Here’s a great publicity idea for book clubs, libraries, book stores, author groups or any organization that relates in any way to books or reading. Offer predictions on how you think “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” will end. It’s the last book in the record-breaking series by author J.K. Rowling. The article asks whether… Read More
Gift store owner in Antioch, Calif. needs promotion ideas
Ted Fuller of Lafayette, California writes: “My friend has a gift store in the downtown area of Antioch, an older suburban city in California. At night, nearly all the shops shut down and the streets are almost deserted. “She’s tried without success to stir up some action with the merchants association. After a brief period of… Read More
Book Tour connects authors with audiences
If you’re an author who does book tours or a speaker who’s looking for yet another way to spread the word about your speaking engagements, check out Book Tour, a free online service that connects authors with their audiences. Authors can create a profile so fans never again miss your events and media appearances. Love books?… Read More
Astrologers, fortune-tellers: Piggyback onto the celebs
Few people have a harder job getting publicity than astrologers, fortune tellers and others of their ilk. The media are naturally suspicious—except when their predictions or comments tie into a hot, timely topic. Thanks to radio publicity expert Wayne Kelly for tipping us off to this great and super short press release written by Steve… Read More
CIO Magazine offers pitching tips
If you’re trying to get in front of CIOs and IT managers, your best bet is CIO magazine. It has 120,000 readers, and a pass-along rate of four readers per copy. Their readers’ average IT budget is $230 million. This week, Marketing Sherpa is sharing tips on how to pitch CIO magazine. You can access it for… Read More
Paris Hilton can teach you about interviews
Paris Hilton can teach you a thing or two about how to interview on a national TV talk show. During her exclusive interview with Larry King last week, Hilton mentioned that when she was behind bars, she read the Bible. When King asked, “What’s your favorite Bible passage?” She hesitated a long time, then said,… Read More
Cafe for kids needs publicity ideas
Kelly Parthen of Madison, Wisconsin writes: “My partner and I are opening Bean Sprouts, a new kids’ cafe outside Madison, Wisconsin. We would love your readers’ help coming up with some fresh ideas for our grand opening. “It will specialize in freshly-made, healthy food for children, along with adult-friendly food and coffee. Its mission is to spark… Read More
AARP magazine pitching tips needed
Have any of you pitched AARP The Magazine, or found pitching tips that will help other Publicity Hounds? The last several years, I’ve emailed the editors and asked if they can pass along pitching tips, but I never got a response. Publicity Hound Nancy Juetten asked me yesterday if I know the best way she should pitch… Read More
When your favorite reporter changes jobs
Publicity Hounds hate it when a favorite reporter switches beats at a particular newspaper or magazine, or leaves for another publication. That means they have to start all over again getting to know the new reporter, then establishing the relationship. Richard Laermer’s Bad Pitch Blog offers some helpful suggestions on how to stay in touch with the… Read More
Farm & Food Tours
While you’re reading this, scores of foodies are visiting cheese factories in Wisconsin, picking lavender and peaches in Texas, and sampling wine in northern California. They’re participating in what’s called agritourism, which lets tourists pick fruits and vegetables, ride horses, taste honey, learn about wine, and shop in gift shops and farm stands for local… Read More