Jennifer Melnick Carota of Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania writes: “I am an expert bargain shopper and ‘give-ologist’ known as the Gift Therapist. I have a ton of fun teaching folks how find fabulous gifts on a shoestring budget. “I recently combined all of my bargain shopping tips and gifting advice into my first book titled ‘Shop… Read More
Special Events
Meet journalists at writers conference in April
Here’s a great tip for getting some face time with journalists, courtesy of Mitch Davis of Expertclick: The Online Yearbook of Experts. He’ll be at American Society of Journalists and Authors 2008 Writers Conference in New York, April 11-13. It’s a perfect venue to meet influential editors and writers. Set up near Mitch’s table and he’ll give you advice on… Read More
CVBs, chambers: Bring ‘Ellen’ to your town
Here’s a chance for Convention & Visitors Bureaus or chambers of commerce to strut their best stuff and bring the Ellen Degeneres Show to their town. Ellen is sponsoring a “Wish You Were Here” program. (This is not a contest for legal reasons, claims a PR rep.) It’s a 10-week project to find a city that’s special enough to… Read More
Online event calendars: Which are your favorites?
OK, all you publicists and self-promoters. I’m in the market for the very best online calendar directories, preferably free, where you can post blurbs about your events. I’ll trade you six of mine for six of yours—or even just one of yours. Here are some of the sites we’re using: Full Calendar costs $19.95 per post, but… Read More
Press clubs: Logical place to meet journalists
If you’re looking for ways to meet your favorite local journalist in a relaxed a relaxed social setting, join your local press club. Press clubs promote journalism excellence through a variety of programs, activities and monthly meetings. Most members are from the working press, but plenty of PR people also belong. David Niles, former editor of… Read More
Promote special events on weekend TV news shows
Calling all event planners, and Publicity Hounds who are charged with generating publicity for a special event. Start paying attention to the TV news shows in your community that are sometimes desperate for guests It can mean the difference between no pre-event coverage and tons of it. One of the best places to look is the weekend… Read More
Book Tour connects authors with audiences
If you’re an author who does book tours or a speaker who’s looking for yet another way to spread the word about your speaking engagements, check out Book Tour, a free online service that connects authors with their audiences. Authors can create a profile so fans never again miss your events and media appearances. Love books?… Read More
Think Jingle Bells
It’s only June, and smart Publicity Hounds should be pitching– right now–the many consumer magazines, wire services and other media that will be featuring holiday gift guides or special holiday features. Many national magazines, for example, work six months in advance. That means that while you’re reading this, editors are sifting through their files looking… Read More
‘Follow your heart’ website needs promotion ideas
Elaine Ellen Solart of Skull Valley, Arizona writes: “I need help with getting the word out about Heartaculture, a specific way to make every choice aligned to the heart in order to lead a more fulfilling and productive life. “You hear ‘follow your heart’ but no one tells you how to do it. Everyone can… Read More
Special event publicity: Try for a Guinness World Record
If you’re planning a special event, generate publicity by staging a fun publicity stunt, and try to get into the Guinness Book of World Records. Philadelphia is really turning up the heat for its annual Fiesta on the Parkway, part of the Sunoco Welcome America! Independence Day festivities on July 3. They will assemble thousands of salsa… Read More