Posts Tagged tips
Press Release Tips for All Ages
Posted by admin in Uncategorized on March 22nd, 2010
Is the Press Release dead? Not yet. Plenty of traditional pr professionals are still cranking out releases at records rates. Press releases can be a great communications tool and a good way to make a first impression, especially in the B2B world.
Newspapers, magazines and trade publications receive them by the hundreds. I worked in a newsroom for over 6 years and trust me on this: Sloppy, long, pointless releases are the first to hit the newsroom wastebasket or be deleted from e-mail.
To make sure your press release makes the cut to consideration, avoid these common mistakes.
Cut to the chase. Failing to write a headline that explains what the story is about. Don’t try to be too cute or tease readers. Most journalists spend a less than five seconds reading a release before deciding whether to use it or toss it.
Too Wordy. Writing press releases that are too long, meaning they exceed one page, are not an attractive read to a busy journalist. Each release should be no longer than one printed page, or one computer screen of type. Remember. The purpose of your press release is to make a journalist pick up the phone and call you for a larger story.
Get it right. Getting your facts wrong makes a terrible first impression. Before you send a release, double-check everything. If your press release includes a telephone number, call the number to make sure it’s correct. If it includes a website address, send the release to yourself first and actually click on the link to make sure it takes readers to the correct page. Don’t rely on your computer’s spell-check. Have someone else proofread the release.
Missing the Boat. Sending it too late. If you want publicity for an event in your own community, send releases to local newspapers and TV stations about three weeks before the event. If you want publicity in national magazines, however, you might have to send your information six months before the event because many magazines work several months ahead of the publication date. Make sure you know deadlines for every publication on your media contact list.
What’s in it for me? Sending a press release that focuses on the company and not the targeted reader is a common mistake. Know your audience and target them throughout the entire release.
Cliche Phrases. Avoid hackneyed words and phrases such as spectacular, incredible, the only one of its kind, breakthrough, cutting-edge, unique and state-of-the-art.
Not Making Sense. Write so journalists can understand what you are saying. Speaking insider industry lingo that no one understands except people in your industry will get you a first class ticket to the trash bin.
The purpose of a press release is to communicate the news as quickly as possible. The easier you can make a journalist’s job, the greater the chances that your news will be shared.
Social Media Tips to Live By
Posted by Joie Tamkin in social media on December 29th, 2009
The way you play the social media field has a huge impact on you and your brand. Here are few tips I find useful, they actually apply to everyday life as well. Send me your tips. Enjoy!
1. Give More than You Receive- If you want positive attention, like most of us do, in the on-line world, than you have to be willing to give it first. I can hear my dad saying it now “I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine” he’s usually right and that is a great rule to live by. Respect is earned on-line not a right.
2. Treat others as you would want to be treated- Sounds easy right? Yet somehow there are those few who thinks its okay to post a nasty facebook status about a co-worker, friend, family member, even a client. Come on now! You catch more bees with honey… I hate bees and certainly don’t want to catch any, but it’s still a cliche to live by.
3. Contribute!- Just showing up to the office doesn’t get you anywhere, and neither does signing up for Twitter and ignoring all your DM’s or tweets of fellow twits. Sorry couldn’t resist that one. Don’t be shy, join the conversation and have fun with it! Please don’t just promote your brand, I may stop following you. Before you ever submit anything to a social media site, ask yourself “Does this article really add value to the community?” If not, reconsider submitting it.
5. Cheating is Wrong- Be faithful to yourself and don’t cheat or take short cuts. Focus on building a successful social media presence as you would a friendship with a networking group. Sure, you might be able to get thousands of followers and fans by cheating, but eventually, you will lose credibility.
6. Build Quality Relationships- People are more willing to help those who they really know. By building quality relationships with other users, you’ll always have someone in your corner to back you up. Remember, relationships require the participation of both parties, always be a willing partner your social media relationship.