Another edition of the Daily PR Tidbit brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications. Feel free to share or comment.
How to use PR Firms at Startups
One of the most frequent questions entrepreneurs ask about when they raise a little bit of money or are getting close to launching their first product is whether they should hire a PR firm. There is obviously no black-or-white answer, but I’ve tried everything from working a large international agency, to hiring in-house people to doing it myself. - Read what Mark Suster has to say on the matter.
Three social media tips for PR managers
Mark Waxman shares three tips to help PR practitioners get a better grasp of social media.
A Hippocratic Oath for PR People?
The core tenet of doctors’ Hippocratic oath is “do no harm.” I wonder if we need a similar oath for public relations practitioners? The last thing a PR pro should ever do is compound a mistake by their company or their client by saying or doing something that harms the organization or the brand. -- By Brian Courtney
Newsflash: Facebook “Drink” Status Won’t Cure Cancer (and what PR people can learn from this missed opportunity)
Remember the “which bra color are you wearing” meme? What about the “where is your purse” craze that swept Facebook? To refresh your memory, the statements — born out of Facebook chain messages — are supposed to support breast cancer awareness. - By Heather Whaling
Social Media and Mobile Ads Least Liked By Internet Users
One of the most common predictions is the growth of online advertising spend over the next however-many years. It’s the prediction that keeps the engine turning and the machine moving forward. After all, if there is no advertising then why are we doing this whole Internet and mobile thing anyway? Are we just trying to make life better for people? C’mon man! -- By Frank Reed
Dear Friends of the Music PR Business
As you might have noticed, or may not have noticed, this blog is dead. For now. Maybe, I get the feeling i want to promote more music I like somewhere in the future, but for now I just wanna sit down and eat cookies. - Check out this rant by An Inside Out Sock
16 social media statistics that might surprise you
Over the last few months, I’ve bookmarked and read hundreds of posts. And, like many of you, have catalogued the myriad of social media stats that come our way each day. -- By Arik Hansen
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 26
Another edition of the Daily PR Tidbit brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications. Feel free to share or comment.
PR Grads Need Business Skills & Etiquette to Succeed
The world of public relations may have changed, but there are some basic business skills and workplace etiquette that new PR grads should be aware of. The current recession means we are in a “buyer’s market.” Agencies are very selective in hiring and may not hesitate to dismiss a new hire or intern who doesn’t integrate with the culture of the agency and its clients.-- Joel Postman via Socialized PR
Online + Offline = Better PR
If you believe the newspaper has died and that everyone who’s anyone is on Twitter, this post isn’t for you. You should find something else to read. But, if you’re interested in communicating the right message to the right audience — online and offline — keep reading. -- Heather Whaling via PRtini
Foursquare Hits 6M Users; Food Venues Most Popular Checkin, Campuses Least Popular
Location-based social provider Foursquare hit yet another milestone today with the announcement that the startup has hit six million total users and surpassed more than 381 million checkins. -- Justin Montgomery via Mobile Marketing Watch
Should I Care About Quora?
I’m sure as marketers many of you have probably heard of Quora. If not, you’re gonna hear more about this little Q&A site in the months to come. Some of you may have stumbled upon an erudite explanation of mundane questions you’d always wondered about (for e.g.), which then may have led to your wondering why and how does Quora matter to you professionally. -- Mario Sundar via MarketingProf Daily Fix
Social Media for Small Business: 52 Points Toward An Informed Decision
This article enables comparison of four media now in widespread use by small businesses: Twitter, Facebook, blogging, and newsletters. As means for small companies to achieve marketing and public-relations objectives, these four media deserve attention. Here are 13 basic points about each to support decision-making about effective business communications now and in the near future. -- Glenn Harrington via Social Marketing Hub
Latinos and Teens: Cracking the Social Media Codes
Teens have a language all their own and they’re taking it to new heights through social media. According to an article in MediaShift, teens have developed their own form of “social coding” that allows them to be public while still keeping their conversations private. From the type of profile picture you use, to which brands you follow, there’s a hidden message in everything teens say or do. -- Cynthia Boris via Marketing Pilgrim
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
PR Grads Need Business Skills & Etiquette to Succeed
The world of public relations may have changed, but there are some basic business skills and workplace etiquette that new PR grads should be aware of. The current recession means we are in a “buyer’s market.” Agencies are very selective in hiring and may not hesitate to dismiss a new hire or intern who doesn’t integrate with the culture of the agency and its clients.-- Joel Postman via Socialized PR
Online + Offline = Better PR
If you believe the newspaper has died and that everyone who’s anyone is on Twitter, this post isn’t for you. You should find something else to read. But, if you’re interested in communicating the right message to the right audience — online and offline — keep reading. -- Heather Whaling via PRtini
Foursquare Hits 6M Users; Food Venues Most Popular Checkin, Campuses Least Popular
Location-based social provider Foursquare hit yet another milestone today with the announcement that the startup has hit six million total users and surpassed more than 381 million checkins. -- Justin Montgomery via Mobile Marketing Watch
Should I Care About Quora?
I’m sure as marketers many of you have probably heard of Quora. If not, you’re gonna hear more about this little Q&A site in the months to come. Some of you may have stumbled upon an erudite explanation of mundane questions you’d always wondered about (for e.g.), which then may have led to your wondering why and how does Quora matter to you professionally. -- Mario Sundar via MarketingProf Daily Fix
Social Media for Small Business: 52 Points Toward An Informed Decision
This article enables comparison of four media now in widespread use by small businesses: Twitter, Facebook, blogging, and newsletters. As means for small companies to achieve marketing and public-relations objectives, these four media deserve attention. Here are 13 basic points about each to support decision-making about effective business communications now and in the near future. -- Glenn Harrington via Social Marketing Hub
Latinos and Teens: Cracking the Social Media Codes
Teens have a language all their own and they’re taking it to new heights through social media. According to an article in MediaShift, teens have developed their own form of “social coding” that allows them to be public while still keeping their conversations private. From the type of profile picture you use, to which brands you follow, there’s a hidden message in everything teens say or do. -- Cynthia Boris via Marketing Pilgrim
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pitch Count: How Many Pitches Per Media Placement?
Most inquiring clients want to know how many pitches will it take to score them a placement in their coveted publication. Well, honestly the number varies depending on the PR pro's experience, contacts, and creative pitching ability.
Pitches come in many shapes and sizes. You can email a pitch, tweet a pitch, facebook a pitch, video pitch, voice pitch, and drive by pitch. All of the pitch types are effective in their own right, but you have to make sure that your pitch is laser focused for the right contact. If you have all of your ducks in a row then you will find success.
Here is a quick break down:
- Zero Pitches: This is a PR pros dream! This happens when reporters call you and inquire about your clients. No pitching is required because all you have to do is supply the information and access to the right resources.
- One or Two Pitches: Do you have a close relationship with the media? Do you go out for drinks once a month? Do they consider you a trusted resource? Is your pitch appropriate for their readers? If you said "Yes" to all of those questions, then one or two pitches should do it.
- Three-Ten Pitches: Are you new at pitching? Have you not taken the time to research the your intended recipient? Are you a small business owner who is taking on the role of public relations person? The reason why it make take this many pitches is because you are in the process of fine-tuning your pitch approach or you haven't appropriately matched your story to the journalist interest, calendar deadlines or publication.
- More than 10 Pitches: Please stop right there. If it takes you more than 10 pitches to land a story with the same publication then there is something wrong. Please take some time to review "Pitch Perfect: The Art of Media Pitching." You may need to evaluate your approach. It takes more than spamming a journalist or constantly making cold calls. If you don't believe me, do a quick Google search on media relations, you will find a wealth of information on the subject.
Regine J. Nelson is founder and principal of Allure Marketing Communications. Allure specializes in small business, consumer products, nonprofit and start-up PR. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson or email her at regine@allure-pr.com.
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 25
Another edition of the Daily PR Tidbit brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications. Feel free to share or comment.
BlogDash; Blogger Outreach Made Easy
For PR professionals, pitching bloggers often requires a lot more research into whose who and what topics are applicable to whom in order to get your clients story picked up in the blogosphere. But even after sifting through all the information out there, sometimes we still get it wrong, leaving bloggers frustrated with a pitch that’s way off base. -- By Meredith L Eaton via March PR
3 Things Most People Don’t Understand About Twitter
Whether you’re a long-time power user or you just signed up this month, there are some things you probably don’t understand about Twitter. Or maybe you do, but we’re willing to bet a huge portion of your followers don’t. Here’s our take on the three things most people don’t understand about Twitter. -- Laura Dugan via MediaBistro All Twitter
Pope Praises Social Networking, Gives Guide To Christian Use
In an age when you can go to church online, and no doubt teenagers tweet during Mass, Pope Benedictus XVI used this year's World Communication Day address to extol the potential of social media and give guidance to Roman Catholics on how to use it in a Christian manner. -- Frank Watson, SocialEngineWatch.com
Girl Scouts Say Yes to Social Media, But No to Online Selling
The whole marketing concept behind Girl Scout cookies is pretty amazing. By releasing the product only once a year, they’ve cleverly created a seller’s market. It’s not just a box of cookies, it’s an event! The first Girl Scout cookies were sold in 1917, but the tradition as we know it goes back to the 1950′s, young girls going door-to-door, or setting up tables at the local shopping center, selling bakery-made treats. And it’s still being done that same way today but with a twist – social media. -- Cynthia Boris via MarketingPilgirm
Social media to the rescue: Getting your brand back on track when a crisis breaks
Sometimes, all does not go according to plan in social media. Will your company ever see a social media crisis — with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube turning a modern-day mob with torches and pitchforks? Probably not. But maybe you will. And if you do, these are the eight steps to recovering from a social media crisis. -- Via Smart Blog on Social Media
Facebook Turns Friend Activity Into New Ad Format
Facebook is rolling out Sponsored Stories, a new ad format that turns your friends’ actions into promoted content. -- By Ben Parr via Mashable
10 marketing trends popping up in 2011
You can say one thing with certainty about new product trends for 2011: They're pretty wacky. - Bruce Horovitz via USA Today
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
BlogDash; Blogger Outreach Made Easy
For PR professionals, pitching bloggers often requires a lot more research into whose who and what topics are applicable to whom in order to get your clients story picked up in the blogosphere. But even after sifting through all the information out there, sometimes we still get it wrong, leaving bloggers frustrated with a pitch that’s way off base. -- By Meredith L Eaton via March PR
3 Things Most People Don’t Understand About Twitter
Whether you’re a long-time power user or you just signed up this month, there are some things you probably don’t understand about Twitter. Or maybe you do, but we’re willing to bet a huge portion of your followers don’t. Here’s our take on the three things most people don’t understand about Twitter. -- Laura Dugan via MediaBistro All Twitter
Pope Praises Social Networking, Gives Guide To Christian Use
In an age when you can go to church online, and no doubt teenagers tweet during Mass, Pope Benedictus XVI used this year's World Communication Day address to extol the potential of social media and give guidance to Roman Catholics on how to use it in a Christian manner. -- Frank Watson, SocialEngineWatch.com
Girl Scouts Say Yes to Social Media, But No to Online Selling
The whole marketing concept behind Girl Scout cookies is pretty amazing. By releasing the product only once a year, they’ve cleverly created a seller’s market. It’s not just a box of cookies, it’s an event! The first Girl Scout cookies were sold in 1917, but the tradition as we know it goes back to the 1950′s, young girls going door-to-door, or setting up tables at the local shopping center, selling bakery-made treats. And it’s still being done that same way today but with a twist – social media. -- Cynthia Boris via MarketingPilgirm
Social media to the rescue: Getting your brand back on track when a crisis breaks
Sometimes, all does not go according to plan in social media. Will your company ever see a social media crisis — with Twitter, Facebook and YouTube turning a modern-day mob with torches and pitchforks? Probably not. But maybe you will. And if you do, these are the eight steps to recovering from a social media crisis. -- Via Smart Blog on Social Media
Facebook Turns Friend Activity Into New Ad Format
Facebook is rolling out Sponsored Stories, a new ad format that turns your friends’ actions into promoted content. -- By Ben Parr via Mashable
10 marketing trends popping up in 2011
You can say one thing with certainty about new product trends for 2011: They're pretty wacky. - Bruce Horovitz via USA Today
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Pitch Count: How Many Pitches Does It Take?
How Many Pitches Per Hour?
A fellow, Solo PR Pro recently posted this question on our LinkedIn Group, "What do you think is a reasonable number of pitches to expect per billable hour?" That question sparked a lot of responses that I was generally glad to see. Most members of the group suggested 30 or less.
Kelly Crane, the founder of Solo PR Pro, wrote "Great question! I think, as with many things in our world, the answer is "it depends." In particular, the type of pitch and whether you have an existing relationship with the target plays a big role in the amount of time it takes. I would say an experienced pro sending email pitches re: a new product announcement to long-time contacts could do 30+ in an hour. A less experienced pro trying to time and schedule a press tour by email and phone might only do 10-15 per hour."
I agree with the responses provided. However, as a courtesy to the media I typically do 5-10 pitches per hour. Why do you ask? Well, I like to craft a pitch that will resonate with my intended media contact. I spend time reviewing their most recent articles and create a profile before I craft the pitch. I also research their social media profiles; as they often provide personal and professional details that may help to personalize my pitch.
Mitch Leff, Owner of Mitch's Media Match also agrees. "Honestly, I think looking for a quantity of pitches in an hour is looking at the process incorrectly. It's easy enough to send out 50 emails in an hour if you don't personalize them much. The quality of the pitches and the result are what you should be looking at. Someone who pitches two or three reporters in an hour is probably taking more time to research the reporter's recent stories and personalize the pitch to each writer and publication. Also, pitching via email is often a broad brush approach, rather than a focused effort," said Leff.
Regine J. Nelson is founder and principal of Allure Marketing Communications. Allure specializes in small business, consumer products, nonprofit and start-up PR. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson or email her at regine@allure-pr.com.
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 24
Another edition of the Daily PR Tidbit brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications. Feel free to share or comments.
Three Social Media Lessons to Learn From Brett Favre
Chris Syme takes take a critical look at how Favre fell from grace. He identifies three lessons on social media strategy we can learn from Mr. Favre. -- Social Media Today
2011's Social Media Super Bowl Puts Twitter & Facebook In The Driver's Seat
This year with over 100 million viewers predicted to watch the Super Bowl and commercials costing $3 million a spot, brands are looking to rope in even more eyeballs by promoting their wares on Twitter and Facebook. And this year, Mercedes-Benz is upping the ante by actually awarding 2 of their new 2012 C-Class Coupes to contest contestants they consider the most savvy social networkers. -- InventorSpot.com
17 Social Media Tips, Tweets and Lessons in 140 Characters or Fewer
Shane Gibson regularly tweets out social media tips each day and the past couple weeks of tweets have definitely been influenced by his thoughts on best practices, social media training, implementation and of course leadership. In this post he shares his stream of consciousness from the past week. And they are pretty helpful! -- Social Media & Sales Strategy Podcast and Blog by Shane Gibson
Groupon is Not for Every New Business
One of the hardest tasks for a new business is starting a relationship with the public. How does one manage a relationship with the public if the public doesn’t know the company exists? Recently, new businesses have been utilizing a website known as Groupon to gain public recognition. However, Groupon is not all that it's cracked up to be. -- Nick Stackhouse, Prowl Public Relations
Kim Carlos, PR specialist, hasn't explained why she was worth $40,000 to the cityA public-relations specialist who had a $40,000 contract with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, appears to be struggling to produce evidence that she was worth the money. -- David Martin, The Pitch Blog
6 Ways To Ruin Your Chances Of Getting Free PublicityShonali Burke recently posted a HARO request soliciting great examples of small business social media strategies. What she received was over 60 pitches...most of them were bad. -- BNET.com
Social Plays Vital Role In Corporate Responsibility, Green Initiatives
Media Post recently released their Vitrue 100, which annually ranks the "most social" brands by measuring "social mentions" across the vast social web. For this article, they drilled down to see what companies on their Vitrue 100 list had powerful and successful "green" and "socially responsible sustainability" programs.-- Reggie Bradford via MediaPost
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
Three Social Media Lessons to Learn From Brett Favre
Chris Syme takes take a critical look at how Favre fell from grace. He identifies three lessons on social media strategy we can learn from Mr. Favre. -- Social Media Today
2011's Social Media Super Bowl Puts Twitter & Facebook In The Driver's Seat
This year with over 100 million viewers predicted to watch the Super Bowl and commercials costing $3 million a spot, brands are looking to rope in even more eyeballs by promoting their wares on Twitter and Facebook. And this year, Mercedes-Benz is upping the ante by actually awarding 2 of their new 2012 C-Class Coupes to contest contestants they consider the most savvy social networkers. -- InventorSpot.com
17 Social Media Tips, Tweets and Lessons in 140 Characters or Fewer
Shane Gibson regularly tweets out social media tips each day and the past couple weeks of tweets have definitely been influenced by his thoughts on best practices, social media training, implementation and of course leadership. In this post he shares his stream of consciousness from the past week. And they are pretty helpful! -- Social Media & Sales Strategy Podcast and Blog by Shane Gibson
Groupon is Not for Every New Business
One of the hardest tasks for a new business is starting a relationship with the public. How does one manage a relationship with the public if the public doesn’t know the company exists? Recently, new businesses have been utilizing a website known as Groupon to gain public recognition. However, Groupon is not all that it's cracked up to be. -- Nick Stackhouse, Prowl Public Relations
Kim Carlos, PR specialist, hasn't explained why she was worth $40,000 to the cityA public-relations specialist who had a $40,000 contract with the City of Kansas City, Missouri, appears to be struggling to produce evidence that she was worth the money. -- David Martin, The Pitch Blog
6 Ways To Ruin Your Chances Of Getting Free PublicityShonali Burke recently posted a HARO request soliciting great examples of small business social media strategies. What she received was over 60 pitches...most of them were bad. -- BNET.com
Social Plays Vital Role In Corporate Responsibility, Green Initiatives
Media Post recently released their Vitrue 100, which annually ranks the "most social" brands by measuring "social mentions" across the vast social web. For this article, they drilled down to see what companies on their Vitrue 100 list had powerful and successful "green" and "socially responsible sustainability" programs.-- Reggie Bradford via MediaPost
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow her on Twitter, @RegineNelson.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 21
Another edition of the Daily PR Tidbit brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications. Feel free to share or comment.
60 Signs You’re Addicted to Social Media & Twitter
A PR Clients Bill of Rights
“Even airline passengers have a bill of rights now.” So here goes, if you have hired, or are about to hire, a PR professional, you have a right to expect the following. -- By Jacqueline Church. Thanks to @thePRCoach.
US Social Media Ad Spending Surges Past $3 billion, Thanks to Facebook
Ad spending on social networks in US will reach $3.08 billion mark by the end of 2011, according to revised estimates by eMarketer. This years estimated spending would be 55% ($1.99 billion) higher than what advertisers spent on social networking sites in 2010. - By Bill Hameed, Social Times
How Social Media is Changing Public Relations
Make your “P.R.” Stand For “Perfect Resource”
When you think of public relations or publicity, what comes to mind? For some people, (even some P.R. types) it may mean hounding or even badgering the media to get them to generate a story about you, your product or your business. Sometimes that works, often times it doesn’t. As a P.R. professional, I realize the media has very little need for P.R in the traditional sense. What the media does need is their own meaning of P.R. — Perfect Resources. -- By Todd Brabende, DailyBizSolutions.com
Will this be the year to weave kindness into your PR campaign?
Far from a ‘charity begins at home’ attitude that you might expect in hard times, the gloom is bringing out the good in people. Imaginations have certainly been captured in Japan, where a small act of kindness has snowballed into a new craze for giving.-- By Charlotte Stoel, FireFly Blog
Quora for Business Not Allowed, But You Should Still Monitor and Respond
If you’re not familiar with Quora, it’s a Q&A website where people can ask questions and others can answer and respond. If you’ve seen LinkedIn or Yahoo Answers or similar features from Community Platforms, and even Get Satisfaction to an extend, you’ll find a theme. Quora officially launched 6 months ago in a limited beta, and is founded by Facebook’s former CTO with backing by Benchmark capital, all positive signs for company vitality. -- By La Rejna
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
60 Signs You’re Addicted to Social Media & Twitter
Late night tweet sessions. Foursquare swarm parties. Panera Bread meetings at 9 pm and Facebook moments that make you laugh so hard you cry. Your baker knows it, the mailman knows it. You like tweets and they like you. The baker thinks you’re talking about cupcakes and has no idea what Twitter is. -- By Pam Moore, Business to Community
“Even airline passengers have a bill of rights now.” So here goes, if you have hired, or are about to hire, a PR professional, you have a right to expect the following. -- By Jacqueline Church. Thanks to @thePRCoach.
US Social Media Ad Spending Surges Past $3 billion, Thanks to Facebook
Ad spending on social networks in US will reach $3.08 billion mark by the end of 2011, according to revised estimates by eMarketer. This years estimated spending would be 55% ($1.99 billion) higher than what advertisers spent on social networking sites in 2010. - By Bill Hameed, Social Times
In 2010, facing the biggest public relations crisis in recent history, oil company BP turned to the one medium that could instantly address public concern: social media. Nearly six months after the Gulf of Mexico oil spill occurred, BP has nearly 48,000 Facebook fans, over 19,000 Twitter followers and more than three million YouTube channel views. -- By Renee Warren, The Social CMO
Make your “P.R.” Stand For “Perfect Resource”
When you think of public relations or publicity, what comes to mind? For some people, (even some P.R. types) it may mean hounding or even badgering the media to get them to generate a story about you, your product or your business. Sometimes that works, often times it doesn’t. As a P.R. professional, I realize the media has very little need for P.R in the traditional sense. What the media does need is their own meaning of P.R. — Perfect Resources. -- By Todd Brabende, DailyBizSolutions.com
Will this be the year to weave kindness into your PR campaign?
Far from a ‘charity begins at home’ attitude that you might expect in hard times, the gloom is bringing out the good in people. Imaginations have certainly been captured in Japan, where a small act of kindness has snowballed into a new craze for giving.-- By Charlotte Stoel, FireFly Blog
Quora for Business Not Allowed, But You Should Still Monitor and Respond
If you’re not familiar with Quora, it’s a Q&A website where people can ask questions and others can answer and respond. If you’ve seen LinkedIn or Yahoo Answers or similar features from Community Platforms, and even Get Satisfaction to an extend, you’ll find a theme. Quora officially launched 6 months ago in a limited beta, and is founded by Facebook’s former CTO with backing by Benchmark capital, all positive signs for company vitality. -- By La Rejna
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
5 Reasons Why Your DIY PR Sucks
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| Hardwork © Jatinder Kalsi |
Last week's post on "The Case for Do-It-Yourself PR" highlighted some reasons why a small business or company would want to handle their public relations efforts on their own. Today's post is not meant to discredit my stance on DIY PR. In most cases, it is absolutely necessary; especially when funds come into play.
5 reasons why your DIY PR may suck:
- You Don't Know Jack. I know Jack, because I subscribe to a media contact database. Creating your media list is an art. You have to know the publications you are interested in and then reach out to them in the appropriate manner. Do you know the media that you are trying to contact? Can you find their email or phone number? Most of the time the contact information is available, but it may take some digging to locate it.
- Spam attack is your motto. If you are constantly blasting out emails to media contacts that aren't interested in your service or product you are SPAMMING. Most PR professionals know that this isn't the way to get noticed by the media... at least not in a good way. Keep tabs on how many emails you are sending and be sure to follow-up.
- Time is money. You manager your restaurant, you sell your products to customers, handle payroll, deal with disgruntled employees...phew, I'm tired already. You do not have time to manage a public relations campaign or even get 8 hours of sleep. Time is money and you are spending it elsewhere.
- The early bird gets the worm. It's the same in public relations. You need to plan ahead. Public relations professionals also use editorial calendars to try and place stories for their clients (Wikipedia). Editorial calendars are often available at the beginning of the year, which allows for yearly planning of pitches. If you do not have a PR plan, then you plan to fail at your PR.
- You write novels instead of press releases. I get it. You want the reporter to have all of the details about your product and service, so you jam all of the words on your website or product sheet into the press release. WRONG! Journalists do not have time to read your manifesto. Shorten that press release to two pages, preferably one and proofread it 3x before you press send.
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation. Follow me on twitter, @RegineNelson.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 19
Another Edition of Daily PR Tidbit. Feel free to leave comments or share with others.
Connect the Dots: A Solo PR Success Story
How one blog post, shared with the right audience, on the right social media network sparked the engagement that lead to new contacts and business. -- By Kelly Crane via SoloPrPro.com
If You’re Not Networking, You’re Not Social
Social media isn't isolating us as we tap on our laptops, smartphones and tablets; rather, we're becoming "hypersocial" in our virtual, avatar-populated environment, suggests researcher and author S. Craig Watkins . -- By Peggy Walt via PC World
5 Ways To Use Twitter Lists For PR, Marketing, Spying
Joan Stewart suggests using Twitter lists these five ways. All were discussed in more detail during the webinar she hosted on How to Use Twitter Lists & Directories to Generate Publicity & Build Your Brand. -- Via Business 2 Community.
Incomplete Manifesto for Growth
Written in 1998, the Incomplete Manifesto is an articulation of statements exemplifying Bruce Mau’s beliefs, strategies and motivations. Collectively, they are how we approach every project. It has some great tips for PR professionals. *Courtesy of Judy Gombita (@jgombita)
5 LinkedIn groups for PR pros
If you work in PR, chances are you have one of three needs: A need to build or grow your network; A need to acquire new skills or hone existing ones; A need to find a new job. While you could argue many social networks meet these three needs adequately, I might argue that LinkedIn has the biggest potential to meet these needs best when it comes to professional skill-building, networking and job-seeking. -- Arik Hanson via Communication Conversations
How To Build A Successful Media Relationship - Getting Back to Basics
The most essential part of my job as a public relations professional is building media relationships. Without thriving relationships with the media, I cannot successfully secure media coverage for clients – whether in TV, print, radio or social media. -- By Erin Smith via MMI Public Relations
10 Ways to Repurpose Your Media Coverage
You rejoice every time you get media coverage. It’s an opportunity to reach more of your target market, as well as potential partners and investors. However, there’s more to media coverage than just getting exposure. -- By Elena Verlee via PRinYourPajamas.com
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Connect the Dots: A Solo PR Success Story
How one blog post, shared with the right audience, on the right social media network sparked the engagement that lead to new contacts and business. -- By Kelly Crane via SoloPrPro.com
If You’re Not Networking, You’re Not Social
Social media isn't isolating us as we tap on our laptops, smartphones and tablets; rather, we're becoming "hypersocial" in our virtual, avatar-populated environment, suggests researcher and author S. Craig Watkins . -- By Peggy Walt via PC World
5 Ways To Use Twitter Lists For PR, Marketing, Spying
Joan Stewart suggests using Twitter lists these five ways. All were discussed in more detail during the webinar she hosted on How to Use Twitter Lists & Directories to Generate Publicity & Build Your Brand. -- Via Business 2 Community.
Incomplete Manifesto for Growth
Written in 1998, the Incomplete Manifesto is an articulation of statements exemplifying Bruce Mau’s beliefs, strategies and motivations. Collectively, they are how we approach every project. It has some great tips for PR professionals. *Courtesy of Judy Gombita (@jgombita)
5 LinkedIn groups for PR pros
If you work in PR, chances are you have one of three needs: A need to build or grow your network; A need to acquire new skills or hone existing ones; A need to find a new job. While you could argue many social networks meet these three needs adequately, I might argue that LinkedIn has the biggest potential to meet these needs best when it comes to professional skill-building, networking and job-seeking. -- Arik Hanson via Communication Conversations
How To Build A Successful Media Relationship - Getting Back to Basics
The most essential part of my job as a public relations professional is building media relationships. Without thriving relationships with the media, I cannot successfully secure media coverage for clients – whether in TV, print, radio or social media. -- By Erin Smith via MMI Public Relations
10 Ways to Repurpose Your Media Coverage
You rejoice every time you get media coverage. It’s an opportunity to reach more of your target market, as well as potential partners and investors. However, there’s more to media coverage than just getting exposure. -- By Elena Verlee via PRinYourPajamas.com
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 17
Another Edition of Daily PR Tidbit. Feel free to leave comments or share with others.
Golden Globes sued by PR firmThe organizers of the Golden Globe Awards have been hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit just days before the glitzy ceremony is due to roll into Hollywood. By WENN.com
Groupon, Facebook, LinkedIn… Get Ready for the Social IPO Explosion
Check out this quick rundown by Joshua M. Brown via The faster Times.
Social Media: A tool for instant networking at conferences
Planners and suppliers can benefit from social networking, just as you can benefit from networking at face-to-face events. Like face-to-face networking, social media is best used as conversation, not direct selling. -- By Elizabeth Glau
The Lost Art of the Media Alert
You hear a lot of talk about press releases as a PR tactic, but what about the media alert (also commonly known as a media advisory)? Before the days or email and Twitter, media alerts were the short form way to alert news organizations about something timely you wanted them to cover. -- By Jeremy Porter via Journalistics
The Gaming Level to Come
In the past couple of years, we’ve seen the boom of the social network and how it’s affected us. Facebook proved to be incredibly profitable for Mark Zuckerberg. As we enter into this New Year, many of us are asking, “What’s next?” -- By Curt Finch via inc.com
10 Tips for Handling a Media Blitz
Is there such thing as too much good press? Here's how to master your PR in a press onslaught and keep a positive business buzz going strong. - By Alyssa Danigelis via inc.com
Pooh and the PR Practitioner: Practical Tips from a Honey Loving Bear
Winnie the Pooh is particularly on point as it relates to public relations. Learn how as Jessica Sharp of Maven Communciations explains.
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Golden Globes sued by PR firmThe organizers of the Golden Globe Awards have been hit with a multi-million dollar lawsuit just days before the glitzy ceremony is due to roll into Hollywood. By WENN.com
Groupon, Facebook, LinkedIn… Get Ready for the Social IPO Explosion
Check out this quick rundown by Joshua M. Brown via The faster Times.
Social Media: A tool for instant networking at conferences
Planners and suppliers can benefit from social networking, just as you can benefit from networking at face-to-face events. Like face-to-face networking, social media is best used as conversation, not direct selling. -- By Elizabeth Glau
The Lost Art of the Media Alert
You hear a lot of talk about press releases as a PR tactic, but what about the media alert (also commonly known as a media advisory)? Before the days or email and Twitter, media alerts were the short form way to alert news organizations about something timely you wanted them to cover. -- By Jeremy Porter via Journalistics
The Gaming Level to Come
In the past couple of years, we’ve seen the boom of the social network and how it’s affected us. Facebook proved to be incredibly profitable for Mark Zuckerberg. As we enter into this New Year, many of us are asking, “What’s next?” -- By Curt Finch via inc.com
10 Tips for Handling a Media Blitz
Is there such thing as too much good press? Here's how to master your PR in a press onslaught and keep a positive business buzz going strong. - By Alyssa Danigelis via inc.com
Pooh and the PR Practitioner: Practical Tips from a Honey Loving Bear
Winnie the Pooh is particularly on point as it relates to public relations. Learn how as Jessica Sharp of Maven Communciations explains.
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 14
Another Edition of Daily PR Tidbit. Feel free to leave comments or share with others.
The big Quora question: What’s it good for?The question-and-answer site is getting a lot of buzz, but is it really useful? Commentators weigh in on what it is, and what it could be. -- By Matt Wilson via Ragan.com
Twitter isn’t the new Cronkite, nor should it be – the #giffords shooting
January 8′s tragic shooting in Tucson, AZ illustrated a few things about the modern media landscape that very few people understand and even fewer have the ability to influence. It showed the usefulness of interconnected social media platforms, it showed the power of the web for research and, most of all, it showed that too many people still don’t get Twitter. - By TDHurst
5 Ways to Prevent or Overcome PR Burn-Out
If you find yourself rolling your eyes when a certain client calls, dreading going to work or just stuck with a giant mental block that prevents you from being your usual creative self , do not dread, burn-out CAN be overcome! - by Katherine Davis via LiveLivePR
7 Reasons Why I Love Public Relations
Sometimes it is easy to forget why you are doing what you do. We all need reminders on the things we love about our careers, relationships, and just life in general. -- By Christine Idokogi
5 Great Ways to Get Sued as a Blogger
The Internet has changed the game in terms of personal publishing. Now anyone, with only a few minutes a free account, can reach an audience of millions on the Web. Individuals with a little bit of free time can compete reasonably well with huge corporations with thousands of employees. -- Written by Jonathan Bailey from Plagiarism Today
Top 10 Things To Consider When Looking for a Job in Public Relations
Looking for a job in public relations or know someone who is in the market? by BLASTmedia
Former reporters find jump to PR harder than expected
Many unemployed journalists look for work in public relations. But as The New York Times reports, working in a newsroom no longer prepares you for a job in public relations. -- By Greg Beaubien
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
The big Quora question: What’s it good for?The question-and-answer site is getting a lot of buzz, but is it really useful? Commentators weigh in on what it is, and what it could be. -- By Matt Wilson via Ragan.com
Twitter isn’t the new Cronkite, nor should it be – the #giffords shooting
January 8′s tragic shooting in Tucson, AZ illustrated a few things about the modern media landscape that very few people understand and even fewer have the ability to influence. It showed the usefulness of interconnected social media platforms, it showed the power of the web for research and, most of all, it showed that too many people still don’t get Twitter. - By TDHurst
5 Ways to Prevent or Overcome PR Burn-Out
If you find yourself rolling your eyes when a certain client calls, dreading going to work or just stuck with a giant mental block that prevents you from being your usual creative self , do not dread, burn-out CAN be overcome! - by Katherine Davis via LiveLivePR
7 Reasons Why I Love Public Relations
Sometimes it is easy to forget why you are doing what you do. We all need reminders on the things we love about our careers, relationships, and just life in general. -- By Christine Idokogi
5 Great Ways to Get Sued as a Blogger
The Internet has changed the game in terms of personal publishing. Now anyone, with only a few minutes a free account, can reach an audience of millions on the Web. Individuals with a little bit of free time can compete reasonably well with huge corporations with thousands of employees. -- Written by Jonathan Bailey from Plagiarism Today
Top 10 Things To Consider When Looking for a Job in Public Relations
Looking for a job in public relations or know someone who is in the market? by BLASTmedia
Former reporters find jump to PR harder than expected
Many unemployed journalists look for work in public relations. But as The New York Times reports, working in a newsroom no longer prepares you for a job in public relations. -- By Greg Beaubien
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
The Case for Do-It-Yourself PR
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| © Maduca Group |
Typical PR campaigns can run from $1,000 to $20,000 per month. If you are small cupcakery with three employees and the best cupcake recipe out there, you don't think you can afford PR, so you go without it. The Do-It-Yourself PR products and services provide a way for you to develop your own media list and pitch you own products/services. Albeit, it's not the best that money can buy but it works. Next week, I will share a post on "Why Your DIY PR Campaign Isn't Yielding Results?"
For those of your that are eager to put on your own PR shoes and hit the ground running here is a list of some of the best Do-It-Yourself PR products, services and information out there:
- HARO - Help A Reporter Out. No such thing as free PR? Over 50000 journalists use HARO to locate experts for on-air interviews, article quotes and more. Join HARO for free.
- My PR Genie. It's the only, Do-It-Yourself, PR platform and newswire that gives you access to over 540,000 journalist contacts. You can create a business profile on search engines and directories, upload your press release in any language and significantly increase your exposure online!
- PR in Your Pajamas. Elena Verlee's site offers free tips via daily emails. In addition, you may purchase e-books, teleclasses and media lists through the site. Elena has been featured as one of the top PR people to watch by All Facebook and a top 20 entrepreneur to follow on twitter by Forbes.
- Handle Your Own PR. This PR website gives you tools to create your own publicity PR marketing campaign and has targeted media lists to purchase and DIY PR advice.
- 15 Do-It-Yourself PR Ideas. If you decide to promote your own company, read on for nearly free fifteen do-it-yourself tactics and get ahead of your competition! Blog post on CheapRevolution.com.
Daily PR Tidbit -- Jan 13
Another Edition of Daily PR Tidbit. Feel free to leave comments or share with others.
Is social media just a venue for individuals to promote themselves in a narcissistic manner? Bruce explores his own reasons for social media usage. CityBrights (SFgate.com) post by Bruce Reyes-Chow. But be careful what you say online CIA is also in Social Media.
'The Most Amazing Press Release Ever Written'
The folks at PitchPoint Public Relations have really taken the press release genre to a whole new level. -- by Lila Shapiro
'The Most Amazing Press Release Ever Written'
The folks at PitchPoint Public Relations have really taken the press release genre to a whole new level. -- by Lila Shapiro
Top 20 Social Media Monitoring Services for Businesses
A rare comparison of the major monitoring & engagement services: Radian6, Lithium, Attensity360 & 17 more. – By J.D. Lasica and Kim Bale via SocialMedia.Biz.
Bad Press Releases: 20 Worst Headlines
This just in. The headline is the most important part of your press release. Apparently, many have forgotten that rule. By The PR Coach
5 agency blogs you should be reading
Check out the best of the best by Michael Estin via iMedia Connection.
Gentle Reminder: Stop Shooting in the Dark and Start with a Social Media Audit
When was the last time you asked your PR team or agency to do a social media audit? by Priya Ramesh via The Buzz Bin
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allur-pr.com for a free consultation.
Regine J. Nelson is the founder and principal of Allure Marketing + Communications. Allure specializes in consumer product, small business, nonprofit and startup PR. Email regine@allur-pr.com for a free consultation.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Pitch Perfect: The Art of Media Pitching
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| © Adam's Wine Guide |
The art of media pitching is equivalent to that of a sommelier's perfect pairing of a 1976 Montelena Chardonnay with Steamed Mussels prepared with White Wine, Tarragon, Shallots, Butter, and Grilled French Bread (a recipe from Chef Bobby Flay). While a sommelier may hone his/her skills at a fine restaurant, a PR professional's job is to hone their skills by pitching their clients.
Sommeliers make a living pairing wines with foods that bring out the essence of each flavor. PR professionals are no different; we pair our clients products and services with publications and media outlets that serve a readership who find value in their content. Thus, the trick to a perfect pitch is crafting a message to the reader that displays a profound understanding of that publication's value and their audience's essence.
Six Tips for the Perfect Pitch
Being a great media pitcher isn't about knowing every editor, blogger and reporter in the universe. It's about pairing your client's product/service pitch to the right media contact. After all, a publication isn't going to write an article about your client, but a reporter may.
- KISS, Keep it simple silly! You may have heard this before but here I go again. I highly recommend (as do other PR pros and media personnel) to keep your pitches short and sweet. You can accomplish this by incorporating bullet points of no more than 15 words each after your initial paragraph. I know it's tempting to send a 500 word email pitch because you want to include every detail, but don't. A pitch is meant to entice a journalist and spark their interest not put them to sleep.
- Proofread your pitches before you send them out. I can not stress this enough. As a practice, I draft my pitches a day before I plan to send them out. Allowing the pitch to rest overnight provides enough time away from the document in order to review with it with fresh eyes the following day.
- Tap into your inner creativity. Too many pitches are just self-promoting commentary that rarely solve a problem. If you can creatively tie your pitch to a current event in a creative way your pitch will go much further. Feel free to make references to current events, popular books, celebrities, etc.
- Send your pitch to the best person. Locating the correct media contact for your pitch is relatively easy these days. If you are interested in submitting a pitch to a particular publication you can visit their website or pick-up a copy if they are in-print. There are paid services available such as Cision, Burrelle's Luce, Vocus, and MyMediaInfo that also provide access to media contacts.
- To call or not to call. The times are changing. Media professionals are now available at any time, yet they prefer email and social media pitches over phone calls. While their 24/7 availability may seem like a godsend for PR professionals, you have to remember that the media are people to. Like you, they have deadlines, families, issues and vacations. If you can avoid calling at inappropriate times and calling and/or emailing to ask if they have received your pitch, believe me it would be in your best interest.
- Editorial calendars are your best friend. They let you know when and what your intended publication will be writing about for an entire year. Feel free to use them to target your pitches.
Regine J. Nelson is founder and principal of Allure Marketing Communications. Allure specializes in small business, consumer products, nonprofit and start-up PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
Introducing Daily PR Tidbit, brought to you by Allure Marketing + Communications
Welcome to thePRtibit! We are a blog that brings you the most up-to-date new tools, tips, and news about public relations, social media and marketing. Today we launch our Daily PR Tidbit segment, a round-up of the top 7 (lucky number) stories, blurbs and links about public relations, social media, and marketing for the day. We hope you enjoy. Please bookmark us for future use or subscribe to thePRtidbit.com.
*Before we begin, I'd like to remind you all of the tragedy that befell the small island nation of Haiti just a year ago. A year ago a 7.0 earthquake demolished Haiti's capital and surrounding towns, leaving as many as 300,000 dead and 800,000 homeless. As an American of Haitian descent, today I remember and continue to support the rebuild process of Haiti, her government and her people. For the best coverage please visit the Miami Herald or read this article http://tinyurl.com/HaitiAYearLater.
Some interesting yet poignant forecasts for 2011 by Heather Yaxley.
Regine J. Nelson is founder and principal of Allure Marketing Communications. Allure specializes in small business, consumer products, nonprofit and start-up PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
*Before we begin, I'd like to remind you all of the tragedy that befell the small island nation of Haiti just a year ago. A year ago a 7.0 earthquake demolished Haiti's capital and surrounding towns, leaving as many as 300,000 dead and 800,000 homeless. As an American of Haitian descent, today I remember and continue to support the rebuild process of Haiti, her government and her people. For the best coverage please visit the Miami Herald or read this article http://tinyurl.com/HaitiAYearLater.
Daily PR Tidbit - Jan 12, 2011
Today is the one-year anniversary of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, which killed an estimated 230,000 people and has left millions of others homeless. As in some other recent catastrophes, social media such as Twitter, text messaging, interactive online maps and other tools such as crowdsourcing were used by both victims and rescue workers to co-ordinate relief efforts. But did they help? -- Mathew Ingram via GigaOm
11 PR predictions for 2011
11 PR predictions for 2011
Some interesting yet poignant forecasts for 2011 by Heather Yaxley.
Just do it. Yes, that is Nike’s famous phrase but it also represents the first step toward getting over the fear of social media.- Jim Nichols via Forbes.
Tweeting about what club "y'all" are going to tonight? Must be from the South. Looking forward to "suttin" special? Then you probably live in New York. Think that new movie was "koo?" Northern California. - Jennifer C. Yates via AP.
What other email marketing trends and tips will be hot in 2011? To find the answer, Small Business Computing asked leading email marketers Constant Contact and Campaigner. Here's what they had to say. – by Jennifer L. Schiff
With today's online marketing environment, it's more important than ever to ensure that your content can be integrated across many channels, not just on your own website. - by Linda Evans via Clickz
One-fourth of poll respondents expect answers within an hour when using Facebook, Twitter to communicate with companies, finds British study. By Alison Diana via Information Week
Regine J. Nelson is founder and principal of Allure Marketing Communications. Allure specializes in small business, consumer products, nonprofit and start-up PR. Email regine@allure-pr.com for a free consultation.
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