Get Free Publicity by Avoiding These Rookie Mistakes
Friday, 02 April 2010 07:31 | 
Written by Danek S. Kaus |
Most business owners, entrepreneurs, authors, musical artists and others who want to get free publicity shoot themselves in the foot when dealing with the media and end up not getting the publicity they might otherwise have had. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Most business owners, entrepreneurs, authors, musical artists and others who want to get free publicity shoot themselves in the foot when dealing with the media and end up not getting the publicity they might otherwise have had. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Not coordinating new and traditional media campaigns. Many people believe that publicity programs should be one or the other, or that traditional media is dead. Both of them are very effective ways to get free publicity.
Using social media to sell. Yes, you can use social media to sell, but the primary emphasis should be on developing and nurturing relationships, which may then lead to business profits.
A poorly written press release. The press release should read like a newspapers story, even if it is for broadcast media. It should be in the inverted pyramid style. Start with the most important point and proceed to the least important point. It should be written in the 3rd person--she,he -- not you, I. It should be somewhere between 400 - 600 words.
Weak press release headline. This is the most important part of the press release. It should catch the journalist's attention and convey the main point of the story.
Advertising. The press release should read like news, not a thinly disguised ad. Avoid industry jargon and hype.
Being chatty. Journalists are extremely busy. If you call them on the phone, be polite but get to the main point of your call quickly.
Waiting too long. Many people try to pitch their stories without giving journalists enough lead time. If you have an event you want to get free publicity for, send the pitch at least two weeks ahead of time for newspapers and broadcast outlets. Most magazines have a lead time of several months to a year, so keep that in mind.
Not being available. Journalists are always on deadline. Make sure that you are available when they are on a deadline for your story. They will most likely have additional questions about the story. So if you want to get free publicity, be there.
Most business owners, entrepreneurs, authors, musical artists and others who want to get free publicity shoot themselves in the foot when dealing with the media and end up not getting the publicity they might otherwise have had. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
Not coordinating new and traditional media campaigns. Many people believe that publicity programs should be one or the other, or that traditional media is dead. Both of them are very effective ways to get free publicity.
Using social media to sell. Yes, you can use social media to sell, but the primary emphasis should be on developing and nurturing relationships, which may then lead to business profits.
A poorly written press release. The press release should read like a newspapers story, even if it is for broadcast media. It should be in the inverted pyramid style. Start with the most important point and proceed to the least important point. It should be written in the 3rd person--she,he -- not you, I. It should be somewhere between 400 - 600 words.
Weak press release headline. This is the most important part of the press release. It should catch the journalist's attention and convey the main point of the story.
Advertising. The press release should read like news, not a thinly disguised ad. Avoid industry jargon and hype.
Being chatty. Journalists are extremely busy. If you call them on the phone, be polite but get to the main point of your call quickly.
Waiting too long. Many people try to pitch their stories without giving journalists enough lead time. If you have an event you want to get free publicity for, send the pitch at least two weeks ahead of time for newspapers and broadcast outlets. Most magazines have a lead time of several months to a year, so keep that in mind.
Not being available. Journalists are always on deadline. Make sure that you are available when they are on a deadline for your story. They will most likely have additional questions about the story. So if you want to get free publicity, be there.
About the Author:
Danek S. Kaus is a veteran journalist and publicist. He is the author of "You Can Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity. Get Free Publicity Tips at his website and learn how You Can Be Interviewed on Radio Talk Shows