Any self-respecting journalist, blogger, freelancer, broadcaster and publisher knows the importance of reporting on trends. But when I worked as a newspaper editor two decades ago, I was too busy laying off reporters, slashing the newsroom budget and fielding phone calls from angry readers. Chasing down trends wasn’t even on the priority list. I suspect… Read More
Press Release Ideas
The media want drought stories NOW–so pitch!
The folks at Fireworks Popcorn in Port Washington, WI, my favorite place for a quick mid-afternoon snack, say the drought is so bad, that they’re worried about popcorn prices. A farmer in Indiana told the owner that if his fields don’t get signficant rain by next week, he’ll start plowing them under. Small businesses, even… Read More
Pitch stories about employees in their 80s, 90s
I love reading stories like the one about the 91-year-old woman newspaper carrier who shows no signs of stopping in Wichita Falls, Texas. That got me thinking that there might be a very simple pitch that’s staring you in the face. Does your company employ people in their 80s and 90s? If so, ask their permission… Read More
Create Top 10, 20, 50 lists for year-end publicity
Lists are everywhere these days—on TV, on Facebook, on Twitter and in your local newspapers and national magazines. And for good reasons. Readers love lists. The end of the year is the ideal time to create your own—either by yourself or with help from your friends, followers and fans. Nicole Nichols, a personal trainer and group… Read More
13 press release topics when there’s nothing newsworthy
One of the biggest myths of press releases is that they must contain news. That was true two decades ago when we wrote press releases primarily for journalists and we had to worry about insulting them with trivia about our business. But now that we post them online, mostly to pull traffic to our websites, we’re… Read More
Look far beyond your topic for publicity ideas
When you’re looking for a publicity opportunity, don’t just concentrate on your core product, service, cause or issue. In many cases, there’s plenty going on inside your organization—or your home—worth sharing. The most recent issue of the Nonprofit Communications Report includes several clever ideas. (Order a free sample of the report here.) “The head chef… Read More
Intranet software company needs publicity ideas
Martin Amm of Boston, Mass., writes: “Our company, adenin Technologies, Inc., provides a complete intranet suite for businesses. We also offer software that turns your existing intranet into web 2.0, including blogs, a Twitter-like app and more. “Employees communicate and interact with each other better using the intranet software. It’s a simpler and more user-friendly intranet than… Read More
Publicity ops for DIY weddings, coaches & franchises
If you haven’t subscribed to the free media leads courtesy of PitchRate.com, you could be missing the chance to score a big hit in a top-tier media outlet, or reach your target audience with your message in a niche media outlet. You can read more about this media leads service that matches sources with journalists. Of the many leads… Read More
How are you venting constructively about failed bail-out bill?
Publicity Hounds, what are you doing to let off steam the day after the bail-out bill failed? Taking surveys at your blog? Organizing a telephone tree to call your representatives in Washington? Writing letters to the editor? Are you creating and uploading videos that show you so angry that the veins in your neck are eyes are… Read More
Image consultant gives Obama advice on clothing choices
Here’s a great example of what I discussed in yesterday’s newsletter about how Publicity Hounds can piggyback off the Democratic and Republican national conventions and the campaign. Image consultant Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect, tells Barack Obama that a dark suit worn with a dark shirt and tie makes him look “forbidding, even shady, because… Read More