Tag archive for "free publicity"

PR for Small Business

How to Fall Back in Love with your Business

16 Comments 14 February 2011

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I know, I know. It’s Valentine’s Day and everyone is trying to fit the theme of “love” into a business promotion.
 
But hear me out.
 
Do you feel like the passion and fire you once had for your business has dimmed – or altogether blew out?
 
I felt the same way.
 
This time last year I was a little restless and bored with my business. I mean, overall, it was fine. Successful….profitable….but what was missing was the passion. I wasn’t bowled over with excitement to wake up every day and head into the office. Before long it became reminiscent of my first corporate world job, and it felt like the daily grind.
 
Then I realized the problem. I wasn’t infusing enough of ME into the business.
 
You see, I started my business in my mid-twenties, and after the millionth person harped on me for being too young to know what I was talking about, I went ahead and started acting older. I dressed older. I spoke like I was older. Everything was very buttoned up and professional.
 
Totally NOT me.
 
So I decided to do a business and life makeover – or make-under – and started actually acting my age. I began speaking the way I would speak to a friend. I began dressing in my favorite jeans rather than in dressy black pants. If my Philly accent crept out, I didn’t really care. Because it was me.
 
And guess what? People dug it. In fact, my business nearly doubled in profits when I actually just started being myself. And I got to work with loads of cool people that knew the “real” me and knew I could deliver results, even with my chilled out attitude.
 
So, for those of you that don’t know me – I’m a total goofball. I talk louder than the normal person even though I try to remember to tone it down. I snort sometimes when I laugh. I work most days in my home office in my sweats with really thick, warm socks. Oh, and I LOVE entertainment. Love movies, television, magazines, books – you name it. In fact, I used to be an actress when I was a kid and still moonlight as one today. And no, I’m not the femme fatale or ‘girl next door’ type of actress. I’m the kookie neighbor or badass cop kind of actress. In fact, one of my favorite pieces to perform is a modern take on the fairytale Cinderella – and I play the ugly stepsister.  
 
So, how did I fall back in love with my business?
 
I decided to enlist the help of my friend and social media marketing rock star Payson Cooper – who is totally smart, but also doesn’t mind being a goofball just like me. We put our heads together to come up with a program that would deliver killer information, but never forget to have fun while doing it.
 
So, without further adieu, here is our first sneak peek at what’s to come in our program – Boost Your Fame Factor. If you want to get more scoop on what’s in the program, make sure to use the link below and sign up for more deets. Until then, grab some popcorn and check out our little promo commercial. Enjoy!
 

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PR for Small Business

5 Ways to Use your PR Coverage

5 Comments 02 February 2011

Congratulations! You've managed to score some sweet publicity coverage. Now that you have a blog review, or a TV appearance, or a magazine write-up, or a newspaper article in your back pocket, will customers come flocking to you in droves?

Not exactly.

While you may see an increased amount of traffic, or even an increased amount of sales, your job doesn't stop here. Check out these 5 simple ways to explode your PR coverage.

Brag About It

Come on, you know you want to! Don't be shy about sharing your coverage with customers, family, friends – really anyone who will listen! At the very least, you should post the coverage somewhere on your website. If you want to be an A+ student, then for each new piece of press you get you should:

  • Blog about your coverage
  • Send an email newsletter with links to the coverage
  • Post it in your online press room
  • Use the logos of your press coverage on your homepage with an "As Featured In" blurb
  • Share it on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn
  • Hang it on the wall or display (if you have a physical store location)
  • Include it in your email signature

Send it to Retailers

If you have a product-based company, send a copy of the coverage to your retailers so they can share it with their customers. This works especially well if you have a magazine placement. You can send the actual page you were featured on in a clear plastic frame so they can put it next to your product on the shelf. Also send electronic versions in case they want to post it on an e-commerce site next to the image of your product. This is important to help your retail accounts boost sales, and increase your wholesale orders!

Ask for Comments

If your coverage is online (and most things are posted online these days) there will likely be a comments section underneath where folks can post feedback. Encourage your 'peeps' to go and post a comment under the coverage. Remember, the media is looking for an audience just as much as you are. If your blog post or newspaper article generates a lot of comments and feedback, they may be more apt to cover your business again in the future!

Testimonials

Use quotes from the coverage you have and use it in your offline and online marketing. How cool would that be to have the back of your business card read "The best skincare I've ever used – Glamour Magazine."

Welcome the Audience

When you get a press mention, you will likely have at least one person visit your website or come to your store to inquire about your business. Make them feel welcome! If you know you're going to be featured in a major outlet, like Redbook Magazine or the New York Times, post a welcome note on your homepage:

"Welcome <media outlet name> readers!"

Then include a call to action depending on what the coverage was.

"To purchase the product featured in the article, click here"

"If you enjoyed our tips, contact us to set up a consultation"

You get the drill. Make it easy for customers to buy from you and you'll be much more satisfied at the results of your press coverage!

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5 Ways to Kickstart your PR Campaign Today!

No Comments 02 March 2010

Have you ever wanted to get something started, but kept waiting for the “right” time?

Yup – I’ve been there. There’s always an excuse NOT to do something, so I’ve decided to take all the excuses away and let you know 5 simple things you can do to get a jump on your PR campaign.

  • Buy one magazine you are dying to be featured in (or just pick it up if you already subscribe) – go through and dog-ear all of the pages you can see you or your product/service featured. I guarantee there will be more than one place you’re right for, and a completely new opportunity to send a pitch for that publication!

 

  • Watch TV – that’s right! Take the time to watch the show you desire to be on, then take the following notes – how long are the segments? Who is/are the host(s)? What time do the segments appear that fit your topic? What was the lead-in to the segment? Get familiar with the way the show works and you can expertly craft your pitch just for that show!

 

  • Contact your local newspaper and see if they will do a story on you as a local business. Most local newspapers love highlighting “rising stars.” Local coverage can often lead to big opportunities!

 

 

  • Write down three “newsworthy” topics that you can pitch this month. Short lead outlets are working on St. Patrick’s Day, Easter, Passover, Women’s History Month and Shaping up for Spring! Long lead outlets are working on August/September issues – think Back to School!
share save 171 16 5 Ways to Kickstart your PR Campaign Today!

 
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