Here’s an example of a clever PR campaign that relied not on traditional media coverage but on word-of-mouth buzz and a huge online community that just keeps growing. The campaign—sponsored by Fiskars, the company best known for it’s orange-handle scissors, in conjunction with the Brains on Fire corporate identity—taps into the $3 billion scrapbooking industry. Volunteer crafters known as Fiskateers… Read More
Marketing
Black Friday can be like gold for Publicity Hounds
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is aptly named as the day when retailers shift into profitability or move “into the black.” But it can be like gold for Publicity Hounds. Here’s why: First, the media are often working with skeleton staffs. Second, PR people and even some publicists take the day off. That means less competition for your… Read More
Dryer vent cleaning company needs newspaper publicity
Publicity Hound Janice Bittner of northern Virginia writes: “Our company, Dryer Vent Wizard, cleans, fixes and installs dryer vents in an effort to help prevent dryer fires. I’ve sent at least three media kits to 10+ newspapers in our area over the last year that covered fire safety. I even gave out free dryer vent check… Read More
Disposable dental drill needs publicity ideas
Elbert Mackey of Austin, Texas writes: “I am interested in pitching a new FDA-approved disposable dental drill that consumers buy from us for $49.95 and which we, in turn, ship directly to their choice of dentists throughout the United States. The FDA prohibits the sale of dental devices to consumers. “Our one-time-use dental drill eliminates… Read More
Sonoma County wine country website wants promo ideas
Nancy Hayssen Sonoma County, California writes: “I am a local private pilot and web entrepreneur who has launched a website targeting Sonoma County residents and visitors traveling direct into the area from L.A., Seattle and Portland who want to visit the Wine Country. “The site recently has been ‘taking off’ and I’d love your help. I’m… Read More
How to market a YouTube campaign
Somebody here at the “Unconference” asked Shel Holtz how to market a video like the Dove video I wrote about earlier today so that it creates a deafening buzz online. He didn’t know all the details but said they paid to have it on YouTube’s homepage. He also wasn’t sure if they did a blogger outreach campaign. But… Read More
Special events publicity: 11 tips to draw a crowd
If you’re planning a special event large or small, stop losing sleep about how to draw a crowd. Check out my 11 tips on how to just that. It’s at the new WomenCorp website, an online magazine for business women that’s featuring me as one of the guest experts. No more excuses or worries about… Read More
Viking merchant wants ‘best of’ lists, tips
Donald Hansen of Issaquah, Washington writes: “Your readers responded well to an earlier question about need for help with our (then-Danish, now US/worldwide) website of Viking Age artifacts in replica at VikingTrader.net. We used some of the suggestions to good effect and also your special report on how to get into the inflight magazines. “Now… Read More
Halloween story ideas should be pitched now
If you sell a product or service related to Halloween, or you’re promoting a cause or issue that ties in, start pitching your story ideas now. Halloween-related stories and magazine covers started showing up as early as Labor Day this year, as the popularity of the holiday seems to grow each year. Halloween is the second… Read More
Fitness pros’ healthy snack bar needs promotion ideas
Jim Labadie of North Palm Beach, Florida writes: “Our company has launched what we feel is the best tasting snack bar on the planet. It’s called Prograde Cravers, and we literally sold out of our first shipment in just nine hours after we put them up for sale! “You can see all the video testimonials we have from… Read More