Brick & Mortar

Beverly Hills cosmetic surgeon needs larger email list

This week’s “Help This Hound” question is from Dr. Robert Kotler of Beverly Hills, Calif., author of Secrets of a Beverly Hills Cosmetic Surgeon: “We are eager to increase the number of email addresses to which we send our ‘Tip of the Month’—short, snappy tidbits about looking good and younger. “It’s not a solicitation for patients,… Read More

How Einstein Bros. Bagels exploded its Facebook fan base

If you couldn’t access the article I mentioned in Tuesday’s newsletter about how Einstein Bros. Bagels is using its Facebook Fan page, it’s because Ragan Communications moved the article to its paid membership site after 48 hours. I begged them to keep it in the public area of their site, and they agreed. The article… Read More

Publicity dilemma? Let Publicity Hound readers help—for free

Struggling to find a good story idea to pitch to the business reporter at your daily newspaper? Wondering how to use your Facebook Fan page to promote your product or service? Trying to catch the attention of the editors at Oprah’s magazine? Help is on the way. Actually, it’s called “Help This Hound,” and it’s one… Read More

Florist needs ideas, events to promote shop online and offline

Cheryl Muskus of Oak Creek, WI, writes: “I’m the owner of The CarmelRose, a floral shop, and I’m looking for ways to generate publicity in a very competitive market. “Even though our industry is hurt to a large extent when obituaries state ‘in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to…,” we’re trying to form relationships with… Read More

Retailer’s guide lists clever ideas for in-store promotions

If you’re a retailer who’s looking for some clever ways to do fun in-store promotions in this sluggish economy, and you’re on a tight budget, pick up a copy of A Retailer’s Guide to Frugal In-Store Promotions by Carolyn Howard Johnson. It’s part of her “How to do it Frugally” series. When it comes to marketing on a shoestring,… Read More

Cheap PR tactics for independent restaurants

One of the best PR tactics is dirt cheap, and I’m surprised more businesses don’t take advantage of it: offering free meeting space. Banks do this all the time, and it’s particularly powerful for restaurants, which have been hit hard by the recession. In the latest issue of RunningRestaurants.com, PR pro Jenny Brooks offers this tip and… Read More

11 publicity tips for retailers who sell tea—or anything else

Publicity Hound Ruth Furman, a PR specialist and a speaker at this weekend’s World Tea Expo in Las Vegas will be among panelists who will discuss ways tea retailers can generate publicity. She asked if I could provide some tips for her handout, and I thought I’d share them here. These tips are written specifically… Read More

Furniture consigment shop in N.H. needs marketing tips

Karen Nardella of Conway, N.H. writes: “I am a sole proprietor who owns the Emporium Consignment Outlet and Home Staging Center, a consignment shop for high-end furniture in Conway, N.H. “I sell gently-used, high-quality, brand-name furniture such as Ethan Allan, and I pay the owner 55 percent of the sale. All the furniture is no… Read More

Canadian jeweler wants ideas for Bloomingdale’s trunk show

Rachel Mielke of New York, New York writes: “I have a high-end designer jewelry company, Hillberg & Berk, that wholesales across Canada. We have just broken into the U.S. market by being invited down to do a trunk show with Bloomingdale’s in New York City. “This is an unheard of opportunity for our company and could… Read More