If the situation warrants it, some Publicity Hounds like to give a particular story to their favorite media that reaches a large audience. If a certain newspaper or magazine knows they will get the story first, they will be more inclined to cover you--as long as it's a good story. With photos, however, that isn't necessarily the case. When … [Read more...]
End-of-summer story ideas
The calendar says spring is here, but if you're pitching to national magazines, particularly those that work several months out, you should be thinking of end-of-summer stories. They include: --Anything that can tie into Labor Day which we celebrate on September 5 this year. --Back-to-School stories, particulary trends in things such as … [Read more...]
Press releases becoming a thing of the past
In this week's issue of The Business Journal in Milwaukee, publisher Mark Sabljak says in his weekly column that "Press releases, frankly, are old news." In most cases, he said, the media are looking for exclusive news, not the same old stuff that's offered to all the other media. That's particularly true with The Business Journal. I was the … [Read more...]
Pitch “Before you go” info boxes
If you're publicizing an event, consider providing the media with a small summary of key information that can be included in a "Before You Go" box to accompany the main article reporters are writing.
Editors love using these boxes, which can include information such as how to order tickets, how to get to the event, where to park, … [Read more...]
Small business news is red hot
If you own a small business, you needn't feel like the tiny David up against the giant Goliath when it comes to being covered by the media. Small business news is red hot right now because a huge segment of the economy is fueled by small businesses hiring. Check out the tips I offer on how to generate publicity for small businesses in the … [Read more...]
Go out with a bang and write your own obit
True Publicity Hounds take every opportunity to build the buzz and keep it humming, even long after they're gone. How? By writing their own obituaries. Check out this article in Newsweek magazine on an emerging trend--writing your own obit. … [Read more...]
Double-check dates in press releases
Here's a tip that seems so obvious that you'll wonder why I'm even mentioning it. But TV personality Connie Dieken says it's a frequent mistake that will send your news release or story pitch right into the TV station's wastebasket. Ditto for news releases sent to print media outlets. Too often, the day and date of an event don't jibe. For … [Read more...]
Don’t put dates on press releases
Here's another big boo-boo made by made by many people who write news releases. They put the date the release was distributed right at the top. Why not just include a headline in 40-point type that screams, "OLD NEWS." In an era where hour-old news is practically ancient history, dating your news releases is just one more reason for reporters to … [Read more...]
People behind the events make great stories
She arrived in Milwaukee at age 24 with less than $40 in her purse, learned to speak English and took the streetcar to work. Today, at age 75, Magrit Heitmann still logs up to 1,500 hours a year doing what she loves best--organizing the hundreds of volunteers for Germanfest, one of the signature festivals in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was a clever … [Read more...]
These email faux pas show you’re clueless
Some time ago I wrote about nerdy websites. If you email anything to the media, make sure you aren't guilty of these nerdy email blunders: --A subject line that says "News Release" with no clue what the release is about. --A generic greeting such as "Dear Editor." Always use the editor's name. If you don't know it, don't send it. --Subject lines … [Read more...]
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