P.R. Does Not Stand For Press Release!
| Category: PR/Publicity and Media | Date: 2003-12-08 |
Theres no denying that the Internet is allowing more and more entrepreneurs to start their own businesses and effectively market their new products. However, there seems to be an misconception when these businesses try to generate media attention and publicity for their products. Over the past several years, I have had more than a few clients come to me seeking "a PR" to get people interested in their products / businesses. Thats right "a PR". Contrary to what some people think, PR is NOT an acronym for "Press Release". PR is much more than that and that distinction is very important to understand.
I often cringe when I see articles from well-intentioned "marketing" experts that say, in effect: "simply write a press releases, pitch it to the media and just sit back and reap the benefits." Unfortunately, it is far from being that simple. That statement pre-supposes that the media release is written well - containing all the right elements and newspegs to catch the media eye - and that it is pitched and maintained in the correct media market, which is often the downfall of many amateur PR campaigns. By all means, a press release is an integral part of a PR campaign. But a press release alone does not a PR campaign make. A successful PR / publicity campaign for your business product, website or whatever should include many, if not all of the following:
An interesting, quality, newsworthy product that the media (and its audience) will find merit in
A concise, articulate media release or story pitch - not a glorified ad - detailing the benefits of your product / business / website and what effect it will have for its users
A supply of media "supportives" - product photos (digital & hard copy), possible review samples, etc.
An extensively researched media list detailing all applicable media outlets whose editorial profiles match your product / business profile. Heres an important detail -- the targets of your pitch should be "name-specific" not just "title-specific" media contacts. By that I mean the media market research you compile should give you particulars like Sally Jones-Cooking Editor not just Tribune Newsroom or Managing Editor
A solid, trustworthy media contact vehicle that gets your release / media kit directly into the hands of the appropriate reporter / editor / producer and allows them to respond easily to your pitch. (As always, beware of press release distribution services that often times indiscriminately spew your release to hundreds of untargeted media outlets with little or no results.) Research to find out the preferred method of receipt of your media targets - dont just assume an email will suffice. Whether its by snail mail, email, fax or phone calls, the media cant run your story if they dont hear about it. For one reason or another, some media may decide not to include your product / business in a placement -- but dont let them say they werent made aware of it
Meticulous media relations to immediately fulfill media requests (photos / interviews / product samples) and extensive media contact follow-ups over several months to generate as many placements as possible. Many times, media outlets cant immediately respond to an initial pitch due to tight editorial deadlines and the time it takes to wade through a multitude of similar media pitches. I have found, without question, that the media interest continues to increase as you re-introduce the pitch and gently "rattle the media cage" over the course of the next several weeks / months
Some sort of media tracking capabilities -- whether its your own media follow-ups, Internet research, or a professional broadcast / print clipping service. Having "hard copies" of the placements generated by your PR campaign can be invaluable in the further marketing of your business / product. Media placements are a unique validation of the market acceptance for your business / product and can help you convince new customers of that fact.
Think of a launching a PR / publicity campaign like flying a kite. The press release (which aptly details your product / business) is the kite. But if your kite doesnt have the proper amount of string, a good tail, a strong wind and the expert manipulation of the kite flier - it has very little chance of getting off the ground. But if all theses elements are in place - a PR / publicity campaign can send your business soaring like a kite on a breezy spring afternoon.
About the Author
Todd F. Brabender
Spread The News PR, Inc.
todd@spreadthenewspr.com
http://www.spreadthenewspr.com/
I often cringe when I see articles from well-intentioned "marketing" experts that say, in effect: "simply write a press releases, pitch it to the media and just sit back and reap the benefits." Unfortunately, it is far from being that simple. That statement pre-supposes that the media release is written well - containing all the right elements and newspegs to catch the media eye - and that it is pitched and maintained in the correct media market, which is often the downfall of many amateur PR campaigns. By all means, a press release is an integral part of a PR campaign. But a press release alone does not a PR campaign make. A successful PR / publicity campaign for your business product, website or whatever should include many, if not all of the following:
An interesting, quality, newsworthy product that the media (and its audience) will find merit in
A concise, articulate media release or story pitch - not a glorified ad - detailing the benefits of your product / business / website and what effect it will have for its users
A supply of media "supportives" - product photos (digital & hard copy), possible review samples, etc.
An extensively researched media list detailing all applicable media outlets whose editorial profiles match your product / business profile. Heres an important detail -- the targets of your pitch should be "name-specific" not just "title-specific" media contacts. By that I mean the media market research you compile should give you particulars like Sally Jones-Cooking Editor not just Tribune Newsroom or Managing Editor
A solid, trustworthy media contact vehicle that gets your release / media kit directly into the hands of the appropriate reporter / editor / producer and allows them to respond easily to your pitch. (As always, beware of press release distribution services that often times indiscriminately spew your release to hundreds of untargeted media outlets with little or no results.) Research to find out the preferred method of receipt of your media targets - dont just assume an email will suffice. Whether its by snail mail, email, fax or phone calls, the media cant run your story if they dont hear about it. For one reason or another, some media may decide not to include your product / business in a placement -- but dont let them say they werent made aware of it
Meticulous media relations to immediately fulfill media requests (photos / interviews / product samples) and extensive media contact follow-ups over several months to generate as many placements as possible. Many times, media outlets cant immediately respond to an initial pitch due to tight editorial deadlines and the time it takes to wade through a multitude of similar media pitches. I have found, without question, that the media interest continues to increase as you re-introduce the pitch and gently "rattle the media cage" over the course of the next several weeks / months
Some sort of media tracking capabilities -- whether its your own media follow-ups, Internet research, or a professional broadcast / print clipping service. Having "hard copies" of the placements generated by your PR campaign can be invaluable in the further marketing of your business / product. Media placements are a unique validation of the market acceptance for your business / product and can help you convince new customers of that fact.
Think of a launching a PR / publicity campaign like flying a kite. The press release (which aptly details your product / business) is the kite. But if your kite doesnt have the proper amount of string, a good tail, a strong wind and the expert manipulation of the kite flier - it has very little chance of getting off the ground. But if all theses elements are in place - a PR / publicity campaign can send your business soaring like a kite on a breezy spring afternoon.
About the Author
Todd F. Brabender
Spread The News PR, Inc.
todd@spreadthenewspr.com
http://www.spreadthenewspr.com/
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