I just got a call from a Publicity Hound who asked how to make old news sound new. He’s writing a press release stating that his state bar association drafted a resolution to support something that somebody else did. But they passed it on Monday. And today is Thursday. He might not have the press release done until… Read More
AP to carry bloggers’ coverage of Libby trial
If you still aren’t convinced that bloggers are influential, or that they aren’t very well-respected, listen up. The Associated Press is partnering with the Media Bloggers Association to distribute its members’ coverage of the trial of Lewis “Scooter” Libby, former chief of staff for Vice President Dick Cheney, to the news organization’s websites. The bloggers group will… Read More
Pitching tip: Join the conversation first
Shel Israel, co-author of the blockbuster Naked Conversations, has helpful advice for PR people who are tempted to contact a journalist or blogger and launch into a pitch about their client: “I think you need to stop pitching and start becoming part of the conversation relevant to your market and your client. The blogosphere is becoming more relevant to… Read More
Voiceover talent needs ideas to promote himself
Ginger Bell of Tyler, Texas writes: “After spending 20 years in radio, my husband launched his own production studio five years ago. With a ‘voice like God’ and a smooth delivery, he has stayed fairly busy creating commercials for local radio and television production departments and providing voiceovers for commercial shoots. He even has acquired accounts from… Read More
NFL playoff games a chance to generate publicity
Even if you’re not a football fan, you might be able to generate publicity from today’s two big NFL playoff games. The Chicago Bears host the New Orleans Saints in Soldier Field for the NFC championship, and the New England Patriots travel to Indianapolis for the AFC title. Publicity Hound Jennifer Spies of New Philadelphia, Ohio, tipped me… Read More
EzineArticles.com adds 8 new categories
EzineArticles.com, the granddaddy of article directory websites, has just issued a call for articles in 8 new categories: Real Estate Law Timeshares Sleep & Snoring Ergonomics Pain Management Financial Aid Psychic Paranormal If you’re an author, speaker or expert on any of those topics, or hundreds of others, start submitting your articles. During a teleseminar… Read More
Why most Oprah fans need an ebook on how to pitch
Women’s Wear Daily says the staff at “O, the Oprah Magazine” isn’t pleased with Susan Harrow’s new ebook “Get into O Magazine.” And WWD doesn’t seem to be either, based on this review. But reviewer Amy Wicks doesn’t present a very convincing argument. Some of Susan’s “secrets,” she says, are “relatively commonsensical topics” that anyone can learn just by picking up the… Read More
Publicity galore for Wacky Warning Label contest
I heard a really fun morning drive-time radio interview with Bob Dorigo Jones on a Milwaukee radio station. He’s the author of the new book “Remove Child Before Folding: The 101 Stupidest, Silliest and Wackiest Warning Labels Ever.” It reminded me to remind you that fun contests are almost guaranteed to generate publicity. Bob is also president of the… Read More
Top 150 marketing blogs in U.S.
One of the best ways to generate publicity is to create a “Top 10” list. But if you want to start a real buzz online, make the list a lot longer. For example, how about choosing the best bloggers in your area of expertise? PR/marketing blogger Todd Andrlik’s “Top 150 Marketing Blogs” list shows how to do it. I like five things… Read More
Press release, marketing buzzwords to banish forever
Blogger and former journalist David Meerman Scott, who I interviewed several months ago on “The New Rules for Press Releases,” has written about banishing gobbledygook and buzzwords from press releases. I thought of him this morning when I opened the press release from The Creative Group, a California firm that surveyed advertsing and marketing execs about the most annoying and… Read More