When PR and marketing firms become giddy over their own creativity, look out. A new 44-second commercial called "BANG" created by Maloney & Fox to announce the launch of its Quality Products Division, spoofs a commercial for a male enhancement pill. M&F calls it an "advermation" and is sending the video to new business … [Read more...]
How to get publicity for a group ski travel business
Robbie Hickman of Virginia Beach, Virginia writes: "After having been involved in the ski travel industry, I'm starting my own group ski travel business called Snow Adventures. "So far, business is good, but I'm looking for inventive ideas for marketing. My business focuses on but isn't limited to school groups, church youth groups, … [Read more...]
OverTime magazine needs organizing experts
OverTime Magazine, the business and lifestyle guide for professional athletes, needs sources to write or contribute to a story tentatively titled "Thirteen Ways to Simplify Your Life in 2007." Think of this as a "Don't Stress the Small Stuff" for athletes. "We're looking for writers, authors, experts in mental health, and especially people who … [Read more...]
Lots of Hurricane Katrina pitches off base
Almost 20 Publicity Hounds took me up on last week's offer to critique their news releases and story pitches that piggyback onto Hurricane Katrina. In all but a few cases, I gave thumbs-down to what I saw. Several Hounds came up with "Buy from me and I'll donate a portion" offers which sounded tacky. Another Hound whose expertise is leadership … [Read more...]
Don’t make these mistakes with follow-up calls to the media
Big PR agencies seem to be the worst offenders when it comes to following up on news releases. They usually assign a woman who sounds like an 18-year-old twinkie to call reporters and editors after the agency has mailed a release. The twinkie, usually using an annoying sing-songy voice, says: "Hi. This is Brittany. I'm just calling to see if you … [Read more...]
Use history as a hook for publicity
The next time you're searching for an angle for your story pitch, consider using history. For example: ---If you're sponsoring an event that's been held for 50 years, offer the media a sidebar that highlights the most significant aspects of your event during the last five decades. ---Pitching a profile story of your new CEO? How about telling … [Read more...]
Appropriate vs. inappropriate hurricane publicity
In the last week, several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on news releases or other tips they want to issue to piggyback off Hurricane Katrina. In at least two instances, the tips were inappropriate and invited criticism. Regardless of how well-meaning your intentions, it's important that you understand the difference between acceptable … [Read more...]
How to Generate Publicity at Trade Shows
Most people who exhibit at trade shows overlook a powerful publicity tool that's just waiting for their news. It's the trade show daily, the newspaper that offers a bird's-eye view of what's happening that day at the show. When I first attended the BookExpo America convention last year, I was kicking myself for not paying closer attention to the … [Read more...]
Marketing and publicity tips for a professional organizer
Kyna Morrison of Zephyrhills, Florida asks: "I am just starting a Professional Organizing business. I need something at my website or in my advertising that will differentiate me from all the other professional organizers and make people remember me and say 'Oh yeah, I saw her ad...' or 'I remember, she's the one who...' "I cater to an affluent … [Read more...]
Hold off on non-hurricane news
If you're planning to pitch a news story like a new product announcement, or an upcoming event or whatever to the national media , hold off a week or two. Media everywhere are concentrating on the newest developments from Hurricane Katrina, from the horrible looting and shooting in New Orleans to the effects on local gasoline prices and what … [Read more...]
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