Several Publicity Hounds have lots of ideas for Sharon Sultan Cutler of Boynton Beach, Florida who wants to know how to promote her website, a fairly new Baby-Boomer-to-senior monthly ezine and national business resource directory. Each issue features news on financial planning, health and wellness, home and leisure, with a senior focus.
From Willetta Heising of Dearborn, Michigan:
Start a fun feature like “Ageless Wonder” and solicit nominations from readers for people who personify the WOW of healthy maturity. Ask them to share their secrets for good health. A recent issue of the Detroit Free Press had a photo of Irene Bann, age 97, of Southfield, Michigan, who retired October 29 from Smith Barney where she had worked since 1926! That’s right, 78 years on the job. I want to know her secret.
From Penny Leisch of Tempe, Arizona:
Why not have a column featuring seniors who have unique retirement lives? You can solicit stories and leads from your readers. For instance, I know a couple who bought a ghost town and turned it into a living history museum. They actually live there! Offer prizes or payment for the top three published each month, or some other incentive to keep them submitting and coming back to try again. Another popular topic is a favorite family recipe, but you get the idea.
From Maria Diele Margiotta of Fort Lee, New Jersey:
Generate news for and drive traffic to the website by offering your expertise. Create or adapt your monthly ezine articles into news features and pitch the stories to print and broadcast reporters who focus on senior-related issues. For example, since we’re approaching the new year, you may want to offer information on how seniors can improve their financial planning for 2005 (“A Prosperous New Year for Seniors”) and include some simple tips and expert commentary. Remember to include your website as a resource where readers (and reporters) can go for more information.
The Publicity Hound says: Whatever you do, don’t portray “seniors” as doddering old geezers who wear orthopedic shoes and spend the day doing crossword puzzles. Many over-50 folks (me included) take Jazzercise classes, skydive, do community volunteer work, help with political campaigns and keep up with the latest fashion trends. Often, I view myself more as a kid than as a “mature senior.”
Want more tips on how to pull website traffic like a magnet? See the 5-page “Special Report #17: Powerful Ways to Promote Your Website to Draw Traffic & Boost Sales.”