Publicity Hound Jon Merz of Albany, New York writes: “I have an idea for a great publicity campaign for McDonald’s or Burger King that involves a joint venture with my business. The problem is, these companies say they don’t accept unsolicited publicity ideas. “My question is this: how do I get some type of audience… Read More
Marketing
31 ways to market with free publicity
The January issue of The Advisor, the monthly newsletter for the American Society for Safety Engineers, includes a cover story I wrote for them on “31 ways to market with free publicity.” When I wrote the article, it didn’t take me long to come with the ideas. Many of them are the same things you can do… Read More
How to promote safety and security products
Tracey Hawkins of Kansas City, Missouri writes: “I own a business that sells safety and security products–everything from pepper spray to door alarms, fire extinguishers and more. There is no clear leader in this field. I want to be the company known for safety and security products. “I have a website but don’t get a… Read More
Address the expectations of your PR clients
When a meeting planner wants to hire me, or a PR firm wants me to train their staff on how to generate publicity, or someone says they want to join The Publicity Hound Mentor Program, the first question I ask is, “What, exactly, do you want me to help you do?” Occasionally, somebody says, “I… Read More
Use Meetup.com in your publicity campaign
If you’re looking for a group with interests similar to yours and near your own community, or you want to target a group of people with a particular interest, consider Meetup.com. Formed in New York three years ago, the group has spawned smaller groups in 1,432 cities worldwide, including more than 1,200 in the United… 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 find PR clients
It baffles me why so many PR people complain about a lack of business yet never think of offering to present a program to their local Rotary or Kiwanis Club on how to get publicity. When they grumble that they don’t have enough clients, I suggest they create an inexpensive information product on how to… Read More
And the bad taste award for PR & marketing goes to…
When PR and marketing firms become giddy over their own creativity, look out. A new 44-second commercial called “BANG” created by Maloney & Fox to announce the launch of its Quality Products Division, spoofs a commercial for a male enhancement pill. M&F calls it an “advermation” and is sending the video to new business targets… Read More
Marketing and publicity tips for a professional organizer
Kyna Morrison of Zephyrhills, Florida asks: “I am just starting a Professional Organizing business. I need something at my website or in my advertising that will differentiate me from all the other professional organizers and make people remember me and say ‘Oh yeah, I saw her ad…’ or ‘I remember, she’s the one who…’ “I… 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