How do you grab PR attention with a website launch?

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How do you grab PR attention with a website launch?

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desertdyno

posts: 14

Jan 24, 2008 12:35 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi,

I just started posting on SUN and have found it an invaluable resource to me now. I have my website up and after receiving some wonderful tips from Nikole, I`m cleaning it up and plan to write a launch press release. I plan to submit it to local media and post it on some free PR websites. I`m on a very limited budget here.

I`ve never done this before and was wondering what I should focus on to make it stand out from other press releases. I would like to attract visitors that want to know what they can get for free for their birthdays and companies that offer free birthday treats.

I would appreciate any suggestions/ideas!

Thank you!

PRPro

posts: 441

Jan 24, 2008 9:03 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Julie,

In addition to posting to all of the free websites out there, you may get more press by simply picking up the phone and calling the reporters you want to cover your business.

Share your passion and all of the interesting benefits you have to offer, and you may be surprised with the results. Also check our "7 Steps to PR Success" on this site for additional information.

Hope this helps,

Melanie

-------------------------

Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

desertdyno

posts: 14

Jan 24, 2008 10:31 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks Melanie! I never thought of just calling the reporters directly and I`ll check out the "7 Steps to PR Success" right now.

Thank you for the quick and informative response!

PRPro

posts: 441

Jan 24, 2008 10:37 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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You bet! Also try partnering with targeted charities and businesses and giving presentations full of valuable information to your key audience - two inexpensive ways to get some buzz going...

Best of luck!

Melanie

-------------------------

Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

nhgnikole

posts: 2660

Jan 24, 2008 12:43 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Try to think of the "human element" as well ... how can you angle your launch to be a human interest story?

desertdyno

posts: 14

Jan 24, 2008 1:15 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thank you Melanie and Nikole for the wonderful tips.

Melanie - I have to admit though, I am so not the person you want giving a presentation. I sadly lack in that area - definitely not my forte. I`m a speed talker when I get in front of the crowd. I`d breeze through it so fast that everyone would be shaking their heads wondering "what did she just say?" :) I did sign up for your PR Tips Newsletter and hope to get some ideas there as well.

Nikole - I like the idea of the human interest story if I can figure out how to word it right. When I started working on my website, I really just wanted to share some of the unique stuff you can get for free for your birthday, but it has grown to be so much more to me. With the economy being what is now, I really want others to have a chance to celebrate and enjoy their birthday (or the kids/pets) without breaking the pocket book and provide small businesses with a free listing in an effort to boost their business.

I really do appreciate these ideas/suggestions!

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jan 24, 2008 8:50 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Julie:

Good Luck, check out the major newspaper in your area and see who is reporting and send your press release directly to them, also why not send to the television stations.

Colleen

-------------------------

Colleen Dougherty Bronstein Designs
Sun Safe Designer Clothing
http://www.sunsafedesignerclothing.com
http://www.bronsteinartwork.com

SmallBusinessPRExpert

posts: 149

Jan 24, 2008 11:05 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Julie,

You have your news hook - the threat of a sagging economy. It makes your story much more timely than if it stood alone. Evergreen stories mean someone can hold on to it for six months to a year before they decide to pursue it. There are plenty of parenting/general interest publications that would be interested in your site nationally. I think you have a lot of potential for a great PR campaign, but you are going to need to do some foot work - putting your news into a press release, developing a media list and taking time each day to contact media. This might work in your favor as you can easily control and manage the attention and growth. Remember two things - 1. you have to continue to follow up with media up to four times to make sure they`ve gotten the information; 2. You can send it out and not hear anything and then six months later they are working on a story where your business is perfect for inclusion. PR can take patience.

However, I definitely agree that you should start to build awareness locally and then reach out nationally. Maybe you can set up an regular in-studio with a local TV station to give your best tips. You have lots of opportunity.

I look forward to hearing about your success!

Best,

Jennifer

CraigL

posts: 9051

Jan 25, 2008 12:02 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Y`know what`s ironic to me? Blogs!

We`ve had a number of discussions and postings by people who want to build a blog, get lots of subscribers, do this and do that, and so forth. Over the past couple of years, more and more blogs are showing up, some of which have tons of viewers.

And many of those blogs offer a place to put in comments. You might consider posting commentary on various blogs related to your business by subject. Perhaps you can include your Web site URL in that comment, as well.

In an unrelated point (I think I saw a critique post for your site?), have you thought about adding a "browse" function to your site? This would allow people to browse by state or ZIP code.

ImagingBuffet

posts: 41

Jan 25, 2008 1:03 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Julie:

One of the ways I`ve been promoting my sites, as well as a book that I completed a few months ago has been by writing articles that are partially excerpted from my book. That has helped me immensely to get articles (and bylines with links to my sites) on magazine websites, in printed publications, on podcasts, radio shows, video interviews, etc.

You can do the same very easily just by selecting a state from your site and choosing "10 Free Things You Can Get On Your Next Birthday." Then pitch that article to the media, on blogs, on community websites, etc.

You have so much content that you can also create a series of Widgets on a site like widgetbox.com with headlines that update new offers for specific states or niches. You can see one on the right side of one of my sites: www.imagingbuffet.com for The Center for Fine Art Photography`s upcoming call`s for entry.

The key is to only give enough info so that people will have to click through to your site. I could see newspapers around the country picking that up, or at least blogs that cover news and special offers.

I think you have a great niche and I wish you and your site much luck and a very happy birthday (whenever that may be)!

Andrew

-------------------------

Andrew Darlow, Consultant & Editor
The Imaging Buffet

Author, 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques: An Essential Printing Resource for Photographers - InkjetTips.com

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