How Do You Get Publicity Fast Without Spending a Fortune?
It’s early in the morning, and I just fielded a few calls from struggling entrepreneurs who are overwhelmed with all of the marketing and PR data out there. “Where do we start?”
There is a lot of information out there, especially on this site. And it can be difficult to figure out what activities to pursue and where to spend your time and resources.
Does this sound familiar?
If so, here are my top recommendations for boosting boost sales, credibility and awareness fast …especially on a tight budget…
1. Talk to media members directly.
Conduct some research and find the media members you want to talk about your products and services. Prepare your pitch (see http://www.startupnation.com/steps/77/steps-successful-public-relations.htm for help) and then call them on the phone.
Introduce yourself and offer your expertise for a future story. This may sound scary, but if you prepare in advance, it gets easier with each call. And it’s well worth it. After all, how are reporters going to write about your products or services if they don’t know you or your business?
2. Are You Using Search Engine Optimization?
If you are not using keywords in your Web site copy and press releases, you are missing a free marketing opportunity. Check out free resources like www.keyworddiscovery.com and www.wordtracker.com and find the words your customers are looking for online. Then, add them to your copy and press releases. (You can then post your press releases on free sites – for a list of sites, just send me a quick note.)
3. Are you Tweeting?
Have you joined Twitter, www.twitter.com? If not, give it a try. By adding followers and following others, you can build buzz quickly and talk directly to potential customers. (My client just started using it and boosted site traffic by 43% instantly!)
These are just a few, quick tips to help you start your marketing efforts right away while you continue your online research. It takes extra time and effort to pursue, but during difficult times, why not take advantage of all the free opportunities available?
Need more help with public relations and SEO copywriting efforts? Please let me know here, or check out my free information at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help! Thanks!
May 12th, 2009 at 7:09 am
Hi!
Great tips! I was just wondering what some of those sites were that you mentioned about posting free press releases.
Thanks!
-gRANT
May 12th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
I agree Thanks for the great tips!
May 12th, 2009 at 6:46 pm
Hi Everyone!
Thanks for your note. I’ve listed the free, press-release posting sites here: http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/FreePressReleasePostingSites.htm
If you need more help, just let me know!
May 13th, 2009 at 1:12 am
Here are a few additional tips that have helped me get press coverage on the Fox Business Network, MSNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Inc. magazine, and SmartMoney magazine.
1) Realize the media does not exist to pitch your product. They exist to write/produce stories that gets readers/viewers to pay attention so they can sell advertising.
2) Instead of just pitching your product, try pitching a story or segment idea that would draw in viewers/readers (e.g., solves the reporter/producer’s #1 problem) — that happens to be related to you, your company, or your product.
Most of my press coverage at http://www.victorcheng.com/press came from pitching a story about the recession and what viewers/readers should do to respond to it. As opposed to my pitching my coaching services.
If you solve the media’s problem, they understand the unspoken quid pro quo. You give me what I need, I’ll let you plug you, your company, or your product briefly… but solve my problem as a reporter FIRST, then I’ll give you your plug.
May 14th, 2009 at 2:36 pm
Thnaks for great advice
May 14th, 2009 at 11:45 pm
Calling them directly definitely works! More often then not they are open to listening to your pitch and it might get published faster because its fresh in their head.
May 17th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
I agree with calling over email. I found out very fast that simply sending releases via email doesn’t work as well. When I began a story over a product announcement approach, my results really improved.
August 7th, 2009 at 1:58 pm
How Do You Get Publicity Fast Without Spending a Fortune? | StartupNation Blog…
These are just a few, quick tips to help you start your marketing efforts right away while you continue your online research. It takes extra time and effort to pursue, but during difficult times, why not take advantage of all the free opportunities ava…