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 25, 2008 4:48 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Wow! I`m floored by all the awesome ideas and comments!

Colleen - thanks for the suggestions. We have so many, what I like to call, mini newspapers around here for specific locations like north, south, east, west, uptown, downtown. I`ll be sure to add them to my media list.

Jennifer - I`m totally up for some foot work so I`ll get busy with my press release and media list. I didn`t realize it could take so long for the media to reach out. I agree with starting locally as well. It will give me a chance to get more "polished" before venturing out nationally.

Craig - You are so right about those blogs. I`ve even been told that I should add one to my site. A future project for me. I have my hands full, but I think it`s a great idea to contact specific blogs. I just found one (Mamas Like) that allows you to submit your website to them and if they like it, they`ll post it on their blog. I`m sure there must be others as well, plus posting commentaries. It`s all about networking right?

In regards to the the `browse" function, I actually do have it set up so a visitor can browse by state and/or by category (entertainment, restaurants, retailers or travel) once they click on one of images from the home page (adults, kids or pets). I`m also having some adjustments made to the these three pages so they will load faster. It never ends does it?

Andrew - I`m so glad you posted about writing articles. This is something that I`d really like to do, but I just couldn`t figure out what I could write about. I love the "10 Free Things You Can Get On Your Next Birthday!" So make it short, compelling, informative (not too informative) with a call to action - am I close?

I`m also heading right over to your website to check out the Widget. Funny thing is, I have several on my own desktop!

I can`t thank you all enough for the advice/tips/suggestions and well wishes!

My good news is that within a month of the site being live, I`m being indexed regularly by Google and although I know Alexa is a very rough benchmark...my traffic ranking has gone from being 8 million something to 3 million something. And for my specific keywords (free birthday treats) I`m #3 on Google! I know I have alot of work ahead of me, but these small successes keep me going.

kristieleigh

posts: 6

Jan 25, 2008 7:46 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Julie,
I just wanted to point out one other thing. You mentioned public speaking and talking too fast. I`d really recommend tackling that when you have the time. I was the same as you, so nervous I`d talk so fast no one could understand me. In fact, I still catch myself doing so during meetings, etc once in awhile. The best way to master that is to force yourself to learn to speak publicly. Try a night class in public speaking at a local community college, or I hear toastmasters is great. When I was in college we had to do a class presentation for EVERY class, and I mean every. Professors are masters at torture. BUT ... now I KNOW I can do it, even if I do get nervous. It`s a great feeling to have that confidence, and a great skill to have as we go into business for ourselves and have to `sell` our idea to others. That confidence will show through in your speaking and help to win your audience.

Good luck!!

cdbartwork

posts: 210

Jan 27, 2008 10:12 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Julie:

You said....My good news is that within a month of the site being live, I`m being indexed regularly by Google and although I know Alexa is a very rough benchmark...my traffic ranking has gone from being 8 million something to 3 million something. And for my specific keywords (free birthday treats) I`m #3 on Google! I know I have alot of work ahead of me, but these small successes keep me going.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Wow, I want a piece of this, Congratulations and Good Luck!!!.....I need to contact Nikole...

Colleen

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

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

ChocolateCake

posts: 5

Jan 29, 2008 1:17 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Julie,

I would definitely add on to what Craig mentioned above. Don`t forget the Mom blogs! I ran a PR campaign to push Holiday Sales last fall where I only reached out to Mom blogs. The campaign worked very well for me. It definitely drove traffic and sales for my site.

The Moms who edit these blogs can be less intimidating than media reporters and very easy to reach via email. They love new content for their sites so your chance of getting mentioned is very high. Once they know you, some reach out to you for additional chances to get mentioned so it pays off in spades.

Good luck!

Sue Kirchner

www.ChocolateCakeClub.com

reapr

posts: 8

Jan 29, 2008 11:38 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Don`t overlook the power or article marketing to help with PR. The best article directory is EzineArticles. Research the articles that focus on your area of expertise to see what is getting the most searches. If you do choose to add this to your arsenal of increasing PR choose your keywords and phrases wisely and make sure your keyword density stays around 3-5 percent. Write several articles based on your knowledge and release them about 3-7 days apart. IMO it is the best way after a press release to improve your PR and get back links.

skygirlco

posts: 26

Jan 30, 2008 7:50 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Julie,

Congrats on your site, I think it`s an awesome idea. It`s not much but I sent the link to everyone in my address book and told them to forward it on. Every little bit helps right? LOL

Best of Luck,

Searchqueen

posts: 2

Jan 30, 2008 7:50 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hmm....How does one team up with targeted charities? That sounds like a whole topic in itself! I`d really like to know more about that.

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

GREEN SMOKE
http://www.GreenSmoke.com/BreakFree

mmi266

posts: 3

Jan 30, 2008 12:26 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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One of the best ways to get a story is have a headline that immediatley gets the attention of the editors--we are talking about big numbers like-sales figures,products manufactued,milestones reached, etc.the editors job is to find great content for the newspapers or magazines readership---that is their job--if you get into the editors frame of mind & make their job easier you will have better success--read more at marketingtalk.com

Media & Marketing Intelligence For Entrepreneurs

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Media & Marketing Intelligence For Entrepreneurs

desertdyno

posts: 14

Jan 31, 2008 2:56 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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And the advice just keeps flowing in! Thank you so much!

Kristie - I`m such a chatterbug that you wouldn`t think I`d have a problem getting in front of a group and talking away. You are right though. I`m going to need to get over this so I can present a polished and professional appearance for the media coverage I`d like. I thought I`d check out our community college to see if they have a course. Thanks for the advice!

Colleen - Thank you for the kind words! I thought getting the website up and running was alot of work, but it`s just getting started. Everyday I`m online trying to promote my website and if I`m out running about, I try to tell everyone about it. I`ve asked family and friends to forward my launch announcement e-mail to everyone they know in hopes that it will start spreading. I also try to add new content every day. There is so much to learn. Definitely contact Nikole - she`s awesome!

Sue - Thank you! I have one mom blog that I`m submitting my website to, but I didn`t realize there are so many! Definitely one of my target markets. BTW- I really like your website. I spent a few minutes browsing some of the organizational items for moms. You`ve put alot of work into it!

Reapr - I definitely plan on writing content articles so thank you very much for the awesome tips. I doubt I would have thought of sending them out after a press release.

Gail - Thank you so much! That must be why my traffic increased! :) I`ll be sure to let my friends know about your business as well. Yep, every little bit helps!

Searchqueen - Great question! I`d like to know more about it as well!

mmi266 - Thank you for the advice. I`ll check out the website today.

Thank you all for the awesome advice and suggestions. My list for PR arsenal is huge now. If I implement it right you should soon see this website plastered all over right? :)

I didn`t know what to expect when I decided to quit lurking on the sidelines and actually join in with everyone. I`m so glad I did!

IlliniSuz

posts: 2

Feb 19, 2008 11:24 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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The media often like surveys and statistics, so if you have a way to survey your current database and offer any insight to your industry, that might capture attention.

If your company is not well-known, create a partnership with a company who is (such as your local Baskin Robbins) and one that serves the same audience. Then create a press release around the partnership and what you are jointly offering.

Always think: what`s in it for them (the audience of the publication) when you`re writing your press release. We think our companies are great but that doesn`t mean that the audience will. Give plenty of examples as to how your website works and what (valuable) information can be found there.

Also think: where does my target audience go online? What magazines or newspapers do they subscribe to? You can do web searches to find online and print publications that would be willing to cover your story. You can typically find the reporters` contact information on the website.

I wrote an article a while back for my newsletter called 10 Ways to Get Publicity Now. Maybe you`ll find some ideas in there too: http://www.aimfiremarketing.com/articles/10Waystogetpublicitynow.htm

Good luck!

Susan

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