Create a buzz all over town long before your store opens. These days, in a sour economy, businesses opening just about anywhere are major news. So don’t shy away from publicity. Here six ways to promote your retail business before you open. Display a large banner or sign outside your building letting people know you’ll… Read More
Retail Marketing
Florist needs ideas, events to promote shop online and offline
Cheryl Muskus of Oak Creek, WI, writes: “I’m the owner of The CarmelRose, a floral shop, and I’m looking for ways to generate publicity in a very competitive market. “Even though our industry is hurt to a large extent when obituaries state ‘in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to…,” we’re trying to form relationships with… Read More
11 publicity tips for retailers who sell tea—or anything else
Publicity Hound Ruth Furman, a PR specialist and a speaker at this weekend’s World Tea Expo in Las Vegas will be among panelists who will discuss ways tea retailers can generate publicity. She asked if I could provide some tips for her handout, and I thought I’d share them here. These tips are written specifically… Read More
How can a Texas veterinarian promote organic dog shampoos?
Dr. Shawn Messonnier, a veterinarian and award-winning author from Plano, Texas, writes: “I would love ideas from other Hounds on how to promote my new line of certified organic pet shampoos. “They’re currently available online only at http://www.drshawnspetorganics.com but should be available at retail outlets sometime next year. “I’d like to reach as many… Read More
Philadelphia remodeling firm needs marketing ideas
Teresa Berger of North Wales, Pennsylvania writes: “As marketing director for Creative Contracting, Inc., a Philadelphia-area design/build remodeling firm, it’s my responsibility to get the company and its ownership more exposure in the community. The owner wants me to get him in front of more people, and find outlets for giving seminars and speeches to consumers, business networking organizations… Read More
Black Friday can be like gold for Publicity Hounds
Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is aptly named as the day when retailers shift into profitability or move “into the black.” But it can be like gold for Publicity Hounds. Here’s why: First, the media are often working with skeleton staffs. Second, PR people and even some publicists take the day off. That means less competition for your… Read More
How to publicize a solo law practice
Way too many attorneys act as though we still have those laws prohibiting them from advertising. How else to explain why so many of them are just plain lousy when it comes to marketing their services and, specifically, generating free publicity? In this 32-minute interview, attorney Cole Silver asks me about my best publicity tips for sole… Read More
BBB’s ‘accredited business’ boosts your credibiity
I love knowing that in a few weeks, I’ll no longer be just a “member” of the Better Business Bureau. I’ll be an “accredited business.” That sounds better. It also lends an aura of credibility to small businesses like mine that join the BBB to, among other things, be able to display the BBB logo on the… Read More
Free meeting rooms: A great PR tactic
When I wanted to present a halfday workshop in Norfolk, Virginia two years ago, I asked my friend, Sandy Dumont, The Image Architect, if she knew about any inexpensive meeting rooms in Norfolk, where she lives. She immediately told me about how the YWCA of South Hampton Roads markets its facility by offering its meeting room, free, for speakers. I couldn’t… Read More
Gift store owner in Antioch, Calif. needs promotion ideas
Ted Fuller of Lafayette, California writes: “My friend has a gift store in the downtown area of Antioch, an older suburban city in California. At night, nearly all the shops shut down and the streets are almost deserted. “She’s tried without success to stir up some action with the merchants association. After a brief period of… Read More