Pitching

Include special-interest weeklies in national publicity campaigns

In yesterday’s ezine, The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week, I wrote about how Publicity Hounds should rely on weekly newspapers more than ever, now that several dailies are eliminating their zoned editions because of mounting financial pressures. It wasn’t until today that I remembered a fabulous article in the May/June 2000 issue of The… Read More

The perils of friending journalists on Facebook

Journalists have always hated being identified publicly as the “friend” of a source. “I’m not your friend,” is a typical response. “I’m just trying to do my job.” But that was 10 years ago, long before social networking sites came onto the scene. These days, if you’re trying to get in front of a reporter at… Read More

Authors: Pitch issues & shows, not your books

If you’re writing a book, here’s a tip that savvy authors already know. When you’re trying to get onto a TV or radio show, never pitch your book. As soon as guest bookers realize you’re peddling a book, you’re toast. Instead, pitch a relevant issue that’s tied to the book. Also, pitch an entire show so… Read More

Know bloggers’ pitching preferences; avoid ‘me too’ emails

Every Publicity Hound needs a media database of journalists, including contact information and pitching preferences. During my teleseminar series on How to Create a Media Plan, I explained all the details you need to gather, like when they’re on deadline and the time of day or week when they prefer to be contacted. That list… Read More

Promote nursing homes, senior centers with this tech angle

One of the most difficult jobs for PR people is promoting a nursing home, extended care facility, retirement community or even a senior citizens center. That’s because some of these places don’t have that much going on. But I got an idea for a terrific angle just now, thanks to Janet Podolak, a good friend and former co-worker… Read More

Pompous elevator pitches turn off reporters and others

When somebody asks “What do you do?” how do you respond? If your answer includes words with multiple syllables or jargon, words that only people in your industry can understand, you’ve probably forced their brain into shut-down mode. The Philadelphia Inquirer article “Too many firms use jargon to convey ideas” offers example after example of… Read More

Newspaper food sections shrinking, so pitch wisely

If you’re pitching food editors and reporters at daily or weekly newspapers, your job is more difficult than ever. As newspapers continue to cut staff, lifestyle-related sections are among the first on the chopping block. Also, at many papers, sections such as food, travel and entertainment are no longer stand-alone sections. They’re combined under one… Read More

When doctors shill for pharmas, what’s a PR person to do?

Leigh Ann Hubbard, managing editor of MyFamilyDoctorMag.com, writes: Periodically, in response to a request, I’ll get a quote from a doctor (via a publicist) that mentions a specific product. Inevitably, I Google the doctor and he or she has been or is on the payroll for the folks who make the product. There’s no mention… Read More

How to make news when there’s no news

Here’s a quick trick for creating news when there’s absolutely nothing new to pitch. Be willing to talk about your business problems and how you solved them. Pick up any business journal and you’ll see company after company mentioned, usually because they’ve figured out ways to solve a problem, whether it’s delivering the product faster… Read More