, give away a simple video version with, learn more at XXXX. There are lots of free video hosting sites to put the videos on, key word the description and titles and see what happens. It is a global ad campaign. I would also set up one or several free blogs with the same videos and some of the text from the book.
College kids love free food especially on Sunday evenings when the cafeterias are closed. Host it at a popular venue and don’t forget a drawing for free stuff. Maybe a “professional” makeover prior to their intership. It’s been a couple of decades since I was a college student but I would think the FREE FOOD things would still apply.
Jeanette, I see that you have wisely created a profile on LinkedIn. That’s a good start. I recommend joining some of the many groups established for interior designers and promote your book (or blog if you have one) through those groups.
You can search for groups from your profile on the LinkedIn website. Just enter the field you desire (interior design, for one) in the search box. I am an interior designer and brand marketing professional and find new resources through my groups all the time. Best wishes to you!
I’m thinking of taking a course in interior design. I’ve only hobbyist experience. Would this help?