It has been a while since I posted anything on Women’s Media Pages and I thought it would be a good idea to share my top ten Media and Publicity Articles for the Week.
They include tips for free publicity, how to strike it rich with publicity, how to create a media relations strategy, word of mouth publicity, leveraging the power of publicity, and tools for publicity success. And more!
Check them out today!
8 Tips for Fast and Free Publicity by Melanie Rembrandt
GETTING FREE PUBLICITY!
How To Strike It Rich Using Publicity Strategies & Success Principles
by Annie Jennings
How to Use Articles to Create Publicity For Your Business by Lisa Mason
Connecting with Bloggers as a Media Relations Strategy by Drew Gerber
I Can?t Afford a Publicity/Public Relations Campaign — Can I? by TODD BRABENDER
Crash Course In Creating An Online Media Room For Outstanding Publicity And Promotion by Annie Jennings
Word of Mouth Publicity by Sue Currie
How To Think Like A Publicist To Achieve Like A Star Anne Marie Baugh
Meeting the Press: Effective Media Relations by Linda Pophal
Leverage the Power of Publicity for Your Small Business by Isabel M. Isidro
SUPERCHARGED PUBLICITY – 21ST CENTURY PUBLIC RELATIONS TOOLS Bruce Prokopets
If you have not done so, be sure to check out GET MEDIA SAVVY! – The Woman’s eGuide to Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas To the World by Shannon Cherry, Rhonda Day, Catherine Franz, Dina Giolitto, Paul Hartunian, Penny Haynes, Michelle Howe, Annie Jennings, Nancy S. Juetten, Meredith Pond, Lori Prokop, Heidi Richards and Rosalind Sedacca.
Excerpt from the book: “Before you even begin to think about contacting the media, you need to know what it is you want to gain from the connection. Once you’ve decided your goals, laid out your strategy and started making your list of which media you want to get attention from, then it will be easier to start building those valuable relationships! Once the media gets to know about you, your brand and what you stand for, the more better your chances of being showcased to their audience.” GET Media Savvy will help you get the EXPOSURE you deserve!
July 10th, 2010
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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.
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.
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 2010 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.
When you buy the book you also receive more than $1,500 worth of BONUS items as a thank you.
February 6th, 2009
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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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Shannon Cherry of Be Heard Solutions has another great tip at Start up Spark!
 Here it is:
 Are you looking for a way to get noticed by reporters to share your expertise and get media coverage?
Then you need to checkout this week’s Monday Media Marketing Minute, where you’ll learn how to be the go-to person when reporters need someone to interview.
Go to Startup Spark and click on the MP3 icon.
 While you’re at it, get Shannon’s  free special report: “Be the Big Fish: Three No-Cost Publicity Tactics to Help You Be Heard” by signing up for Be Heard! the free ezine with marketing strategies you can put to use today. Go to http://www.beheardsolutions.com/freestuff_3.htm
And don’t forget to check out her blog, Startup Spark, named one of the top 100 business blogs in the world. And don’t forget to check out my blog, Startup Spark, named one of the top 100 business blogs in the world.
May 19th, 2008
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Writing Articles to Boost Your Business – and Attract Media Attention
By Rosalind Sedacca, CCT
Article marketing is one of the best ways to draw attention to your expertise and build credibility for your business.Not only is writing articles a great no-cost way to promote your products or services, it offers another valuable benefit that should never be overlooked. Through articles you can also brand yourself as an expert in your field – a key factor in drawing media attention.Today’s media professionals use the internet to find and research resources for their feature stories, TV and radio interviews, news articles and more. Using keyword searches, they look for credible authorities in the subject at hand. Your articles, found in a variety of ezines, newsletters, blogs and websites, can open doors to ongoing media exposure.
Here are some proven tips to keep in mind:
·       Keep your articles brief, tight and content-rich with information readers can really use. Statistics, facts and details make them valuable resources for the media, as well.
·       Write about subjects you know a lot about and in which you can provide true expertise. Answer people’s questions.
·       Make your articles between 350-750 words long.
·       Focus on offering useful, practical solutions to problems your readers can identify with.
·       Offer specific tips, how-tos, dos and don’ts and other easily listed suggestions that result in success.
·       Make your articles keyword-rich with the keywords relevant to your website and blog.
·       Use a friendly, easy to read, conversational style. Always double-check your spelling and grammar.
To read the rest of this chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
April 8th, 2008
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 In November I wrote about getting known by creating a Who’s Who directory which was inspired by reading about a local woman, Pamela M. Hutchinson of Davie Florida, the creator of Who’s Who in Black South Florida – a directory of black professionals. She recently passed away and the article focused on how well-received her directory was and also talked about who would take over her legacy. I thought it was a terrific idea which inspired me to let you know what I and my staff have done. Which lead me into my marketing and self-promotion tip which was to create a Who’s Who Directory of a specific group of people or organizations in your community. It is a great way to gain local media attention, exposure for your business and to become the go-to person in networking.
Recently I created the Who’s Who Directory of Women in eCommerce. If you are a woman-owned business (online for at least one year) and would like to be listed, you can learn more at http://www.whoswhoinecommerce.com. Deadline for submission of the 2008 Edition is next week March 24th!  We have received more than 400 listings to date!  Best of all, a BASIC listing is Free.
To see a directory I created in the mid ’90’s (I compiled a list of Women’s Organizations in my county that in 3 years time grew from 72 to over 450 in our tri-county area). This year we decided to create the directory as a downloadable PDF simply because of the cost and time involved in printing. It has positioned me as a resource for professional women – especially those moving into the area.  The interesting thing is that local libraries, high schools and Chambers of Commerce have the directory and Chambers often refer women to me to learn more about the directory and groups pertaining to women.
 It is called the South Florida Network Directory of Women’s Business & Civic Organizations and is available online at www.southfloridanetworkdirectory.com in case you would like to check it out. If the link does not work, try http://www.speakingwithspirit.com/SouthFloridaNetworkEdition7.asp
In addition to creating your own, I highly recommend you submit your listing to several online directories (if they are free, all the better). One word of caution – two really – make sure the directory is one that reaches your target audience and that it draws enough traffic to warrant spending the time (and in some cases money) to submit a listing. Don’t waste your time on those that don’t. How will you know if it’s right for you? Find out who else is listed in the directory, what types of people and professions are included. Look around the website or blog promoting the directory. Ask for references or read testimonials and comments on the site. This will give you some indication of the value of the listing in the first place.When you’ve done your homework and you feel confident that the listing will get your name out there, submit away!
Wishing you much success when you do!
Heidi Heidi Richards, Founder & CEO – The WECAI Network – http://www.wecai.orgPresident & Chief Goddess – Eden Florist & Gift Baskets – http://www.edenflorist.com – We send flowers around the corner or around the world!Publisher & Editor-in-Chief, Check out the latest issue of WE Magazine for Women! http://www.wemagazineforwomen.com
March 22nd, 2008
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Podcasting for Media Attention
By Penny Haynes
Excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY eBook:
Podcasting is simply a term for creating an internet radio or tv show that people can subscribe to and automatically download the shows to their computer. Now, that’s not so scary, is it?  People let their fears of technology scare them away from very simple business tools, like Podcasting. If you have ever recorded a telephone message, if you have ever delivered a seminar in person, over the phone or in a webinar room – honestly, if you have ever TALKED to another human being, you can podcast!Â
Podcasting doesn’t even require expensive equipment. For audio podcasting, you can:ð Â
Get a $25 Radio Shack computer microphone Â
Download free recording/editing/mixing software (WavePad and MixPad) from http://www.DigitalBusinessBooks.com (they are on the front page – add them to your cart for free and check out)
Watch the free seminars that come with WavePad and MixPad to get familiar with the programs.ðÂ
 Install the programs on your computerð     Â
Start creating and editing recordings.  Â
If you are someone who needs more help with recording, editing and mixing music, you can get a $99 video tutorial program that teaches you everything you need to know at http://www.LearnAudioAndVideo.com – Audio Recording 201. If you do teleseminars, then record those and use them (or portions of them) for podcasting. I use BYOAudio for all of my telephone recording needs, including telephone testimonial recording lines and teleconferences.Â
For video podcasting, you can even use a free program called VideoCaster that will let you simply create videos with music from digital pictures and royalty free music.Â
To read the rest of the chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
March 12th, 2008
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New Media Women Entrepreneurs (NMWE) Â will fund three women-led start-ups that will generate new ideas in the world of news and information and model a spirit of journalistic entrepreneurship. Winners will be given $10,000 to launch their ideas and blog about the process over the next year.NMWE seeks to map the creative assets of women and validate new ideas.
It is an initiative of J-Lab: The Institute for Interactive Journalism at the University of Maryland.
The funding is part of a unique initiative to address issues of opportunity and innovation, recruitment and retention for women in journalism. Funded by the McCormick Tribune Foundation, the New Media Women Entrepreneurs (NMWE) initiative will:
- Provide $10,000 each to help launch three women-led news ideas.
- Honor a New Media Woman Entrepreneur of the Year in an awards program.
- Research women’s consumption and creation of news and explore creative opportunities in today’s newsrooms.
- Produce a day-long Women Entrepreneurs Summit to unveil pilot projects, spotlight other entrepreneurial ideas, and release research findings.
- Collect new ideas, research and more at www.newmediawomen.org.
Check out existing research, suggest new research, and read the funding guidelines at www.newmediawomen.org.
Deadline for proposals is May 1, 2008.
March 5th, 2008
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An excerpt from GET MEDIA SAVVY - The Ultimate eGuide to Promote Your Products, Services and Ideas to the World!
Whether you keep your editorial contact information in an electronic database or in a Rolodex, your media contact information must be kept up-to-date. Editors and publishers come and go, reporters are reassigned to new beats, and publications merge, fold or redefine their roles and target audience. It is important to constantly update and stay on top of the changes your media contacts make. I suggest you review your media contact list at least every three to four months. Â
By staying in touch with your media list, you can find out if they have changed jobs or assignments and it gives you an opportunity to find new contacts to add to your list and pitch your ideas and stories.Â
 Here are some ideas for adding to and updating your contacts: Write a Letter of Introduction. When contacting a journalist for the first time, a good way to start the relationship on a positive note is by way of a letter of introduction. I suggest you do this before you send a media release or pitch a story idea. There are of course exceptions and that is when the news is critical and timing is of the essence such as when you are tying your ideas into a late-breaking news story. For most small business owners that will not be the case. When crafting your letter have an end-goal in mind. What do you want it to accomplish? Do you know exactly to whom the letter should be addressed? Your initial contact to be to the editor or publisher of the publication, a freelance writer or feature journalist.Â
Do your homework before sending the letter. Your letter should highlight why this particular individual (and audience) would likely be interested in your story or idea. Keep in mind that the main purpose for this letter of introduction is to begin a dialog and introduce you as the go-to person for your company or organization. Be sure to include all of your contact information in the letter including work, home, cell and business address and primary email information.
Make it easy for the journalist to contact you. I also suggest if you include work and home phone numbers alongside you include the best times to call. If an editor has a deadline of say 8 am and you begin work at 9 am, chances that you would be a good source are slim. Your letter of introduction should stress that your main purpose is to make the media’s job easier by being a good source of information, ideas and connections. This letter of introduction should be “what’s in it for them, not you.â€
To read the rest of the chapter and others, visit:Â GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
February 21st, 2008
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From the Foreword by Raleigh Pinskey
“Without promotion a terrible thing happens, nothing!†is a phrase coined by circus impresario and entrepreneur P.T. Barnum. He made millions in the 1800’s from his promotional efforts. Did you know that Promotion is one of the top five driving forces for a successful business? Promotion includes the terms PR, Publicity, Public Relations, Branding, Marketing, and Advertising. Each may have a different application and strategy, but they all have a common goal. That goal is to make enough noise to attract a buyer of your services, convince them of your value to them, funnel business to you that will make your cash register say Cha Ching!Â
Promotion was very different in Barnum’s day than it is today. The only mass communication available was telegraph, telephone and newspapers. This didn’t stop him from creating The Greatest Show on Earth which made him one of the USA’s first millionaires, and an international force to reckon with.Â
Want to read more? Visit GET MEDIA SAVVY and download Your FREE Copy today!
February 20th, 2008
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