Public Relations Tips: March 2006

How many words should articles contain when you are writing them to be submitted to online article directories?

You want to write somewhere between 600-800 words, certainly no more than 900, and no less than 500.

Keep in mind this is an online strategy. People like short, quick information.

If it’s too short, less than 500, I have to question the quality of the article that you’re writing. Can you really express your expertise and provide helpful tips in an article that’s short?

If it’s too long, 1) The article portals don’t want it because it eats up too much of their space, and 2) It’s just simply too long. People don’t have the time to read long articles.

For more information on how to build your website traffic, your celebrity/expert status, and your bottom line, check out How to Submit Online Articles That Pull Traffic to Your Website

Posted by DK at 03:58 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Many people who set out to write a press release have a basic misunderstanding of their objective.

They dutifully slave over a release, choosing the exact words to best tell their story in a single page.

Unfortunately, even if their release gets printed, that's only enough copy to fill a few column inches of space.

Isn't your real goal to have full-page articles written about you, or to be a feature story on the news broadcast? You simply aren't going to get there with a standard press release.

So what's the real purpose of a press release? To get the reporter to pick up the phone and call for a complete interview.

Therefore press releases to really do their job have to grab their interest, make them feel you'll be a great story subject, and that your story will be of news interest to their audience.

For more information on how to do this check out Creating Powerful Press Releases: 11 Steps To Creating Press Releases That Get Printed!

Posted by DK at 05:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

All companies deal with a crisis or two. The definition of a crisis is something that happens out of your control, but that doesn't mean you can't prepare for it.

One of the most ingenious ways to prepare for a media crisis is to use dark pages. These web pages are not accessible to the public, and your web designer should know how to protect the pages online. With pages like this, you can prepare the template for your crisis response, and then cater it to the problem just before you let the page go live.

It makes a lot of sense to prepare for the inevitable crisis, and this is one of the smartest ways you can spend your time. Oh, and when something happens in the middle of the night, your IT person will thank you.

This is just one of the many tips found in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name.

Posted by DK at 08:31 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

When you're in a negative situation, how do you make people believe you and your side of the story?

Obviously, trust is extremely important in relationships, including business relationships. When rumors abound, no one will believe the truth unless they have established trust with the business.

Rumors often start with a small kernel of truth that gets blown out of proportion and elaborated upon. If there is a tiny bit of truth in a rumor, you have a responsibility as a business spokesperson to step forward and admit that small piece of information. By doing this, you automatically gain credibility because you are willing to admit what is going on.

People tend to believe those who can be critical of themselves, which also applies to a business admitting they made a mistake. Of course, as soon as you admit this tiny kernel of truth, you need to reassure your public that you are remedying the situation to your best ability. But having the guts to discuss the truth in a rumor gives you the credibility that will allow people to believe your side of the story.

Read more tips like this in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name

Posted by DK at 07:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

When you come across a negative rumor about your company on the web, your first inclination may be to send out a news release stating the truth. Don't do this, because it will only give the rumor power.

People who regularly watch TV or read the newspaper may not have heard anything yet, and by jumping the gun to defend yourself, you are giving people negative information that they weren't looking for.

Instead of issuing a press release, turn to the place the rumor started: the web. Consider that many of the people who get their initial information online will continue to search the web for answers.

By posting something on your home page, you will be able to correct the rumor without offering negative information to the masses. If you do nothing, you lose your chance to frame the situation in a positive manner. Post something discreet but informative, and you'll minimize the spread of the rumor.

This is just one of the many tips found in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name.

Posted by DK at 08:02 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you research your company online, you're apt to find some negative comments about the company or its services.

To see an example of the Internet's power to influence large groups of people, visit http://www.crankycustomer.com/. This site is a great example of how the Internet can turn a customer's private gripe into a public relations disaster. It's a terrific site for researching potential suppliers, and it's even fun to read, unless you happen to be the company being discussed!

When this happens, you have to make a judgment call about the comment. If it's an isolated incident - like someone who had a bad experience on a customer service phone call - you can probably fix it easily. Once they've gotten attention from the company and worked out a solution, they often drop their complaint altogether.

What you need to worry about is a problem involves a lot of people who feel strongly about the same thing. If you start to notice a bandwagon effect, and people are jumping to say negative things about your company, you need to take action with a wider response.

Find out just what kind of response is best in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name.

Posted by DK at 07:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Much to the dismay of many companies, the best weapon in a business crisis cannot be prepared in a hurry. Instead, it must be figured out in advance, hopefully before you have to deal with a crisis.

This amazing tool is...

an 800 telephone number just to deal with calls on the crisis subject.

Certainly everyone has seen a number like this for a product recall or a food contamination issue. Although 800 number service can be used for all kinds of calls, it cannot be set up overnight. It must be researched and paid for in advance, since it takes almost two weeks to be ready. When your business is under media attack, this waiting period will never allow the tool to be effective.

Instead, call and set up an 800 number with your long distance provider right now. You can do most of the set up in advance, and hold the number in reserve (it should only cost a few dollars per month since there are no calls going to it) then make the number live when you are launching the service. It could be a life saver when you are faced with a lot of customer feedback an no means to take the calls.

Read more tips like this in What to Do When Someone Damages Your Good Name

Posted by DK at 12:46 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Presenting an idea to a producer involves one very important thing: the pitch. Although difficult, landing the pitch is the best step you can take to getting booked, especially on a morning or early show.

Make sure you keep your wording simple, and try to keep it under 30 seconds in length. If you're a celebrity expert, or a famous author, drop your name right away. It gets the producer interested and listening. Also, if your subject is tied to current events, mentioning its relevance to your subject will help. Whatever you do, make sure you are quick and concise, because producers will immediately dislike your pitch if you cannot articulate it.

For all the skinny on how to get onto talk shows, read or listen to How to Get Booked On Morning TV Talk Shows

Posted by DK at 07:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

For a small business in a local community, the opinion page of your newspaper is an incredible opportunity. It’s easy to get publicity by commenting on a feature or article. However, understand that you don’t want to give yourself a bad name either, so choose your words wisely, and stay away from halting criticism and harsh judgments. It’s possible to make a point without giving offense.

Also, there are options if the newspaper covers your competitor but not you. Write a letter that comments on an aspect of the story that the reporter didn’t touch, but that you can contribute to. If it’s relevant and interesting, you’ve turned a potentially unhelpful situation into a good chance for publicity.

Read more tips like this The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business—Even if You’re a Solo Entrepreneur.

Posted by DK at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Bet you didn’t know that there’s a method to journalism madness. Many, if not all, reporters read a directory called Chase's Calendar of Events. It has more than 14,000 events listed that range from Secretary Appreciation Day to Library Lover’s Month.

This isn’t a book about Christmas or Hanukkah or Kwanzaa: it’s a collection of those Hallmark holidays that are created to acknowledge people and what they do. This organization supplies the brainstorm book for reporters, because journalists use the holidays to justify their features. Basically, if you’re in the book, people will find you!

And luckily, it’s free to register your event. Choose a day, decide its significance, write up a quick description, and submit it to Chase’s. The fact that you’re in the directory can be instant publicity and credibility for your business.

This is just one of the many tips found in The Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest Ways to Publicize Your Small Business—Even if You’re a Solo Entrepreneur.

Posted by DK at 10:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

To a publicist, knowing your media before your pitch it is a no-brainer. As someone trying to get publicity yourself, make sure you take that professionalism to your own level: watch or listen to the show you’re hoping to pitch. Producers of the show will be able to tell whether or not you’re familiar with their show. If you don’t know them well enough to pitch effectively, why would they want you on their air?

So, take the time to watch several full-length shows to get a feel of things. Understanding your target media will allow you to angle your pitch appropriately and get on the shows of your choice.

For other tips on pitching to a morning talk shows, check out How to Get Booked On Morning TV Talk Shows

Posted by DK at 07:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)