Here’s a great article by Bonnie Boots about how to get a reporter to use you as a resource, to become THE person they quote in their next article. She always has easy to digest nuggets of information filled with resources you can take advantage immediately.Â
ENJOY!
How To Get Yourself and Your Business Mentioned By A Reporter by Bonnie Boots
Can you imagine what it would do for your business if you were mentioned in a newspaper or magazine article or even a book?
You can’t buy that kind of publicity. It only comes by chance, when a reporter calls and asks you for a quote. But there are ways of vastly increasing your chances, and they’re all online.
When I was working in print journalism, one of my biggest challenges was finding relevant people I could quote. By relevant, I mean people that had actually expertise or personal experience in the topic I was writing about.
For example, in writing a lengthy report on the challenge of providing adequate mental health care, I had to be able to quote people on both sides of the story, people dealing personally with mental health issues as well as those involved in providing mental health services.
It’s not easy to get people on either side to speak out publicly. People working for government-funded services can be fired for making statements that haven’t been approved by their supervisors. And because there’s still a stigma attached to mental illness, people with mental health issues in their family often keep it very private.
I spent many hours hitting the streets and working the phone to come up with enough people to quote for that feature article. Every reporter goes through this. And every reporter has seen a story they really want to write slip through their fingers because they can’t find appropriate people willing to be quoted.
Reporters need people to quote. And you know what they say about business…find a need and fill it!
So imagine if you were the person who provided a reporter with the quotes they need? Imagine if you were the one getting written up in the New York Times, or even your local newspaper.
You can do more than imagine it. You can make it happen. The easiest way to start is by subscribing to a service called Reporter’s Source at http://www.reporterssource.com/
Reporter’s Source describes itself as “a free service linking journalists and other members of the media with businesses and individuals.”
Reporters looking for people to interview fill out a form describing their intended story and exactly the kind of people they are looking for. People interested in being a source for a reporter can register for the daily newsletter. Every day it arrives with a list of requests from reporters and writers.
If you have information or experience that’s pertinent to their story, you can send a brief synopsis of information that Reporter’s Source will forward to the journalist. If the writer uses you, the result can be big publicity for your business or self.
On any given day, the requests from reporters and writers can range from parents of grad students willing to talk about the parent/almost-adult child dynamic, to experts on the health insurance industry.
If you are chosen for an interview, never ask a reporter to mention anything in particular about yourself or your business. For example, it’s highly inappropriate to ask a reporter if they’ll put in a plug for your web site. Reporters are in the business of writing reports, not your publicity. Don’t tick them off by asking.
But do be aware that reporters are looking for one thing–good story material. The more you tell them about yourself and your business, and the more you can tell it in such a way that it relates to the story being written, the more likely the reporter is to use your information.
For example, if you’re being interviewed for a report on people working from home, you’d naturally want to mention that working on the internet allows you to do business around the world, while sitting at a laptop in your living room.
Mention that you have the freedom to work in jeans and baggy t-shirts, to work any hours you choose, and to automate large portions of your business, and you’ll wind up making your web site an interesting and important part of the reporter’s story.
If you’re seeking free publicity, remember that reporters are seeking you!
About the Author
Bonnie Boots is the publisher/editor of The Internet Wizards Magazine for people who want to create their own products and market on the internet. Register for your free 1-year subscription at http://www.theinternetwizards.com
September 29th, 2009
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By Sue Papadoulis
  So, you’ve researched your target media outlet, know it reaches your target audience, have a great news angle, have written a great media release – now what? It’s time to pitch it to the journalist! This shouldn’t not be an intimidating exercise, especially if you’re done the leg work and are armed with all the right materials. Here’s a step by step guide to help you get your pitch across the line.
1. Send an email first. Many media outlets prefer to be sent an email in the first instance, rather than receive a cold call. It is important you have the direct email of the person you are trying to contact, rather than the generic email address you might find on the outlet’s contact page on their web site (forget ‘editorial@theherald.com’ for example, as that can be just like sending a letter to a big corporation addressed ‘to whom it may concern’).
2. Personalise your email. (‘Dear Jane,’ rather than ‘to whom it make concern’, or worse, nothing at all). Include your well-written media release headline in the subject heading of the email.
3. Introduce the story. In the body of the email, write a snappy sentence about your story angle, where it fits into the media outlet (such as the new product section), basic details about the product, and a call to action for the journalist (would the journalist like a sample, or set up a time for an interview?).
4. Include your media release. Follow the introduction with the text of your media release, copied into the body of the email. Never send a media release as an attachment as they won’t be opened. In fact, many media organisations have computer firewalls that prevent attachments from being received.
5. Keep a database of journalists you have emailed to ensure timely follow up.
6. Consider deadlines and lead times when pitching a story. If you’re pitching a story about a Valentine’s Day product to a monthly magazine, remember they work around three months ahead, so unless your story angle is with them by November or December the year before, you won’t have a chance. Obviously daily newspapers, TV stations, web sites and radio outlets have shorter lead times, but always aim to give an outlet at least two weeks notice for product launches and the like.
7. Time to respond. Give a journalist a day or two to respond to your email. If you don’t hear anything, follow up with a phone call.
8. Stay professional and have a can-do attitude. Before making the call, make sure you have a professional attitude that is centred on helping the journalist. It is important to treat them as you would your very best customer. It’s also important to always be on hand to provide additional information as soon as it’s requested. It may be the case that the journalist has left the story to the last minute and if you’re not available to help meet the deadline, they will simply find someone else who can.
9. What to say. When calling a journalist, introduce yourself, advise that you sent an email and are following up. Be sure you know your angle, have plenty of back up information and have images to provide (or be available for photographs to be taken of you).
10. Consider your timing. Think about if it’s a convenient time for a journalist to take your call. A major pitfall is calling right on deadline – you can expect zero response if you pick the wrong time. For example, it’s never wise to contact a radio newsroom in the last 10 minutes before each hour as the news bulletin approaches.
11. Develop an ongoing relationship. Once you’ve made a media contact, it’s important to keep the flow of information and communication going. It doesn’t mean hounding the journalist every day, but simply keeping them regularly informed about product updates and developments. This may be as simple as sending a monthly media release or asking a journalist if they would like to be added to your database to receive a regular e-newsletter.
For more detail on how to generate free publicity, there are plenty of articles relating to this at HomeBizChicks.com including:
How to Write a Media Release
A Do it Yourself PR Starter Kit
How to Pitch Your Story to the Media
And more!
© 2009 Home Biz Chicks ~ Online entrepreneur Sue Papadoulis publishes the popular e-newsletter Smart Biz Chicks. If you’re ready to jump-start your home business to make more money and have more fun and free time, get your FREE tips and FREE report “How to Generate Free Publicity for Your Home-Based Business” now at www.homebizchicks.com.
September 2nd, 2009
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Did you know that February 1- 7 is Publicity for Profit Week? – There’s a fairly well-kept secret among top PR agencies and major corporations. What’s the secret? Most newspapers, and many other types of media outlets, are understaffed and often have significant editorial gaps to fill. They rely on free outside copy that arrives in the form of “mat” releases, articles that are prewritten and ready for publication. You can take advantage of those gaps by writing articles and sending them to your local editorial staff (the one that would most likely handle your topic area). Be sure to include your byline (signature file) – who knows, they may use it and it could potentially generate dozens of leads–or more. Make sure the article is filled with quality content, not just a self-promotion piece.
Here are ten tips to help you turn frustration into satisfaction and raise your chances of getting the media coverage you work so hard to get:
1.      Make it easy for journalists to cover your story. Media professionals are often on a deadline and the easier you make their job, the more likely they are to return the favor by giving you exposure.Â
2.      Do what your competition doesn’t. Most businesses just send a media release, cross their fingers and hope someone will pick it up and write about it. Go beyond that by creating more value. For example you could write a tip sheet to go with the release or even a list of Frequently Asked Questions (include brief answers, and leave just enough to whet their appetite and want to know more). The whole point of getting the media to pick up the phone and call you … for the rest of the story.
3.      A picture is worth a thousand words – If you mail a release, include a photo – if you email it, include a link to photos. A photo can tell the part of the story words alone cannot.
4.      Have a media page on your website devoted to information the media would be interested in such as other coverage you have received, current and past news releases, audio interviews, Q & A, photos and more.
5.      Contact magazines in your topic or interest area and see if they allow “outside contributions†from experts. Ask about writer guidelines, deadlines, editorial calendars, etc. And be sure and send something! The first time I did this, I was pleasantly surprised by the results. I had no idea how to write a good article, but I did have marketing expertise. The editor loved the ideas in my article and edited it to fit their needs (pretty much rewriting the article). Since then I have learned what they like and don’t like and have written for them on several occasions.
6.      Put your ego aside and be willing to learn. I believe the reason my very first article was even accepted was because of my willingness to learn their needs and take the advice the editor gave me. Since then I have written articles for hundreds of magazines, newspapers and newsletters.Â
7.      Be professional. I mentioned that the first article I wrote was rewritten. The article was grammatically correct, however, the thoughts did not flow well, until it was rewritten.
8.      Make sure you are targeting the appropriate audience. Don’t do what I have done; write just for the sake of writing. While it’s good to hone the skill, it isn’t good for building relationships. You don’t want to waste the time of the journalists you are targeting by sending them things that don’t fit their needs or their target audience. Get to know the media you plan to target. Find out what they want and need most and fill that need. If you don’t know, ask them.
9.      Be reactive. If you notice the competition getting coverage, call the journalist who wrote about it and offer ideas for the next time she or he writes about your subject or expertise. Ask about future story ideas and if they have any pressing needs or working stories which you may be able to help them with.
10.  Be proactive. If you can predict what your target media will be covering, you can help them by giving them the kind of stories they need. If you notice a recurring trend at certain times of year or seasons and you can address that trend either with a story or an event, your chances of getting coverage increase. For instance most companies plan their Breast Cancer Events and initiatives during October (Breast Cancer Month) when it has a greater chance of getting media attention.
And finally, keep your promises! Submit your stories, articles and resources when you say you will. Better yet, be ahead of the deadlines and you will be a hero in the eyes and minds of the media. After all, you want that media coverage now, don’t you?
For more ideas like these, check out “Quirky Marketing ~ 365 Ways to Promote Your Business Using Zany & Non-traditional Holidays.†In addition to 365 Ideas to promote your business, inside the 2009 Edition of Quirky Marketing Calendar, we show you how to use the calendar, how to work with the media, give you monthly action plan templates, a blank monthly calendar and more. At the end of each chapter is a comprehensive listing of additional holidays you can explore and use to promote your business. And an expanded resource section.Â
When you buy the book you also receive more than $2,000 worth of BONUS items as a thank you.
Go to www.QuirkyOffer.com to learn more and get your copy of Quirky Marketing today! Hurry! Bonuses won’t last long.
Â
February 6th, 2009
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Heidi Recommends, Internet TV & Video, Media Interviews, PR & Media Plans, PR & Media Resources, PR and Media Tips, Self-promotion |
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Recently I read an article on the Wall Street Journal blog about How to Get Killer PR by Kelly Spors
 It starts like this:
“About a month ago, I was a guest on MSNBC’s “Your Business.†Another guest on the show was Sarah Endline, founder and chief executive of Sweetriot, a small New York company that sells chocolate-covered cacao beans.
As it happens, this wasn’t my first encounter with Ms. Endline. I’d interviewed her for a story a few months earlier on angel investing, though I ultimately didn’t mention her in the piece. My colleague cited her as an example in a story on companies sharing their profits with charity. And I’d run across another feature on her while browsing a magazine.
Small world? Or killer PR?”
She goes on to say: “I called Ms. Endline and asked how she’s managed to generate so much media buzz for her five-employee company.”
Here’s the PR pointers Kelly shared with her readers from that conversation:
Attend Events
Find Compelling Themes
Take Advantage of Opportunities for Publicity
Be easy to reach and accessible
Make time for PR
To read the entire artcle, visit: http://blogs.wsj.com/independentstreet/2008/03/13/how-to-get-killer-pr/
BTW, do you know an outstanding woman in Media? if so, let me know! I am compiling a list of Women in Media and Public Relations to Watch and would love to add your recommendations to my list.
 Send a note to heidi (at) wecai.org with “Women in Media” in the subject line.
June 28th, 2008
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Be the Media’s Dream Guest Publicity Tips by National Publicist,
Annie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR
Want To Be A SMASH HIT Success On TV & Radio?
Want To Avoid Media Mistakes With Your Publicity & Book Promotion?
Learn The Publicity, TV, Radio & Media Skills You Need To Be The Media’s Dream Guest! This chapter includes a set of tried and true publicity tips to use while working with the media. You’ll learn 8 of the top pre-interview tips, on-camera or on-air tips, book promotion and publicity tips, media etiquette tips & lots more PR publicity pro tips to help position you as the media’s dream guest!
GET YOUR FREE CD “The Making Of A Million Dollar Expertâ€: http://wwww.anniejenningspr.com/experts.htm
 TIP #1   Don’t Try to Change the Segment or Story IdeaDuring the pre-interview with the producer or journalist, please do not attempt to influence the producer or journalist to slant or change the original segment idea. This is because the article, story or segment idea is most likely already set in stone by Managing Editors or Executive Producers and your media contact has very little flexibility. They are assigned to develop a story or segment idea according to a specific set of directives and appreciate your support in moving the story or segment forward. Always give the media the info they are looking for first so they can complete their assignment otherwise, they might decide to move on to another expert. If you do a great job for them, that is, you are on target and on message without meandering off topic or discussing topics that fall outside the scope of the placement, they will use you again.
Of course, if they ask you about other ideas you may have, feel free to give them your best stuff!
To read the rest of this chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
May 6th, 2008
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Ten Tips for Getting on Radio By Catherine Franz
You’re on the air! Getting on the radio is easier than you think – no matter what you’re marketing – includes related article on radio broadcast resourcesHome Office Computing, June, 1993 by Donna Partow Fifteen minutes on the radio revolutionized my business,” says Rhonda Kanning-Anderson of St, Cloud,
Minnesota, founder of Creative Memories, a scrapbook marketing company. Kanning-Anderson is referring to her appearance on “Focus on the Family,” the second-largest nationally syndicated radio show in
America, with several million listeners.
 “I knew the show reached my target audience–homemakers. So I hoped to generate interest in my educational teaching program,” she recalls. “It took five months of letters and phone calls–and a personal visit to the show’s producer in
California–before I finally got on the program.” Her efforts were well rewarded. “As a direct result of the program, we received more than 7,000 calls and recruited 600 women to teach our program.”
 THEY’RE LOOKING FOR YOU Radio talk shows present an excellent opportunity for you to promote your home-based business, whether you market a product or serve as a consultant. It’s said that there are nearly 1,000 radio talk shows in
America. Let’s say that each requires an average of three guests per day. Why, that’s about 20,000 guests per week and one million guests per year. Although “Larry King Live” probably won’t invite you to talk, you can still make the airwaves into an effective marketing tool.
 AdvertisementIn many markets, the demand for guests far outstrips the supply of people with an enticing message. Kay Lindley is the producer of “Parent Talk,” a nationally syndicated call-in show, cohosted by Dr. Kevin Leman, author of The Birth Order Book. Lindley says, “Like most talk-show producers, I’m always looking for good guests. I’ve got to fill an hour of airtime every day, six days a week. If a home-based entrepreneur has a program idea that suits my audience, I want to hear about it.” Al Parinello, author of On the Air: How to Get on Radio and TV Talk Shows and What to Do When You Get There, claims most producers agree with Lindley. “The only way to keep a program alive is with fresh ideas. No one can come up with a fresh idea every day without help,” he says. He believes virtually anyone can book a radio appearance– especially on local stations–if you know how to go about it.
To read the other nine tips visit: GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
April 12th, 2008
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Tips to Make the Most of Your Media Relations Efforts
By Nancy S. Juetten
Excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY!
The value of your company’s brand and reputation can grow as a result of favorable media coverage captured over time. However, securing good coverage can prove challenging if you don’t know how to work with the media. To pack a punch into your media relations results, consider these tips. If you want the media to take interest in your business success story, take interest in the media. Writers and editors want to be first with news and great stories. They review mounds of mail, e-mail, and faxes each day. In addition, they scan competitive media and wire service stories to select news to share.
With all this competition, how can you make sure your story gets the attention it deserves? Monitor the media outlets that you think are right for your story. Read the stories of reporters who cover your industry. Most importantly, take time to prepare concise, clear and compelling pitches that show why your story is timely, newsworthy, and relevant. Have some fun, be creative in your approach, and give the reporters something they won’t find elsewhere. Many factors determine whether or not your story captures the coverage. These two questions top the list: ~  Does your story fit within the coverage area and editorial profile and plans of each particular media outlet? ~ What else is making news today?Â
To read the rest of the chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
March 17th, 2008
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How Blogging Can Help You Get Media Attention
By Lori Prokop
Â
Excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY eBook:
·       How important are blogs to the media?
·       Why do you need a high traffic blog?
·       Why are blogs so effective?
·       Why does mainstream media listens to blogs?
·       4 steps to fast track your promotion using a high traffic blog
·       3 secrets of successful, attention-getting blogs
·       5 powerful blog techniques to get media attention
·       How to create a high traffic blog the media loves…
These are the things you will learn in this chapter… and more!Â
How Important are Blogs to the Media?  Columbia University published the results of its recent survey of 1,202 journalists and producers working at newspapers, magazines, online publications, wire services, television and radio outlets across the U.S. The study revealed that 79% of journalists and producers use blogs daily for their reporting duties. Journalists and producers use blogs for: Â
 ·       Finding story ideas 53% of the time
·       Researching and referencing facts 43% of the time
·       Finding sources and guests 36% In addition, 68% of journalists and producers believe blogs are becoming a more powerful tool for corporations and businesses seeking to inform consumers. Â
To read the rest of the chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
March 10th, 2008
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How to Hire a Publicity Coach By Shannon Cherry
 An excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY – The Ultimate eGuide to Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas to the World!
 
As a profession, coaching is quite young, but it’s growing quickly. And one of the newest coaching options is to be coached on how to do your own publicity to build your business.However in any fast growing profession there are challenges. One challenge professional coaching faces is the large number of people jumping on the bandwagon and calling themselves coaches without formal training or relevant experience.   So how do you find a publicity coach thatc an help you succeed? Follow these tips.·        Talk to several coaches and find one you have a rapport with. Does the coach listen well? Do you feel they clearly understand what you want to achieve through the coaching? ·        Find out if your coach knows publicity inside and out. Have they done this for a living previously, or are they someone who learned it as they went along? What credentials do they have to teach it to you?To read the rest of the chapter and others, visit: GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
March 3rd, 2008
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Create Your Media Bio for Publicity By National Publicist, Annie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR
An excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY – The Ultimate eGuide to Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas to the World!
Create A BIO That Tells The Media What They Need To Know In A Nutshell & Learn What Does Not Belong In Your Media Bio
Follow these simple steps to creating a powerful media bio designed to get you booked on the media of your dreams. Annie Jennings PR is a major provider of experts to the media and the PR visionary who has led the industry to all new levels of performance.
1. Your bio should always begin with your credentials, academic achievements, professional and academic affiliations.
2. If you are the author of books, papers, and/or studies note those next along with the names of the papers and studies and where they appear etc so the media can document them.
3. List your areas of expertise.
4. List the years you have been active in these areas and your fields.
 5. List any involvement in any association, achievements or awards you have received in your field.
To read the rest of this chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!Â
February 28th, 2008
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FREE MEDIA RESOURCES, Media Interviews, PR and Media Tips, Pitching to the Media, Press Kit |
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