Just before the local evening news is coming to an end, you hear the TV anchor lead off the final story of the night with the same two words. “Finally, tonight…” What follows is a warm and fuzzy finale, a 60-second slice of fluff that makes you smile as you head to bed. It might… Read More
How to promote an online honeymoon gift registry
Maya Sunpongco of Giftpile.com in Chula Vista, California, wants to know how to promote her online honeymoon registry. From Danielle Shanke of Tempe, Arizona: “Rather than pitch a story to her local media, target brides specifically through bridal magazines and websites. You’ll have a much more qualified audience. I bet you could easily pitch a… Read More
Emphasize readers in press releases
Christine Slowinski of the Girl Scout Council in Waukesha, Wisconsin writes with a helpful reminder about writing news releases: “I created a release based on a national Girl Scout study that defined what girls are afraid of. Initially, my headline was “Girls and Safety: National Institute Releases Study Linking…” (by that time I lost them,… Read More
Help weeklies cover sports
If your daughter plays on the junior high soccer team, but your local weekly newspaper acts like the team doesn’t exist, quit grumbling and find a notebook and a pen. If your son participates in ice skating competitions, but the team has never had its photo in the paper, get a camera and learn how… Read More
Use powerful boldface type when emailing story ideas
When you send a journalist a story idea, either by snail-mail letter or email, do you put the most important phrases in boldface? You should. Boldface type is powerful. It attracts the eye and helps the reader cut through the clutter. It’s also a powerful sales tool. All those long sales letters you receive in… Read More
Wall Street Journal lists 10 trends in 10 industries
Grab a copy of yesterday’s Wall Street Journal and save the special section called “The Top 10 Trends in 10 Industries.” It’s an annual section compiled by Journal reporters who tell you what’s in and what’s out with automobiles, beverages, publishing, restaurants, hospitals, movies, fashion, insurance, lodging and toys. Did you know that when it… Read More
Publisher gets tips for promoting Hispanic newspaper
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