Find Out What is Missing from Your PR Plan
Marsha Friedman, Chief Executive Officer of Event Management Services Inc, a national PR firm says " In my nearly twenty years of experience in the public relations industry the missing link to many publicity campaigns is positioning! If you perfectly position your product you will maximize your media exposure and media opportunities." Friedman continues, "So what is positioning? It is simply the art of presenting your book, product or service to the media in such a way as to convey an immediate interest and understanding of the subject. This will position your topic next to other hot and similar news stories!which will really help people have a quick and simple understanding of your topic. Positioning has been used for decades by Madison Avenue with much success, yet there is little understanding of it. So what this means is that when you consider your press release, the rules need to be rewritten.
Marsha Friedman adds, "A creative and well thought out presentation of your product to the media is an absolute must! The competition for attention makes the job of publicity increasingly more difficult. But, positioning is the missing link that will pull you through." Let's let Marsha Friedman share some tips that her firm uses to position her clients at EMSI:
1. Make sure that the materials you will be supplying the media with will present a good, clear communication of your message and it's relevance in today's world.
2. Take a look at what you are promoting and find the "pearls" - those pieces of information that set it apart. Or, those statements or assertions that are alarming or ground-breaking about your product and service.
3. Find out how similar topics are being portrayed in the media. How does yours compare? How is it different? Is there a new slant to it?
4. Then start writing your press release! Make sure that you get all of these "pearls" of wisdom down on a two page (maximum) release and slap an eye-catching headline at the top. The audience of your press release is a very inundated producer, so make it eye catching!
5. Be plain and obvious. If you the producer or editor has to really think hard to decipher your message, they will pass over you. Give them an instant concept!
6. Don't send out the same release to the different media. Remember that they are each looking for something different. A 20 minute interview on a talk radio show is not the same as a 5 minute television news interview.
7. Always include those special features about yourself (or your spokesperson) that make you an authority on the topic; why you would make a good guest (and not put the audience to sleep) and what questions could be asked during the interview.
8. You can be a bit more sales-y with your talk radio press releases, but always remember to give a clear idea of the show and why you are an expert to talk about your topic.
Marsha Friedman says, "Lastly, bear in mind that no matter how good your press materials are, without a good follow-up campaign by phone, your efforts may not pay off. Often times the media never receives your materials or was interested but just too busy to call for more information. If you want to get your press release noticed, you will need to call them to follow up. This will definitely put you heads and shoulders ahead of the pack."
If you would like to learn more about gaining media attention for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman is here to help . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without monthly retainers .
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Published April 10th, 2008
Filed in Advertising, Marketing