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
Pitching
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
Journalists suspicious of ‘green’ story ideas
When Bulldog Reporter invited me to be a guest panelist on the July 24 teleseminar designed to help Publicity Hounds create news when there is no news, I jumped at the chance. I wrote three pages of notes for the session titled “Evergreen Magic for PR: Media Masters Show How to Make News When There’s… Read More
Story idea for this week: Freedom from (fill in the blank)
My friend, TV producer Shawne Duperon, has a terrific idea for tying publicity into the July 4 Independence Day theme. Think of a “freedom from…” and use that in your pitch. Examples: —A health department in the Midwest might pitch tips to give people “freedom from mosquitoes” after the recent floods. —Credit counselors can pitch a story… Read More
If a journalist uses humor in a query, use it in your pitch
If you subscribe to a service that gives you leads from journalists who are looking for certain types of sources, pay attention to the way the reporter has written the query. Peter Shankman, whose free leads service called “Help a Reporter Out,” flags this terrific pitch from Jenny Schmitt, who works for the Georgia State… Read More