If you’re rolling out a new product or service, make sure you have a plan in place to promote it online and offline. No budget? That’s OK. Maria Reyes-McDavis has a 7-step plan for those with just a small budget. Many of the tips require no money at all. As you’re working the plan, remember to… Read More
How Not to Pitch a Reporter
The next time you send an email pitch to a reporter, take an extra minute or two to send the email to yourself first so you can see what it looks like on the screen. Laura Lorber, the Wall Street Journal’s assistant news editor for WSJ.com, blogged about an email she received from an unidentified… Read More
Decorators’ trade group needs publicity ideas
Nicka Stewart of Middletown, New Jersey writes: “I started an organization with a partner last May. The Decorators’ Alliance of North America offers professional affiliation, certification and continuing education for interior decorators. DANA is dedicated to the personal and professional growth of its members. We offer resources, educational opportunities, industry discounts, and networking programs. … Read More
Chicago media expand opportunities for commentary
If you’re pitching Chicago-area media like The Chicago Tribune, The Sun-Times and Chicago Public Radio, you have more opportunities than ever before to promote a particular cause, or state your opinion on an issue of community interest. All three media outlets were represented on a panel at a recent meeting of the Publicity Club of Chicago. The… Read More
Newspaper, radio layoffs, buyouts can work to your advantage
It’s time to say buh-bye to some of your favorite reporters. Right now, all over the U.S., there’s an exodus of experienced, high-profile, high-priced journalists taking early retirement. To boost profits, newspapers are offering buy-outs to some of their veteran staff members who will be replaced with cheaper, less experienced reporters and editors. Here in… Read More
‘Dirty hotel glasses’ contest winner
Next time the Sheraton Suites, Embassy Suites or Holiday Inn hotel chains are looking for a PR spokesperson, they should choose the winning candidate from among Publicity Hounds who read my newsletter, “Craigslist: A Valuable Publicity Tool.” Last week, I told you about the video produced by an Atlanta TV station that took its hidden cameras… Read More
YouTube video creators: Provide written content, too
Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans reminds us not to use YouTube or podcasting as a replacement for any written content we currently provide. “If you do, you could neglect a small but important audience– those with disabilities. The deaf, like me, can’t follow the video unless it’s obvious from visuals. “The blind miss out on visual cues.”… Read More
How can a blogger become a paid newspaper columnist?
Kelly Moore of Des Moines, Iowa writes: “I have been the number-one ‘community’ (just a fancy way of saying ‘unpaid’) blogger for a local magazine in our city for more than a year. The magazine is owned by our city’s daily newspaper. Consequently, I was able to find out that my page-views not only outshine… Read More
‘Best of ProfNet’ list promotes PR agency
‘Tis the season for “Best of” lists. The Morris + King Co., a New York City PR firm, issued its own Top 10 “Best of ProfNet” list. ProfNet is a subscription service that forwards leads from working journalists to PR people. M + K chose the funniest and most peculair reporter leads of this past year.… Read More
Recycle Your National Media Hit
When a major newspaper, magazine or niche publication prints a story about you, or when you’re featured on a national network newscast, recycle that publicity by letting your local media know about it. Mystic Pop magazine, which features articles about holistic living and spirituality topics, wrote about surrealistic artist Mickie Bellah of Austin, Texas, and… Read More