Publicity tips for Speakers
Becoming a professional speaker, or using professional speakers can bring value and money to your business. But, the speaking business is very competitive and speakers must be experts in their field. If you were a Speaker, how would you go about promoting your products and programs? You could send your credentials to magazines, business journals, newsletters, online publications, contests, etc. You can also post your information on your own web site under a button called Media Room. If you are sending press releases to national magazines, you must send them at least six months in advance. You should also send a photo of yourself so people will recognize you when you come for your presentation. And be sure to let people know how to get in touch with you.
What are some tips for publicizing yourself?
Advertising departments of newspaper and magazines are invaluable. They will give you a copy of their editorial calendar. It will give you listings of topics and sections for the calendar year. This will let you know where your topic would best fit into their schedule. You must do this well in advance, possibly as much as six months or more.
Newspaper reporters are always interested in new stories. Call and ask how you can be of help. Become a valuable source to them. If you keep them informed, they will keep coming back to you for more information.
Did you know that you can start your own television show on your station's community access channel? There is a small fee of about $20 and you can produce as many shows as you need. And the good thing is that air time is free. If you are selling a product, and have a TV spot, it is a good idea to alert retail stores in advance so they can be sure and stock your product. Your cable company can give you further details.
It would be a good thing to build a network of speakers who will have expertise on your topic. When working with reporters, they will call from your network of speakers for further sources of a story.
Print a free newsletter. Many reporters will call you for interviews.
Keep in touch with reporters and give them your ideas on a regular basis.
Some radio talk show hosts could be invited to call you when they have cancellations. They will be grateful that you offered.
Larger libraries have the Oxbridge Directory of Newsletters which lists thousands of newsletters by topic and will tell you the type of audience and subjects are covered.
Post your marketing materials on your web site. Be sure to be an expert in your topic. The media will want to interview an expert and make sure you update your web site regularly. The challenge will be to get multiple hits to your site.
How do you promote your web site? There are several options. Produce a brochure and make sure you have plenty of business cards to hand out. Your voice mail is an excellent source. Ask to put your advertisement on bulletin boards at grocery stores. Have some pens printed with your web site on it. Post an advertisement on your car, either on the side or create a bumper sticker. How about on flyers, your fax cover sheets, business directories, Yellow page ads and of course, word of mouth.
How do you come up with a topic to write?
Start by naming a few of the biggest problems your customers or clients face. Wow! You have just come up with a few articles to write about. Make sure the topics talk about your services, your products that you sell and an issue that you want to discuss.
