Debra Blackmon of Bakersfield, California writes: “This morning, a popular local radio host blasted the inclusion of Feng Shui workshops at our local community center this summer. “The reason? Feng Shui is a religion and non-Christian and shouldn’t be taught at the community forum. I’m the instructor of the workshop (and a Christian). I want to… Read More
Promotions
‘Hudson Restaurant Week’ in New Jersey needs publicity tips
Tamara Remedios of New Jersey writes: “We’re doing a restaurant promotion July 24-August 4 in northern New Jersey. It’s Hudson Restaurant Week for Hoboken & Jersey City (across the river from Manhattan). I created the event last year. I own a local magazine and it was an idea brainstormed with one of my advertisers. It’s… Read More
Dating website for men needs your promotion ideas
“I have a dating advice website for men. The site, called ScoreHer.com, relies on sports analogies and ‘guy humor’ to help men better understand women and be more successful on dates. “Dating advice is obviously a very saturated market. However, our approach is fun and fairly unique. All the content is written by a group of… Read More
Publicity tip–Products needed for Austinwoman magazine gift guide for moms
Freelance writer Marika Flatt is creating a gift guide for moms for Austinwoman magazine, a 25,000-circulation monthly, to be published in May. She’s interested in a broad range of products and services that would make good gift ideas for mothers. Email a one-paragraph description of the product, the price, and where it can be bought.… Read More
How to use Craigslist for publicity
If you’re looking for a job, an apartment, a date, or people in your own community with common interests, you probably already know about Craigslist. But did you realize you can also use these free online community classifieds and forums to promote an event, announce a new employee, advertise a workshop months before it will… Read More
How to create an Experts Directory to promote your experts
If you have numerous experts within your company, nonprofit, government agency, trade association or other group, are you making it easy for the media to find them within seconds? For most of you, I’ll bet the answer is no. Take a cue from colleges and universities, which publish annual “experts directories.” The directory is an… Read More
How to a promote a ‘saucy but discreet’ calendar featuring Cape Code men
Judith Reppucci of Cape Cod, Massachusetts writes: “I do pro bono work helping a very small nonprofit organization, Wings for Falmouth Families, here on Cape Cod. The organization helps families which have children experiencing a medical crisis, and it’s trying to raise money through a “Ladies of Wickford”-style calendar featuring “saucy but discreet” photos of… Read More
Appropriate vs. inappropriate hurricane publicity
In the last week, several Publicity Hounds have asked my opinion on news releases or other tips they want to issue to piggyback off Hurricane Katrina. In at least two instances, the tips were inappropriate and invited criticism. Regardless of how well-meaning your intentions, it’s important that you understand the difference between acceptable publicity and… Read More
Donate a second home for the homeless
Publicity Hound Jerice asked me to help spread the word about a campaign under way to help find housing for the homeless in New Orleans, Mississippi and Alabama. Here’s what she’s asking: Please donate the use of your camp, vacation home, empty apartment or second home for this emergency response to Hurricane Katrina. If you… Read More
Wal-Mart PR push is too little, too late
I love Wal-Mart’s convenience, store hours and low prices. Of all the merchants that get a chunk of my money, Wal-Mart probably gets the most. But when it comes to PR, I’d give Wal-Mart the booby prize. A story in the July 25 issue of PR Week says Wal-Mart has begun a media relations and… Read More