Press Releases

Press release mistake: Not including a call to action

Press release mistakes abound. When you write your next release, don’t overlook the one part of it that can determine whether it’s a huge success, or a great big dud. It’s the call to action—the sentence that tells readers exactly what you want them to do. Press release expert Janet Thaeler discussed the call to action when she was my… Read More

Inventory clearance on CDs, transcripts, booklets

Information products can become out of date so quickly, particularly those dealing with social media sites or any type of technology. For that reason, I’m cleaning out my massive inventory and practically giving away more than 20 titles. CD and transcripts, regularly $39.95, are only $5 each, plus shipping. Tips booklets on employee recruitment and retention, regularly… Read More

Need local publicity? 6 tips for pitching Patch.com

If you need local publicity, and you live in one of 19 states in the United States, or the District of Columbia, Patch.com is almost begging for your pitch. A memo from Patch editor-in-chief Brian Farnham outlines a plan to increase traffic by increasing article production. Patch currently requires every site to post a minimum… Read More

Authors, the media don’t care about your books

I know that sounds harsh, but it’s true. If you’re trying to generate publicity for your book, you’re going about it all wrong. You should be generating publicity for your expertise. That’s one of the topics I discussed when I was a guest on Stacy Harp’s Blog Talk Radio show for Active Christian Media on… Read More

6 ways to avoid errors in press releases, blog posts

The next time you’re ready to send a press release, post an article to an online directory or publish a blog post, make sure it’s error-free. Mistakes are a bigger problem than you might think. The Sheboygan Press in Wisconsin, where I worked as the editor, says at its website that one-third of the corrections… Read More

Hyper-local Patch.com covers 600+ communities

Here’s another website to add to your media list consider if you want publicity for local news. It’s Patch.com and it already covers more than 600 communities and neighborhoods in California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.… Read More

Here’s a handy checklist for writing press releases

The next time you write a press release, use BusinessWire’s handy checklist so you don’t forget key elements of the release. Its 11 pointers include things that are easy to forget like HTML formatting, using keywords and hyperlinks, and including video. (A few days ago, I wrote about 19 opportunities to use hyperlinks in press releases.) The list is… Read More

Use hyperlinks in press releases: Here are 19 ideas

The next time you write a press release, don’t forget hyperlinks. Too many writers do. Or they’re simply unaware of the three most important reasons to include them: they improve your search engine optimization, drive traffic to your website, and amplify your message. Used correctly, links can also push consumers to take the action you want them to take,… Read More

7 things that can kill your event before it begins

Whether you’re sponsoring a live or virtual event, make sure you’ve covered the bases long before the big day arrives or you’ll be facing poor attendance, empty seats and a boss who’ll want a good explanation. Here are seven problems that can kill your event, despite a more-than-adequate budget and a group of enthusiastic volunteers.… Read More