Thanks to Publicity Hound Bryan Todd of Lincoln, Nebraska for tipping me off to this fun story. Buying newspaper classified ads is an expensive way to spread the word about whatever you’re promoting. But guess who reads the classifieds? Reporters—lots of them. That’s where they find the low-hanging fruit in the form of clever, funny… Read More
Advertising
Ethics dispute blurs line between editorial, advertising
When I worked a newspaper editor 20 years ago, I would have been shocked to hear about a deal like this one between a hospital and a TV station. Today, however, it’s of little surprise. That’s because the line between editorial and advertising is blurred, and it’s getting fuzzier by the minute. WEAU TV-13 in Eau Claire, Wisconsin tried to… Read More
Ribbon-cutting event? You can do better than that
I know you’ve seen photos just like this one hundreds of times. It’s called a ribbon-cutting event, complete with the giant cardbaord scissors, and it’s one of the most-photographed, most boring ways to try to generate publicity. Equally repugnant are those giant cardboard checks that somebody “presents” to someone else, usually when a company or a group… Read More
Book reviews vs. advertising an easy call for book marketing expert John Kremer
Book marketing expert John Kremer says that if he had his choice between buying an ad to promote a book or going after free publicity, he’d choose free publicity almost every time. That’s because generating interviews, giving your expert opinion, writing articles and having journalists include excerpts of your book are powerful. So are many of the… Read More
Tracking trends in retail, radio, utilities, housing, groceries, delivery services, advertising, the security industry, venture capital and steel
Thanks to Publicity Hound Paul Furiga for pointing out the special section on trends in the November 21 Wall Street Journal. It’s worth a trek to your local library to check it out. The paper tracked trends in 10 industries: retail, radio, utilities, housing, groceries, delivery services, advertising, the security industry, venture capital and steel.… Read More
Share your experiences on Voice America Network
Several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on Voice America Network, the single largest producer of Internet talk radio programming in the world, with more than 100 hosts who broadcast over three branded networks (health, business and VoiceAmerica variety). One person in my mentor program was “offered” a $5,000 package to have his own show.… Read More
How to get your product onto QVC
Ask yourself these five questions about the product you sell. Does it: —Demonstrate well? —Solve a common problem or make life easier? —Appeal to a broad audience? —Have unique features and benefits? —Is it topical or timely? If you answered yes to every question, there’s a good chance your product is an ideal candidate for… Read More
Deadlines approaching for holiday gift guides
You have less than two months to pitch editors of holiday gift guides—those special sections in magazines and newspapers that feature products and services that would make great holiday gifts. Getting your product mentioned in these guides is often far easier than convincing an editor to feature it in any other story or section. The… Read More
Use helpful tips when writing ads
Publicity Hounds hate spending money on ads when they can generate thousands of dollars in free print space and air time for next to nothing. That said, there might be times when you MUST buy an ad to promote a product. I seldom read ads. But an ad for Huggies Pull-Ups Training Pants, in an… Read More
How to attract a corporate sponsor for ezine
Three Publicity Hounds have suggestions for Darcie Harris of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma who wnats to know how to seek paid sponsors for her ezine. It is geared toward women business owners and executives. She wants help on things such as pricing and how to contact potential corporate sponsors. From Vic Cherikoff of Kingsgrove, Australia: “I… Read More