Publicity Hounds have helpful tips for Fernando Lopez of Chicago, Illinois who asked about how to get publicity for his new free weekly Hispanic newspaper. From Howard Pierpont of Hillsboro, Oregon: “First, get as many copies into the target market as possible. Stock up all the locations your market visits: the local bodega, any of… Read More
Don’t let poor planning ruin your special event
In the more than two decades I worked as a newspaper editor, I saw one special event planner after another moan and complain that the media didn’t give them enough publicity to draw huge crowds–resulting in special events that were colossal flops. In many cases, it wasn’t the media’s fault. The event planners did it… Read More
Rent a movie theater in your neighborhood
Real estate coach Jim Gillespie of Temecula, California has a publicity idea that will have the media tripping over each other to interview you. Rent a movie theater in your neighborhood. Then invite anyone who you want to do business with to attend a free before- or after-hours session in which they play video games… Read More
Indoor water park can promote during off-season
Karla Swita of Wausau, Wisconsin gets advice from Publicity Hounds on how to promote her indoor water park during the off-season. From Lee Newman of Milwaukee, Wisconsin: “I am going to a high school reunion in Wausau in a couple weeks. That would be a great place to stay and meet old friends. Get to… Read More
Phenonenon of “Bad News Friday” may be changing
Savvy PR pros have known for years that if you have bad news to announce, the best day to announce it is on Friday. That’s because Saturday’s paper is skinny and has less space for stories. People are distracted by chores and other things on Saturday and don’t watch as much TV as they do… Read More
Use other people’s days, weeks, months of the year
Publicity Hound Genevieve Frederick of Paw Publishing in Carson City, Nevada wrote to me to comment on the importance of piggybacking off other people’s days, weeks and months of the year. “The American Kennel Club celebrates Responsible Dog Ownership Day on September 17. I was able to get a big article and photo in the… Read More
Ask a business journal to co-sponsor your event
Let’s pretend you have $10,000 to spend promoting your organization. You have two choices. Buy an ad in the local daily newspaper. Or co-sponsor one of several events hosted by the local business journal. Which would you choose? Paul Furiga says the decision is easy. If you want to get in front of a business… Read More
Author gets tips for promoting SAT book for students
Jacqui Byrne of Fanwood, New Jersey gets great tips from Publicity Hounds on how to promote her SAT Vocabulary Express, a book of word puzzles to teach high school students to play with words, to take them apart, and to increase their vocabulary and, ultimately, their verbal SAT score. From Carol Johnson of Schaumburg, Illinois:… Read More
Publishers launch new trade publications
Publishers have launched 20 new trade magazines in the last two months. Add these magazines to your media database, then send your photos, news releases and new product announcements. Or write and ask the editors if they’d like how-to articles or tip sheets. But first, study the magazines carefully so you know whether your idea… Read More
7 examples of stories that are ideal for parenting magazines
Those tabloid-size parents magazines, free or by subscription, might welcome your child-related story. When I was in Columbus, Ohio last week to speak to the National Association of Home Builders, I picked up the current issue of Columbus parent. It gave me all kinds of ideas about stories you can pitch: –The magazine interviewed two… Read More