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
Pitching
Journalists’ blogs offer valuable clues about how to pitch them
The next time you’re ready to pitch a journalist, particularly at a top-tier media outlet, stop what you’re doing and take this important step. Find out if the journalist blogs. Some journalists blog as part of their job. Others blog on the side because they’re passionate about a topic. It will take only a minute or two, and the… Read More
Writers, pitch your idea to TV producers, agents on Tuesday
If you dream of writing for TV—comedy, drama, reality, or alternative—but you’re not sure you’ve got what it takes, you can pitch your idea to a literary agent and TV producers next week and hear their feedback on your pitch. And it’s all free. Chad Gervich, author of the book Small Screen, Big Picture: A Writer’s Guide to… Read More
Top food trends and how PR people should pitch them
If you want publicity in traditional media for a food-related story, don’t miss these tips from Nancy Wall Hopkins, deputy editor of food and entertaining at Better Homes and Gardens. Brian Pittman of Bulldog Reporter interviewed her. Here’s a quick summary, but please read the entire article. After each one of Nancy’s tips, I’ve also given you some of my… Read More
Pitching Hispanic radio? Tie your pitch to the geographic area
If you’re pitching a story idea to a Spanish-language radio station, remember that the Hispanic market is diverse. If you’re planning to treat all stations the same, and deliver the same one-size-fits-all pitch, you’re doomed even before you begin. Dean Thompson, media relations associate at News Generation, a PR firm that specializes in radio media tours, offers… Read More
Business teaches green living, needs Earth Day angles
Colleen Schmid of Heathrow, Fla. Writes: “I’ve recently started a new business teaching families how to start going green in their homes. I go through their homes and, room by room, show them what things they can be doing to save on power and water bills as well as removing toxins. I will also begin… Read More
Ugly patio furniture contest needs publicity ideas
Jill Cranford of Livermore, Colo. writes: “My company, Stone2Furniture, which makes indoor and outdoor furniture from stone, is having an Ugly Patio Furniture Contest and we’ll be giving away a set of our stone furniture valued at $4,100. The contest runs through August. “So here I am with the rules drawn up, and it’s live… Read More
A journalist’s tips for pitching story ideas about your business
This month’s guest blogger Mark Macias, author of the book “Beat the Press: Your Guide to Managing the Media,” shares terrific tips on how businesses can grab media attention. How about using his questions below as a checklist every few months? The story ideas you’ll generate are just as good for bloggers, ezine editors and… Read More
PitchRate matches sources, journalists and rates your pitch
Publicity Hounds hoping to connect with journalists who need their expertise now have another free service to use. PitchRate, created by Drew Gerber of Press Kit 24/7, connects sources with journalists, bloggers and anyone who provides content. When you visit the Pitchrate website, you can log in as a journalist or as a source. I… Read More
My #1 tip for getting onto ‘Oprah’ & other big TV shows
At least 7 out of 10 Publicity Hounds who beg me to help them get booked on “Oprah” or other big TV shows have no business being there. Either their topic isn’t a good fit for the show, or they can’t articulate a convincing pitch in 15 seconds or less. Yet they continue to flood… Read More