The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #506 May 26, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. Your Press Release on Steroids

2. Newbies: Free Social Media Webinar

3. Use Blog Sub-heads

4. Advertise in This Ezine

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. Your Press Release on Steroids
====================================

In the old days, sending a press release was always a crap shoot.

You wrote it, sent it, or distributed it through one of the
online press release distribution services, and then you waited.

You never knew who might pick it up and reprint it.

Today, if you distribute it through PR Newswire, you are
virtually guaranteed that the release will show up on more than
50 influential, high-traffic websites including Forbes.com,
Hoover.com, Reuters.com, and dozens of sites for local business
journals.

The big payoff isn’t that people will necessarily see the
releases. It’s that all those inbound links from all those
influential sites means that Google will view your own site as
more authoritative. The more inbound links to your site from
high-traffic site, the higher the page rank Google grants to your
own website.

That’s referred to as “Google juice.”

When my friend Dan Janal told me about his little experiment
recently using one of his own press releases, I couldn’t believe
it. But it works, and he wrote a special report about it. Give
him your name and email address and he’ll give you the report.

Go to http://www.prleadsplus.com/publicityhoundpr/ If you are
buying distribution from a major press release distribution
service, you might want to check out Dan’s pricing. He buys in
bulk so he might be able to offer the same quality service with
better prices.

======================================
2. Newbies: Free Social Media Webinar
======================================

Too embarrassed to admit you still don’t understand social media?

Or frustrated that you’ve been tinkering with Twitter and
Facebook for several months and don’t know what all the fuss is
about? If so, you’re not alone.

Jeanne Hurlbert, my business partner and co-creator of Social
Media Rx, our social media assessment tool, hear from people
almost every day who complain that they can’t get any traction on
these sites, or they don’t know where to begin. (See the Help
This Hound question below.)

If you have social media questions, join us for a free webinar at
2 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, May 27. We’re devoting the
entire session to a Q&A. If we can’t get to your questions during
the call, we’ll answer them personally by email afterward.
Promise.

Register here:
http://www.siteproweb.com/mysocialmediasolution-q-a-webinar

Facebook Update: Last week, I explained why I’m not joining other
Facebook users who are bailing out of the site because of its
goofy privacy policy. Over the weekend, Facebook CEO Mark
Zuckerberg admitted the company has made mistakes and said he’ll
announce a new privacy policy this week. Stay tuned.

=====================================
3. Use Blog Sub-heads
=====================================

When you write a long blog post, do you break it up with sub-
heads so readers can quickly scan the post, darting from sub-head
to sub-head to find what they’re looking for?

BL Ochman does. Here’s a perfect example of how she made a post
on the Facebook privacy policy mess I mentioned above very easy
to read by using nine sub-heads:
http://tinyurl.com/blogsubheads

They break up the gray. They state her opinion. They flag readers
to what’s coming next.

BL is a prolific blogger, frequent Twitterer and she does it all
while juggling a full-time PR job. She was my guest during the
teleseminar “How to do Social Networking, Run a Business & Still
Have a Life.” Learn more about it at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/socialnetworking.htm

=====================================
4. Advertise in This Ezine
=====================================

I’ve been publishing a free weekly ezine for almost 10 years and
never accepted ads because they always seemed more appropriate
for HTML newsletters.

But when I offered you the option of an HTML format several weeks
ago, Publicity Hounds started asking if they could buy ads.

If you offer a product or service for people who self-promote, or
for the PR community, go to my blog and read more about how to
get your message in front of my readers:
http://publicityhound.net/the-publicity-hounds-tips-of-the-week-
now-accepts-ads/

======================================
5. Help This Hound
======================================

Cindy Tollen of El Paso, Texas writes:

“I am a one woman shop at http://www.sudznbubbles.com/ and I sell
custom and novelty glycerin soap products, bath salts, body
butter and lip balm—some of it around a food theme. You can buy
a soap that looks like a piece of luscious peach pie, a cupcake
or a cherry tart, for example.

“I need tips on how to market my products with a limited budget
and little time. I sold my products in stores until the recession
hit, now I sell mostly online or at trade shows. I need to know
the best tool for marketing.

“I have a Facebook Fan Page but few fans. I blog, but can’t
remember the last time I wrote something. I’m on Twitter but I
don’t know what to tweet about.

“Can your Hounds offer some smart marketing tips, tools or
strategies that will help translate into sales? My target market
is upscale women over 30.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Cindy, you have such a fun product that I can hardly wait to see
all the clever ideas my Hounds post to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/creator-of-novelty-soaps-needs-social-
media-marketing-advice/

In the meantime, take advantage of the free webinar I’m hosting
on Thursday with my business partner, Jeanne Hurlbert. We’ll
answer all your questions about social media, including what to
talk about, and how to drive lots of women in your target
audience to your Facebook Fan Page.

Register here:
http://www.siteproweb.com/mysocialmediasolution-q-a-webinar

=====================================
6. Hound Video Joke of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Christine Buffaloe, my virtual assistant from Serenity
Virtual Assistant Services, for this video of “Breakfast at
Ginger’s.” Watch as Ginger, a lab, peels a banana:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaAVZ2yXDBo

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

====================================
7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:

Oprah looks for the next big TV star–Is it you?
http://publicityhound.net/oprah-looks-for-the-next-big-tv-star-
is-it-you/

How freelancers can use Twitter to find journalists, sources
http://publicityhound.net/how-freelancers-can-use-twitter-to-
find-journalists-sources

‘The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week’ now accepts ads
http://publicityhound.net/the-publicity-hounds-tips-of-the-week-
now-accepts-ads/

———————————————-

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

———————————————–
Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy at http://www.Publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #505 May 18, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. Why You Shouldn’t Quit Facebook

2. Questions the Media Love

3. How Survey Publicity Snowballs

4. Story Ideas for June

5. Hound Joke of the Week

6. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. Why You Shouldn’t Quit Facebook
====================================

A lot of angry Facebook users are abandoning the site and urging
their friends to bolt, too, because of its confusing privacy
policies.

You have to navigate through 50 settings with more than 170
options. By default, Facebook can share your profile information
with third-party sites, and if you don’t want that, you have to
opt out. Many users think that’s deceptive and that it should be
the other way around.

I won’t abandon Facebook, where I’ve managed to attract more than
5,000 friends and fans–at least not yet.

With enough pressure, Facebook might alter its policy and reach
some kind of compromise that won’t necessarily placate users, but
will at least encourage them to refrain from jumping ship.

Already, the marketplace is stepping in. ConnectInPrivate.com,
developer of a comprehensive suite of anonymous surfing and
Internet privacy tools, will soon announce the launch of its new
“Secure My Profile” application for Facebook.

Hang in there a little while longer and let’s see how this plays
out. In the meantime, check out this two-minute video that
explains how to adjust your privacy settings:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/05/13/facebook-privacy-
settings_n_575732.html

Now, use the site to its greatest advantage. See “11 Ways to
Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/how_to_use_facebook.htm

====================================
2. Questions the Media Love
====================================

The next time a journalist interviews you, or a blogger is
interested in an idea you’re pitching, ask this question: “Do you
need other sources?”

They love that question. It shows you’re trying to make their job
easy and you don’t want to hog the media spotlight.  If you can
provide a name, email address and phone number for an expert or
source who you know would agree to be interviewed, you’ll
position yourself as helpful.

After 22 years working at newspapers, I can tell you that almost
NOBODY asks that.

Here’s another question that people almost never ask: “Are you
looking for photo ideas?”

Those two questions are among 10 magic phrases to use with the
media. I’ll explain all of them when I present the 90-minute
webinar, “How to REALLY Use Publicity as an Online Marketing
Channel and ZIG When Everyone Else is ZAGGING,” from 1:30 to 3
p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, May 19.

This session is perfect for beginner and intermediate self-
promoters. I presented it a few weeks ago to Stompernet, the
association of Internet marketers, to rave reviews.

Come with your questions and I’ll answer them all, either during
or after the call.

I’ll also explain the missing link–how to create relationships
with journalists and bloggers.  And I’ll share my favorite free
tools that help you know instantly which journalists need other
sources in addition to your expertise, and how to contact them.

The session will be recorded, and you can watch the video replay
after the call.

Register at http://www.PublicityHound.com/onlinepublicitytips.htm

=====================================
3. How Survey Publicity Snowballs
=====================================

Two weeks ago, I wrote about Brian Kluth, a former church pastor
who takes an annual “State of the Plate” survey that reports on
whether people are donating more or less money to their churches.

More than 160 media outlets covered the results of his most
recent survey.

Jeanne Hurlbert, my business partner who is an expert on surveys,
interviewed Brian. He explained how he got an initial story on
the front page of the Washington Times, how it snowballed from
there, the simple way he found names of religion editors, and how
he partnered with Christianity Today magazine.

This is great stuff for anybody who wants to use inexpensive
surveys to position themselves as experts, call attention to
emerging trends and build strong relationships with the media.

The best part is that Brian now has names and contact information
for 160 journalists and broadcasters who are interested in his
topic.

Jeanne is offering the free download of the half-hour interview
at http://mixiv.com/vp/47965/18826 How about sharing it with your
Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn friends?

======================================
4. Story Ideas for June
======================================

Here are five story ideas worth pitching during June:

–Speakers, authors and experts: Do you have advice for college
graduates? Offer tips on careers, finances and relationships.

–What about advice for newlyweds? Mortgage lenders, marriage
counselors and professional organizers, offer your best tips for
getting started on the right foot.

–Gardening is booming. How can people use small spaces to grow
veggies and save on grocery bills?

–What kind of summer clothing is unacceptable in the workplace?
Image consultants and HR experts, share your horror stories.

–Tell people how to save on summer travel. Share tips on saving
gasoline, buying cheap airline tickets and finding inexpensive
lodging.
Now, look ahead and start thinking about ideas you can pitch in
July and beyond. Shawne Duperon and I can help. We recorded the
teleseminar I hosted on “103 Sizzling Story Ideas from July
through December.” It includes a handout listing all of our
ideas, which we invite you to steal. Learn more at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/JulyIdeas.htm

=====================================
5. Hound Joke of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Maria Antonia for pointing out this
excerpt from the book “Alfred Hitchcock: A Life in Darkness and
Light” that explains how Hitchcock directed Sean Connery on the
set of Marnie:

“Every once in a while the director did venture minor
‘adjustments and suggestions’ (Connery’s words) in the rhythm of
scenes–which, according to one Connery biographer, largely
consisted of advising the actor to shut his mouth while listening
for his cues, and inserting ‘dog’s feet’ into his lengthier
speeches.

“Dog’s feet?” asked a mystified Connery.

“Pawses,” Hitchcock drawled.

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

====================================
6. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:
Calculate the value of your Facebook Fan Page
http://publicityhound.net/calculate-the-value-of-your-facebook-
fan-page/

Fiction authors: Blog about these 19 topics
http://publicityhound.net/fiction-authors-blog-about-these-19-
topics/

9 ways chambers of commerce can use social media
http://www.mysocialmediasolution.com/9-ways-chambers-of-commerce-
can-use-social-media/

———————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

———————————————-

Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy at http://www.Publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #504 May 11, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. No More ‘Spray and Pray’

2. Why You Need a .info Website

3. 100 Retweet Targets

4. Associated Press Stylebook

5. Promoting an Ebook

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. No More ‘Spray and Pray’
====================================

When you have something to promote, do you spray the landscape
with press releases and then, pray that someone pays attention?

That’s what most people do because it’s easy.

But the “spray and pray” technique seldom works. When you send a
press release or pitch to a journalist or blogger, your goal
should be to make the recipient read it and say, “this is PERFECT
for my audience.”

That might mean writing different versions of the same press
release. It definitely means crafting customized pitches for all
your targeted media. And really smart Publicity Hounds take the
extra step of researching journalists and bloggers BEFORE they
pitch.

Time consuming? Yes.

Effective? Very.

I’ll share lots of smart strategies for researching journalists
and supercharging your online PR efforts when I present the 90-
minute webinar, “How to REALLY Use Publicity as an Online
Marketing Channel and ZIG When Everyone Else is ZAGGING,” from
1:30 to 3 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, May 19. This session is
perfect for beginner and intermediate self-promoters. I presented
it a few weeks ago to Stompernet, the association of Internet
marketers, to rave reviews. Come with your questions and I’ll
answer them all, either during or after the call.

I’ll also explain the missing link–how to create relationships
with journalists and bloggers–and share my favorite free tools
that help you save time. The session will be recorded, and you
can watch the video replay after the call.

Register at http://snipurl.com/onlinepublicitytips

====================================
2. Why You Need a .info Website
====================================

If you’re creating a mobile website with a .mobi extension, like
PublicityHound.mobi, don’t forget to create your .info site.

It’s impossible to know where people are when they’re looking for
your website. Are they in front of their computers or on their
mobile phones? If it’s the latter, you don’t want to force them
to navigate your clunky PC site on a teeny-tiny screen.

I send them to http://www.PublicityHound.info  When visitors
arrive, they can click on “My PC Site” at
http://www.PublicityHound.com or “My Mobile Site” at
http://www.PublicityHound.mobi

Use your .info URL at social media sites, where 60 percent of all
activities are conducted on mobile phones. Also print it on
signs, receipts, packaging, advertising, stationery and your
business cards.

=====================================
3. 100 Retweet Targets
=====================================

If you’re looking for great content to retweet, and you want
others to retweet your own content, check out this list of “100
Retweet Targets for Web Professionals,” courtesy of Website
Magazine: http://snipurl.com/100retweettargets

They did a little research and chose the top 10 Twitterers in 10
web-related categories, including PR (I’m on the list).

“This list is in no way scientific and it is not all based on the
account’s number of Twitter followers,” the magazine says. “In
some cases, the account’s willingness to retweet has been weighed
along with total followers. We cannot guarantee that each account
is an expert in the industry, or that they will follow you back–
some will, but some will not. However, even if they don’t follow
you, consider an occasional “@” tweet to get their attention.
Just make sure it’s a quality update that is relevant to their
interests.”

Follow me on twitter at @PublicityHound.

If you’re twittering and not seeing a return on your investment
of time, check out “How to Use Twitter to Amass an Army of
Followers, Customers & Valuable Contacts–-and Promote,” a two-
part teleseminar series I hosted with Twitter expert Warren
Whitlock, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitter.htm

=====================================
4. Associated Press Stylebook
=====================================

When you’re writing an article, press release, material for your
online media room, your bio, or even a blog post, be sure to have
the Associated Press Stylebook close at hand.

The AP Stylebook and Briefing on Media Law, a spiral-bound style
manual produced by the world’s leading news agency, is an
essential handbook for all writers, editors, students and public
relations specialists. It provides fundamental guidelines on
spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage, with special sections
on reporting, business and sports. The 2010 edition is expected
to be available in the next few weeks. Go to
http://www.apstylebook.com

Major style change: The new edition now says the correct style is
website, not Web site.

Let me critique all your articles, press releases, blog posts,
bios and materials in your online pressroom. When you join my
mentor program, I serve as your personal writing coach. See if
you’re a good candidate, and read what others have to say about
the program at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html

======================================
5. Promoting an Ebook
======================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Katie Schwartz of
Chattanooga, TN. She wants to know how to promote an ebook for
parents of students about to enter college. It’s called the
Portable Parent and includes advice the students need on life
skills such as time and money management.

From Doug Smith:

“The American School Counselor Association has about 20,000
members. You might promote your ebook through their bookstore or
contact some of their members to review it so that you can use
the comments as a testimonial.”

From Sue Rogers:

“Start with K-12 counselors and parents and get the students
prepared beforehand. Once they start college, there’s too much
other information they’re trying to retain, and trying to get
adjusted to the new surroundings is overwhelming.”

From The Publicity Hound:

I blogged about “26 ways to promote an ebook” at
http://publicityhound.net/promote-an-ebook-26-ways/

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at
http://publicityhound.net/wanted-tips-to-publicize-ebook-for-
college-students/

Send your own question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state.

=====================================
6. Hound Joke of the Week
=====================================

An airline customer service agent got a call from a woman who
wanted to know if she could take her dog on board.

He told her the dog would be welcome, as long as she paid a $50
charge and provided her own kennel. He also explained that the
kennel needed to be large enough for the dog to stand up, sit
down, turn around and roll over.

“I’ll never be able to teach him all that by tomorrow,” she said,
and hung up.

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.
http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

====================================
7. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting:

Syndicated columnists need sources; you can be one
http://publicityhound.net/syndicated-columnists-need-sources-you-
can-be-one/

————————————

Follow me on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

Join my Facebook Fan Page:
http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

Connect with me on LinkedIn (and tell me how we know each other):
http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

————————————-
Permission to Reprint:

You may reprint any items from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” in your print or electronic newsletter. But please include
the following paragraph:

Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

If you like these tips, please pass them on to your friends,
clients and colleagues.

You are receiving this because you signed up for it at The
Publicity Hound website or you told me you want to subscribe.

Privacy Statement:

The Publicity Hound respects your privacy and has a strict anti-
spam policy at http://www.Publicityhound.com/privacypolicy.htm

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #503 May 4, 2010
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com/
http://www.publicityhound.mobi/
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net/ (Ezine Archives)

==========================================

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

Receive this ezine direct to your desktop
http://www.publicityarticles.net/feed/rss/

===================================
        In This Issue
===================================

1. 5 Facebook Security Dangers

2. Press Release & Pitching Problems

3. State of the Plate Survey

4. Webinars & Teleseminars

5. Promoting Job Training

6. Help This Hound

7. Hound Quote of the Week

8. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…

====================================
1. 5 Facebook Security Dangers
====================================

If you’re on Facebook, LinkedIn or MySpace, Consumer Reports says
you’re putting your security in danger if you do these 5 things:

–List your correct birthday.

–Use a weak password.

–Overlook the control you have in your privacy settings.

–Post a child’s name in a caption.

–Mention being away from home. I’m astonished at how many people
do this, and about the popularity of FourSquare.com, the hot new
site where you can “check in” with your followers and advertise
where you are at any second of the day. Connect FourSquare with
your Twitter account, and you could end up on the site
PleaseRobMe.com.

Read about two other social media dangers at the L.A. Times blog
at http://ow.ly/1GSty

And then once you’re safety is assured, follow Christine
Buffaloe’s tips on 11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on
Facebook at http://budurl.com/facebookwithchris

====================================
2. Press Release & Pitching Problems
====================================

When other pubicity mutts are zigging, Publicity Hounds should be
zagging.

what’s zigging?

–Sending press releases and hoping they will result in major
stories. Too few mutts understand what press releaases can and
cannot do. They’re great if you want the search engines to find
you and reach consumers directly. But they seldom generate major
publicity.

–Pitching blindly, without taking the time to research
journalists and bloggers. Letting them know who you are BEFORE
you pitch says, “I care about the topics you cover, and I can
help you.” that’s o much better than delivering a pitch out of
left field that says, “I don’t know who you are or what you
cover, but I’m contacting you anyway.”

I’ll be hosting a webinar called “How to REALLY Use Publicity as
an Online Marketing Channel and ZIG When Everyone Else is
ZAGGING.” It will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. on Wednsday, May 19,
and you can start registering next week. You don’t need to be in
front of a computer to participate. The session will be recorded
so you can watch it later.

=====================================
3. State of the Plate Survey
=====================================

Here’s a rare exception of when a press release results in a huge
story.

The headline on the release reads, “Economy Hits Churches at
Unprecedented Rate.” The release goes on to say that almost 40
percent of churches across the United States saw a decline in
church giving and offerings last year, according to a survey.

It was taken by Brian Kluth and Christianity Today International.
Kluth is a former church pastor and best-selling author who now
works as “Generosity Minister at Large” at the First Evangelical
Free Church of Colorado Springs. Two large colorful graphs within
the press release show the survey results at a glance, and
include regional statistics that the media can devour.

More than 150 media outlets covered the story. You can see the
press release, the survey results and the array of dozens of
media logos on Brian’s website at
http://www.stateoftheplate.info/

All that, from just one survey.

My business partner, Jeanne Hurlbert, is presenting a free
webinar at 2 p.m. Eastern Time today on how surveys can uncover
information about your customers, your market and other aspects
of your business that you could never imagine. You’ll learn how
to use surveys to guide you in creating products and services,
and spot trends within your industry that can result in fabulous
publicity. Register for the webinar at
http://snipurl.com/surveycustomers

=====================================
4. Webinars & Teleseminars
=====================================

Tuesday, May 4:

–”Words That Work in the Press, Politics & Public Relations,”
featuring word wizard Frank Lutz, sponsored by Bulldog Reporter.
1 p.m. Eastern Time. Register at http://ow.ly/1DtxK

–“How To Get A Whole Lot More Media Publicity And Exposure And
Make A Name For Yourself As An Expert In Your Field,” sponsored
by Steve Harrison, at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern. Register at
http://www.YourQuantumLeap.com/PreviewCallFour/?11577

–”Your Cash-Generating Crystal Ball: How to Use Simple Surveys
to Read Your Prospects’ and Customers’ Minds, Build Lists, Create
Products and Make Money,” featuring Jeanne Hurlbert, PhD, 2 p.m.
Eastern. http://snipurl.com/surveycustomers

======================================
5. Promoting Job Training
======================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Deborah Avens of
Temple Hills, MD, on how to market job training programs for
disadvantaged girls and women.

From Doug Smith:

“Networking with some of the organizations serving the D.C. area
may be helpful. There is a group out of Oakton, VA, called Women
Entrepreneurs, Inc. Also, the National Association of Women
Business Owners is based there in DC. I am sure the DC and
Maryland Better Business Bureau and Chambers of Commerce would
assist in getting the word out.”

From Eric Barton:

“With no budget, social media would be great and free. Articles,
blogs, press releases and YouTube videos all generate leads and
customers/clients.”

From Margaret Vos:

“Contact the Junior League. I think they would LOVE to help.
Other non-profits can be just what you’re looking for!”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://ow.ly/1DHuq

Send your own question to:
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com?subject=HelpThisHound
and include your city and state.

=====================================
6. Help This Hound
=====================================

Katie Schwartz Chattanooga, TN, asks:

“What are some ways to reach education reporters, or parents of
students about to enter college?

“I have written an ebook called Portable Parent at
http://www.portableparent.com/contents.htm for parents and
college students, with advice the students need on life skills
such as time and money management, as well as much more. Parents
download it, add their input and upload it to the students’
computers so the advice is ready when they are. Instant info,
with a parent’s input, 24/7. How can I publicize this?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Back-to-school sections, which magazines and newspapers print in
late summer, are ideal places to publicize your book. Google
“back to school section” and see if you can find contact
information for editors. Start pitching magazines right now.
Pitch newspapers in mid-summer. Don’t forget bloggers who write
about parenting issues. See “How to Pitch the Best Bloggers and
Create a Publicity Explosion” at
http://snipurl.com/pitchbestbloggers

Hounds with other ideas can post them to my blog at
http://snipurl.com/collegestudentebook

=====================================
7. Hound Quote of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Michael Acklam for this one:

“We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we
can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best
deal man has ever made.”

DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50
best websites for dog humor.

http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

====================================
8. And at My Blogs & Mobile Site…
====================================

Consider retweeting by coping these headlines and links into
Twitter:

Do you say ‘I love you’ to your pet? Guess how many owners do?
http://snipurl.com/petownersurvey

Speakers: 7 ways to use text messages to wow audiences
http://ow.ly/1GPgg

———————————————

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Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
featuring tips, tricks and tools for generating free publicity.
Subscribe at http://www.publicityhound.com/ and receive by email
the handy cheat sheet “89 Reasons to Send a Press Release.”

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================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
3434 County KK
Port Washington, WI 53074
U.S.
Phone: 262-284-7451
Fax: 262-284-1737