Issue #932 July 11, 2015
Publisher: Joan Stewart
“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”
In This Issue
- How to Respond to Media Trends
- Help This Hound
- Kate Bandos says Good-bye
- Hound Video of the Week
This Week in the Hound House:
Flower arranging was never my strong suit. But I love the bouquet of Shasta Daisies and Day Lilies that I threw together for the centerpiece when I hosted my Garden Club on Thursday night. I’m hoping it lasts through the weekend. Of all the gourmet treats I made, the biggest hit was the root beer floats with salted caramel ice cream. It sounds like a weird combination but it’s heaven. Try it.
1. How to Respond to Media Trends
Many of the journalists who were laid off from big newspapers like USA Today and the New York Times, and smaller papers like dailies in your town, were veteran reporters.
They’ve been replaced by journalists who have less experience and have to juggle multiple beats. One of the best ways to take advantage of this trend is by beefing up your online newsroom, whether you’re a big corporation or a sole proprietor.
If you have several subject matter experts, list them at your web site, along with a full bio, headshots and a video of them talking about their area of expertise.
That’s one trend. Here’s another.
Search engines are now the most used and most trusted source for finding and validating news and business information. Journalists will be looking at your website. Consumers will, too.
PRESSFeed, the digital news hub, and The Society for New Communication Research list dozens of recommendations in their 2015 Media Trends and Corporate Newsrooms report. You can access the report for free, in exchange for your name and email address.
If you’re the only expert at your company, the report is worth a look because you’ll find ideas galore on how to make it easier for journalists to cover you and consumers to do business with you.
2. Help This Hound
Publicity Hound Pat Sabiston, a marketing communications consultant from Panama City, Fla., asks:
“One of my clients, a facial plastic/ear-nose-throat physician in northwest Florida, will be celebrating 20 years in practice in August.
“We’re hosting an open house, producing a funny TV commercial, and we’ll have an ‘oldie but goodie’ slide show during the event. It will feature photos of him growing up, his years in medical school, etc.
“We’d love other ideas on how to spread the word about his practice and his anniversary throughout the community. Can your Hounds help?”
The Publicity Hound says:
To kick off the resurrection of the #HelpThisHound feature, I’d like Pat to choose her favorite idea from those submitted. The Hound who suggested it will win a $50 gift coupon good for products at my website. Submit yours in the comments at my blog.
3. Kate Bandos says Good-bye
After 45 years helping non-fiction authors publicize their books, Kate Bandos is closing down KSB Promotions so she can run away from home with her husband.
They’re hooking up their RV and hitting the road to visit friends and relatives, a perfect way to start retirement. Kate will close her business on Sept 15.
I’ve spoken with Kate on conference panels. And I’ve shared her tips here.
One of my favorites is the detailed timeline she created on how to launch a book publicity campaign.
You’ll also find her 20 articles on book publicity tips and advice.
Thanks for everything you’ve shared over four decades, Kate. Enjoy the rest of the journey.
4. Hound Video of the Week
Surfer songs by the Beach Boys go through my head when I watch these highlights of last year’s Petco Dog Surfing Competition at Imperial Beach in San Diego. Such cute life vests!
[Tweet “How to Respond to Media Trends #MediaTrends #PublicityTips”]
Share Your Two Cents