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...]
Donate a second home for the homeless
Publicity Hound Jerice asked me to help spread the word about a campaign under way to help find housing for the homeless in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. Here's what she's asking: Please donate the use of your camp, vacation home, empty apartment or second home for this emergency response to Hurricane Katrina. If you are selling … [Read more...]
You can still register for my Norfolk workshop
If you want to attend my workshop titled "Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Print, Broadcast and Online Publicity" at the YWCA in Norfolk, Virginia on Tuesday, August 23, you can still register. Having problems with the registration process? Those things happen. Just bring a check payable to The Publicity Hound for $79 and you're in! … [Read more...]
How to promote cards that teach kids about clutter
Leslie James of New Britain, Connecticut asks: "I sell Les Mess, organizing cards for kids ages 5-12, to help them help get their rooms and their houses organized and clutter-free. They shuffle the cards, pick one and do what's on the card. Each card has a time limit. If you finish in time you get a prize. These organizing cards teach children to … [Read more...]
Don’t Use Any Form of “Announce” in Press Releases
The debate rages on about whether news releases are less relevant than ever. BL Ochman, who used to do a lot of publicity work for her clients, says she stopped writing news releases a long time ago and, instead, prefers chatty, customized pitch letters. (See "How to Write a Pitch Letter More Powerful Than a News … [Read more...]
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