Here are more ways to increase your chances of getting publicity in traditional media. Develop your pitch carefully. Identify the conflict, the controversy, the human interest. Make it clear why readers would care about your topic. Show how your new product can help people improve their health, make better investments or save time. Don’t just […]
Help a Reporter Out (HARO)
I’ve used HARO (Help a Reporter Out) for years and think it is one of the best PR services out there. This free service, which is provided by Cision, helps reporters quickly and easily connect with sources for their stories. At this point, more than 30,000 journalists have quoted HARO sources in their articles. I […]
Make Every Pitch Count
In the PR world, “pitching” refers to suggesting something to a reporter, editor or blogger. The suggestion could be a story idea, an interview, a product review or the like. A pitch can focus on generating immediate coverage or on longer-term ideas and opportunities. The immediate goal is to get to first base, to generate […]
Insider Secrets to the Perfect Pitch
#107670116 / gettyimages.com I recently listened to a webinar entitled “Insider Secrets to the Perfect Pitch” by Batt Humphreys, a former CBS News executive with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. Here is some of what I took away from the webinar, which was sponsored by Vocus/Cision. Much of this is not […]
“No Comment” and Other Dangerous Terms
Ever since Deep Throat, people have been fascinated by how the news media get information. Although you probably won’t be involved in toppling a president, you might have reason to consider whether you should say “no comment,” speak “off the record,” or offer some material exclusively. Unfortunately, these definitions are often misunderstood, both by the […]
Eight Ways to Market a Service Business (part 3)
In my two previous posts, I discussed six ways to market a service business: Develop a good website Use LinkedIn Consider Facebook Develop story ideas Track editorial calendars Capitalize on “opportunistic PR” Here are two more time-tested techniques. Develop effective visuals. There is incredible competition for space in magazines and newspapers except for good visuals. […]
