Small Business Public Relations Tips – What Not to Do
Finally! Your new small business is up and running, and you
put up the “Open” sign. The only problem is, no customers are
waiting to buy your products and services.
What do you do?
Small Business Public Relations to the Rescue!
It’s time to build buzz by contacting the media, posting SEO press
releases, using social media, and taking part in events, awards
and other activities to get the word out about your new, small business.
But before you move forward, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Here are the top 10 things to avoid when starting your small
business PR efforts.
Never:
1. Distribute a press release to thousands of media members
via e-mail.
It will go in the trash, and your system will probably crash.
2. Send out press releases without search-engine-optimization keywords.
You are missing out on a great opportunity to get more online attention.
3. Pitch a reporter during a deadline.
You will get the brush off.
4. Say “No comment” to the press.
There are better ways to respond to questions.
5. Hire a publicist who guarantees placements.
Due to the nature of PR, that’s impossible… unless, he or she
has full control over the actual media story.
6. Create your own Website without getting outside feedback.
You’ll be too close to the information and miss some important
errors and data.
7. Provide content that is feature-based, boring and old.
Instead, offer valuable information for your target market at all times,
and you’ll build long-lasting, customer relationships.
8. Forget to update your Website on a regular basis.
How old is the news and information on your site? If it’s not current,
you’ll look outdated and lose business to the competition.
9. Stop communicating with customers.
With today’s simple processes to create newsletters, blogs,
e-mail autoresponders, social media, and more, there is no reason
you should not talk to customers and get their feedback
on a daily basis.
10. Avoid any public relations or search engine optimization activities
because you don’t have the funds.
There are free and inexpensive ways to build buzz.
Successful, Small Business Public Relations Awaits!
These are just a few, quick tips to help you start your public relations
activities the right way, and avoid wasting time, money and effort.
For PR and SEO copywriting success, take the time to provide value
to all of your customers and the media, and you’ll build positive buzz fast.
Got questions about your PR and SEO activities? Write to me below and check out the free
information at www.rembrandtwrites.com and my new book, “Simple
Publicity” at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/SimplePublicity.htm.
February 7th, 2011 at 8:32 am
[...] Business Blogs » Blog Archive » Small Business Public Relations Tips – What Not to Do startupnation.com/business-blogs/index.php/2011/02/07/small-business-public-relations-tip/ – view page – cached Finally! Your new small business is up and running, and you put up the “Open” sign. The only problem is, no customers are waiting to buy your products and services.[...]
February 8th, 2011 at 3:14 am
Is this like your 10 commandments? I love the suggestions you wrote here and I think, if I were to add item #11, it is “Read again items 1-10 and make sure the idea sticks!” Thanks for the awesome sharing!
February 8th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Hi Shaleen,
Thanks for your nice comments! There are additional things to watch out for on your site to make it the best possible, but these give you a great, starting point. For the best traffic and results, it’s important to have a content manager (who knows SEO) help you improve your site on a regular basis.
All the best,
Melanie
(For more free, SEO and PR tips check out my site at rembrandtwrites.com.)
February 9th, 2011 at 12:45 pm
Great reminder of why traditional pr and marketing are still important tools! aired with technology they are unbeatable.
February 9th, 2011 at 5:01 pm
#10 may be the most valuable tip on your list. Many small businesses overlook this thinking they are either too small or can’t afford this. You are completely right- they CAN find a way to do it either inexpensively or free!
Lisa
http://www.StartYourOwnSmallBiz.com
February 9th, 2011 at 5:05 pm
Thanks Susan and Lisa. Yes, PR and marketing are important tools to increase sales, and new business owners should know that it is possible to generate buzz without spending a fortune.
Check back for more tips soon.
All the best,
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com
February 15th, 2011 at 5:12 am
Thanks for sharing your ideas and thoughts, i like your blog and bookmark this blog for further use thanks again…
February 15th, 2011 at 7:41 am
Thanks Errand Services. I appreciate your nice comments. For more free information related to small business public relations, search engine optimization and sales, check out rembrandtwrites.com, and I’ll be posting more here soon!
Melanie Rembrandt, Rembrandt Communications
February 20th, 2011 at 11:31 am
I like you post very much, Thanks for your sharing.
February 22nd, 2011 at 4:31 am
You created a great post with excellent information, i learnt a lot of stuff from this article.
March 24th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
[...] Click to see the full article. [...]
June 30th, 2011 at 8:48 pm
excellent information, I learn a lot from your article
June 30th, 2011 at 9:06 pm
Me too , I appreciate your nice comments
July 1st, 2011 at 6:04 am
Thanks Slewing and Digital Media. I’m glad you got some good information from the article.
All the best,
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com
March 30th, 2012 at 1:59 pm
[...] 3. You Don’t Have to Send Massive Press Releases Right Away. There are services that allow you pay hundreds of dollars to put your press release “on the wire,” so that hundreds of journalists will see it. Chances are, you’re better off targeting a few journalist that are local or cover a niche topic related to your business. Spend time getting to know journalists’ over twitter, write to them or comment on their articles. When the time comes to reach out with your news, they’ll already know who you are. (However, if you do decide to do a massive mailing, think twice before doing it over email). [...]
June 15th, 2012 at 1:28 pm
Thank you for sharing about a topic which usually people thinks it is less important but very valuable for people like me. Appreciated.
June 15th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Thanks so much for your comments about this blog on public relations. I’m glad you find it helpful! Look for more soon, and let me know which topics you’d like to hear about most.
Melanie Rembrandt, rembrandtwrites.com
December 13th, 2012 at 10:54 am
[...] 3. You Don’t Have to Send Massive Press Releases Right Away. There are services that allow you pay hundreds of dollars to put your press release “on the wire,” so that hundreds of journalists will see it. Chances are, you’re better off targeting a few journalist that are local or cover a niche topic related to your business. Spend time getting to know journalists’ over twitter, write to them or comment on their articles. When the time comes to reach out with your news, they’ll already know who you are. (However, if you do decide to do a massive mailing, think twice before doing it over email). [...]