The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week » Publicity Tips

Publicity Tips—Valentine’s Day Story Ideas

JStewart — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 20:10:44 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #592 Jan. 31, 2012
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. Valentine’s Day Story Ideas

2. See You in San Francisco

3. Follow Journalists on Facebok

4. Promoting Calendars for Vets

5. Media Lead

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. Valentine’s Day Story Ideas
=====================================

Nobody beats Publicity Hound Shawne Duperon when it comes to
pitching story ideas for Valentine’s Day.

These are particularly good if you want to get on your local TV
news:

–If you have Valentine’s-related fun products, send one to the
morning show anchor. “They may showcase it live on the set,” she
says.

–Relationship experts and psychologists: Any stats on the number
of people using website dating services? They’re staggering.

–What about tips on how to search for the love of your life on
one of those sites, so you don’t waste time?

–Give tips on how to write the perfect love profile.

–What about data on the state of marriage as an institution?
Ministers, are you seeing more or fewer couples renewing their
vows?

–How do birds (or any other animal) mate? What is their love
dance?

–And what about job trends for 2012 that are for hopeless
romantics?

Subscribe to Shawne’s free ezine at http://shawnetv.com/

Check out the teleseminar I hosted with Shawne on “116 ‘WOW!’
Story Ideas from January Through June at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/JanIdeas.htm

=================================
2. See You in San Francisco
=================================

If you’re attending the Independent Book Publishers Association’s
annual Publishing University March 9-10 in San Francisco, you can
see me present three times on Saturday. I’ll be on these panels:

–Advanced Techniques for Creating Websites/Blogs That SELL at 9
a.m.

–Using Facebook and Twitter to Jump-start Sales at 1:45 p.m.

–Getting Attention: Promoting Your Titles to Bloggers and Online
Communities at 3:15 p.m.

While I’m in San Francisco, I’d like to host a public workshop on
publicity or social media a day or two before the IBPA event. If
your company or nonprofit is interested in partnering with me, or
you want to book me for your next event, email
JStewart@PublicityHound.com and let’s talk.

I’m back on the speaking circuit!

======================================
3. Follow Journalists on Facebook
======================================

Thousands of journalists are flocking to Facebook’s “subscribe”
feature which means you can now see their scoops, stories and
squibs right in your Facebook news feed.

The VentureBeat blog has a good explanation of this:

“Before the subscribe button, Facebook supplied purely reciprocal
profiles. Meaning, if you wanted to follow someone’s updates, you
had to be a friends with them, and they, in turn, had to be
friends with you. Social networks like Twitter and Google+,
however, do not require a symmetrical relationship to add
someone’s updates to your stream of social consciousness. There
was little commitment involved, so people flocked to those sites
for news and quick information, while Facebook remained a source
of personal news.

“The subscribe button changed this, allowing people to see
analysis, links to posts and other content outside of their day-
to-day updates on friends’ activity.”

So far, more than 1,000 reporters, editors and freelancers are
using the subscribe button, including more than 90 people from
the Washington Post and more than 50 from The New York Times.

Then find out 33 ways you can attract fans to your Facebook page,
courtesy of Mari Smith who appeared on a webinar with me:
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

=====================================
4. Promoting Calendars for Vets
=====================================

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips for Gina Elise of
Redlands, CA, founder of Pin-ups for Vets, which supports
hospitalized veterans and deployed service members. She needs
ideas on how to promote her group’s pin-up calendars.

From Sophie Wajsman:

“Perhaps she could organise an old-fashioned bathing beauty
competition where contestants are asked to dress in the style of
the 40s – bathers, shoes, hair and make-up. This event could be
used to launch the latest calendar, and major media outlets could
be invited to the event. It would provide an opportunity for
great black and white shots or even footage for TV.”

From Karen Zapp:

“There are hundreds of veteran groups on LinkedIn. But don’t
limit yourself to those centered on Iraq and Afghanistan. This is
because there are tens of thousands of vets willing to help those
serving now who didn’t happen to serve in these conflicts. Just
search for ‘veterans’ in LinkedIn Groups and you’ll get a long
list.

“Join some groups and post a clever discussion with a link to a
unique landing page with a photo and story of one veteran’s
response to receiving the calendar. Then, explain how donors can
help more vets with their donation.

“Hopefully you have a Facebook page and can do something similar.
You might consider running an ad on Facebook. They are rather
simple to create and you can control the budget similar to Google
Adwords.”

From Reece Franklin:

“I am very involved with many senior networking groups in
southern California, like Access to Seniors and Networking for
Seniors. Give me a shout and I will direct you to the presidents
and right people so you can begin to attend the free meetings,
meet the movers and shakers, and get them to know you and your
group. About 40 to 60 people attend each meeting. You don’t have
time to go to all, but after 13 years in the senior marketing
biz, I know which ones are good, and which are not.”

The Publicity Hound says:
My tail wags when I see responses like those! Read them all at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10243

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

======================================
5. Media Lead
======================================

A reporter at a national publication is exploring the phenomenon
of how smart people sometimes feel dumb in intimate social
settings and needs sources to interview.

Have you ever clammed up in a business meeting, at a cocktail or
dinner party, on jury duty, or at some other small social event—-
even though you know you’re as smart (or smarter) than anyone
else in the room? And is this a departure from your usual
personality?

If you have funny or interesting stories to tell about this
topic, please respond as soon as possible to aceb5@aol.com with
details of your anecdote and contact information. Anyone quoted
must be willing to use to use their name.

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Christine Buffaloe of Serenity Virtual
Assistant Services for this video of eight commercials that show
how the Subaru is “dog tested and approved.” Save this one for
when you’re having a really bad day. You’ll howl!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5wpWGnu3Ms

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Doing business locally? Share your blog at Patch.com
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10262

Dog Tweets: Write clever headlines using this clever trick
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10254

——————————————-

Read my publicity tips on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

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

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Let a Geek Help with PR

JStewart — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:45:09 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #591 Jan. 24, 2012
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. Let a Geek Help with PR

2. Membership Has Its Privileges

3. Make Your Book a Bestseller

4. Sponsoring a Contest on Flickr

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. Let a Geek Help with PR
=====================================

Nothing stalls a publicity campaign quicker than a niggling
little technology problem that, within minutes, turns into a
major disaster.

If you’re like me, you waste days of time and work yourself into
a lather trying to figure out how to do things like:

–Retrieve the press release that disappeared from your screen
after you’ve been working on it for an hour without saving it.

–Fix a problem in your online pressroom.

–Install the latest widget on your WordPress blog.

–Touch up a publicity photo. (I still can’t figure out
“layering” in Adobe Photoshop, and I’ve given up trying to
learn.)

–Trying to format an article at my website that was created in
Word, which always throws in screwy coding and creates a royal
mess.

And that’s just the simple stuff. Don’t get me started on editing
and publishing videos.

One of my resolutions for 2012 is hiring a team of techies, all
independent contractors, to help make my life easier. But I’m
never sure where to start looking and if they’re going to rip me
off. I have one local techie so far, and he’s great. But he’s not
always available when I need him.

Last week, I discovered Zach Swinehart’s ebook called “The Geek
Guidebook: How to Find Local Geeks to Solve Your Tech Problems
for Pennies on the Dollar.” He explains the five different types
of geeks and how each one can benefit you. He gives step-by-step
directions on four ways to find geeks and questions to ask them
before you hire them so you don’t get stuck with a loser.

The book includes an outline of how long it takes professionals
to do things, so you’ll know if your geek is slacking off. And
Swinehart even explains how to keep your information secure, so
your geek doesn’t compromise your security.

At $27, this is a steal. Read more about how to stop wasting time
trying to figure out this stuff by yourself.

http://www.on2url.com/app/adtrack.asp?MerchantID=191035&AdID=
582342

Yes, I earn a commission for each book sold. But it’s pennies
compared to the amount you’ll save in lost time and aggravation
by getting these problems off your back and loading them onto the
shoulders of geeks who are a lot smarter than you and,
especially, me.

=================================
2. Membership Has Its Privileges
=================================

If you’ve written a compelling blog post that carries readers
straight through to the end, don’t let them click off of it
before letting them have more of you–for a price.

Consider moving them into a paid membership program where they
can read more about your topic, and discuss it with you and
others, in an exclusive “members only” forum.

How much to charge? That’s up to you.

But this is one way to turn your blog into a revenue-generator.
If you’re writing your fingers off each week and seeing little in
return, it’s time to stop treating your blog like a hobby and
start turning it into a business.

When I hosted the webinar “27 Ways to Monetize Your Blog” a few
weeks ago, I found four more ideas that I shared with the
Publicity Hounds who attended. The webinar resulted in more
questions than any other training program I’ve taught.

If you couldn’t attend, access the replay at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/howtomonetizeyourblog.htm

If you live near Milwaukee, WI, join me on Friday, Jan. 27, at
the Wisconsin Business Owners Lunch & Learn at 11:15 a.m. I’ll be
talking about the Top 10 ways to monetize your blog. I just
booked this yesterday and the details may not be posted yet. But
go ahead and register anyway at
http://www.meetup.com/wisconsin-business-owners/events/43777912/

======================================
3. Make Your Book a Bestseller
======================================

Blueprints. Formulas. Systems.

Find one that solves your problem, and the rest is easy.

Author Peggy McColl has created a system for getting her book to
the Amazon, Barnes & Noble and New York Times Bestseller lists.
It’s a five-step blueprint that any author can use to make a book
a bestseller at almost no cost. The method works for all types of
books, fiction or non-fiction, regardless of subject including
self-published, POD, ebooks, newly published or even those that
have been out for years.

She’ll explain it during a free webinar at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern
Time on Thursday, Jan. 26, with my friend, Steve Harrison.

I’m promoting this webinar as a compensated affiliate, because
I’m tired of hearing sob stories from authors who’ve invested
years, and their life’s savings, trying to promote books without
a system or formula to help them.

=====================================
4. Sponsoring a Contest on Flickr
=====================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Chris Stephenson
of Madrid, Spain, who wants to know if it’s OK to use Flickr to
host a photo contest. He wants to ask people to submit photos of
a variety of airports, highways, bridges and all types of
buildings that his company is managing or building.

From Angela, who suggests he consider using a third-party
platform like Shortstack.com to promote the contest on Facebook:

“You have a beautiful advantage because you know the cities
you’ll be targeting. I’d suggest you connect with photography
clubs in those cities, universities that may have photography
programs, as well as the major businesses that lease space in
these buildings.”

From Christina Steder:

“You might want to look into holding the competition on
Pinterest. Although Pinterest is still invitation only, it’s easy
to get in and the people on the site are extremely active!”

From The Publicity Hound:

“Chris, I did a quick Google search and found this post, which
explains that Flickr makes photo contests easier. You can find it
at
http://rising.blackstar.com/flickr-makes-photo-contests-
easier.html

“I’m not sure when it was written or whether Flickr’s terms of
service have changed. Try contacting the PR department at HP and,
also, someone from the Angkor Photography Festival. Also, you can
post your question at Quora.com where experts on almost any topic
are standing by, ready to help.”

Read all the responses at http://publicityhound.net/?p=10230

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

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

Gina Elise of Redlands, CA, writes:

“I am the founder of Pin-ups for Vets, a non-profit organization
that supports hospitalized veterans and deployed service members.
We’re using hundreds of volunteer hours to keep the organization
operating.

“Our biggest challenge has been to get the word out there to the
rest of the U.S. about our small organization with the big heart.
We produce World War II-style pin-up calendars that raise money
for hospitalized veterans. We use the money to buy rehabilitation
equipment to help our veterans in their physical, occupational
and cognitive therapy sessions.

“As the 1940’s-style calendar girl in the Pin-Ups for Vets
calendar, I have made thousands of personal bedside visits to ill
and injured vets in VA and military hospitals across the U.S. and
overseas to present the donated calendar gifts from my
supporters. You can visit our website at
http://www.PinUpsForVets.com.

“Can your Publicity Hounds give us some ideas on how to spread
the word about what we’re doing so we can sell more calendars and
help more injured vets?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Gina, what a great service you’re providing to our wounded
warriors! I know my Hounds will jump in and help with this.
Hounds, post your best ideas in the comments section at my blog
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=10243

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

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Dan Janal of Shorewood, MN, for the GoD
and DoG video by Wendy J. Francisco, which has been viewed by
more than 3.1 million people at YouTube. I watched it three times
and can’t get the tune–or the message–out of my head. Dog
lovers, don’t miss this one:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H17edn_RZoY&feature=
player_embedded

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Rethinking the press release:
A content marketing & SEO view of a proven tool
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10084

——————————————-

Read my publicity tips on Twitter:
http://www.twitter.com/PublicityHound

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Sick of Your Blog? Sell It

JStewart — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 21:03:32 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #590 Jan. 17, 2012
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. Sick of Your Blog? Sell It

2. Know When Reporters Need You

3. Media Lead

4. Ideas for a Quirky Facebook Page

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. Sick of Your Blog? Sell It
=====================================

Maybe you’re weary from grinding out content for your blog
several times a week.

Or maybe you’re just tired of your topic.

If you’ve gotten some decent traffic, the time might be right to
sell your blog.

Who’d buy it? One of your competitors, perhaps.

But before smart buyers will part with their money, they’ll want
to know things like how much traffic it gets, sources of revenue,
the number of incoming links, its ranking on Technorati and
Alexa, the number of posts or articles, the number of comments,
sponsors and advertisers, publicity the blog has received, how
often you post, and how many people write for it.

Selling your blog is one of 27 ways you can make money from it,
and I explained them all during a webinar I hosted on Saturday.
But you can’t make REAL money unless you have significant traffic
and revenue.

Beginners who are already providing solid content can use many of
the tips I shared. Others are for more advanced bloggers who have
built a brand and a solid reputation.

Actually, I came up with a list of 31 ways to make money from
your blog, so you get the last four as a little bonus. If you
missed the live webinar, you can access the video and audio
replays and the PowerPoint slides I used. (If you participated,
you should have received my email with the link to the download
page.)

Participants asked more questions on this webinar than any other
I’ve hosted. Learn more about how to monetize your blog and also
get the inside scoop on my new program called “Blog with the Dog”
at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-
products/marketingtapes/howtomonetizeyourblog.htm

PR People: Coaching your clients on how to make money from their
blogs is a fabulous value-added service you can provide.

=================================
2. Know When Reporters Need You
=================================

The absolute easiest time to get publicity is when a journalist
or producer has already decided they’re doing a story on your
subject and are actively seeking people like you to interview.

But they don’t have time to track down the perfect source. So
they submit a lead, or query, to Reporter Connection, a service
that forwards all the leads to you, for free.

If a lead is a perfect fit, you contact the journalist or
broadcaster on your own, make a short pitch explaining why you’re
a good source, and hope they call. I’ve been interviewed myself
after responding to several Reporter Connection leads.

But there’s no guarantee. Still, publicists and do-it-yourself PR
types would be crazy not to subscribe to this free service. If
you have an assistant, let her cull through all the leads for
you. If she finds one that’s perfect for you, you respond.

Their service is completely free, though they have other
publicity-related products and services you can buy (and I may
get a commission if you do).

Go here now to get their free daily media leads:
https://m164.infusionsoft.com/go/RC/A10011/

======================================
3. Media Lead
======================================

Here are two media leads I received from the same reporter.

A columnist who writes about relationships for a top-tier media
outlet (you or your PR clients will want to get into this one)
wants to develop relationships with people who do research on
psychology or relationships, particularly psychologists or
academics.

“One of my frustrations in my column is that I don’t often hear
about the research early,” the columnist says.

Respond by sending an email to aceb5@aol.com.

This same journalist is looking for sources for an article on
nagging. Does your spouse or significant other nag you? Or do you
nag your S.O.? She’s exploring the topic (with humor) and looking
for people who have personal stories about how nagging has driven
them nuts–or how they have solved the problem. If you and your
S.O. are willing to be interviewed–using your names–please
email her as soon as possible, with details and contact info, at
aceb5@aol.com.

What do you do when it’s time to pitch other journalists? You
follow a formula I created. As a newspaper editor, I accepted and
rejected thousands of story ideas spanning a 22-year career, and
this is the Number One most effective way to pitch. Read more
about “A Simple 5-Part Formula for Delivering the Perfect Media
Pitch & Hitting it Out of the Park” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

=====================================
4. Ideas for Quirky Facebook Page
=====================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Diane Kline of
St. Louis, MO, co-author of QuirkOut! Crazy Things Women do to
Stay Sane, a blog and a weekly newspaper column in the St. Louis
Post-Dispatch. She is trying to increase her Facebook “likes” on
the page and wants to encourage women to post their QuirkOut!
moments there.

Publicity Hound Ileana Kane offered these ideas:

–Create a really cool contest for the “quirkiest” laugh-out-loud
QuirkOut! moment. To win the contest they have to “like” your
page.

–Have EVERY one you know twitter about the contest and send them
to your Facebook page.

–With all of the submissions, create a really cool “quirky” book
(or booklet) with some fun and delightful illustrations.

–Write a press release about your contest while educating them
on the new trend with women letting their “Quirkouts” out (it
must have a great psychological positive effect) and you will be
the TREND setters).

The Publicity Hound says:
Read all the responses at http://publicityhound.net/?p=10134

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

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

Chris Stephenson of Madrid, Spain, asks:

“I’d really like to use Flickr to host a competition. I’d ask
people to submit photos of a variety of airports, highways,
bridges and all types of buildings that the company I work for
has or is currently managing or constructing.

“Potentially, I could offer a prize of photo equipment to attract
interest. It’s unclear whether Flickr would perceive this as
commercial use because I don’t plan to sell anything, but rather,
generate community and interest in the company.

“I’m also looking for any other suggestions your Publicity Hounds
might offer on how to promote this.”

The Publicity Hound says:

I’m not familiar with Flickr’s Terms of Service, Chris, but I’ll
bet many Publicity Hounds are. Hounds, can you help clarify this?
Post your comment, and any other ideas for promotion, to my blog
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=10230

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

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Ann Dekorsi of Glendale, WI, for this
video of a dog that looks spellbound while a little boy eats a
sandwich nearby. Then watch what happens.
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/dog-steals-sandwich-video.html

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Relationships columnist needs tips on psychology research
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10224

Dog Tweets: 10 content marketing tips for 2012
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10214

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Make Your Blog Go “Ka-Ching”

JStewart — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:49:37 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #589 Jan. 10, 2012
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. Make Your Blog Go “Ka-ching”

2. Host a Scavenger Hunt

3. No Corrections on Facebook

4. Do You Make This Typing Mistake?

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Quote of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. Make Your Blog Go “Ka-Ching”
=====================================

Make this the year you finally start treating your blog like a
business and not a hobby.

That’s what 54-year-old Jim Hopkins is doing. The former reporter
and editor for USA Today has been blogging about Gannett Co. for
several years. His snarky blog at
http://gannettblog.blogspot.com/, which is not affiliated with
his former employer, keeps journalists informed of layoffs,
budget cuts, ethics issues, and other news at Gannett.

Hopkins, who is unemployed, also does what most other bloggers
would never do. He asks his incredibly loyal readers–mostly
journalists or former journalists—for donations. They pay by
cash, check or PayPal.

Want to contribute regularly? Use PayPal’s recurring payments
option, Hopkins reminds readers on the front page of his blog
where they see the big yellow “Donate” button.

Last year, he made about $5,000 in donations from readers and
$11,000 from Google Adsense ads. He also has turned his appeal
for donations into a fun game, with periodic posts whenever he
gets another check in the mail. The posts even include little
photos of $20, $50 and $100 dollar bills and headlines like “A
sudden embarrassment of riches” (when one donor gave him $225
within two days) and “In an envelope with no address: $60.”

Nonprofits, are you listening? Steal this idea and run with it!

I’m sharing 26 more ideas on how to monetize your blog at a
webinar I’m hosting this week. And I’m doing something I’ve never
done before. I’m holding it at 11 a.m. Eastern Time on Saturday
to gauge interest for weekend training sessions. If you can’t
attend, sign up anyway. You’ll get the video replay and other
goodies I’m offering as bonuses.

Read more about Hopkins’ blog at my own blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10130. Or go directly to the
Register here for registration page for Saturday’s session at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/howtomonetizeyourblog.htm

=====================================
2. Host a Scavenger Hunt
=====================================

Here’s a clever idea for pulling more fans to your Facebook page
or traffic to your website, courtesy of small business marketing
expert Janine Popick of VerticalResponse.

Host a scavenger hunt.

“Hide a badge on your blog or website and give your social media
audience hints for what they are trying to find. The first person
that sends you an email with a correct guess will be featured in
your next email newsletter. An even better idea would be to get
together with a few of your partners and each hide something on
your blog – the first person to get all of the items correct wins
a prize. This would help you get in front of a much larger
audience while still engaging your current one.”

She has four more ideas at http://ow.ly/8mNYQ

Like those?

Facebook expert Mari Smith has several dozen more, which she
shared in the webinar I hosted on “33 Ways to Attract Facebook
Fans, Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming Back for More.”
Read more about how to access the handout and the video replay at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

======================================
3. No Corrections on Facebook
======================================

If you’re following a media outlet like a newspaper or magazine
on Facebook, and you see an error in the publication, don’t ask
for a correction on their Facebook page.

Send an email. Or better yet, call the reporter.

While looking at the Facebook page of a weekly newspaper in
Wisconsin this week, I saw a comment from someone who thought
that the reporter included incorrect information about someone in
a story. The man said a correction was needed and the reporter
should apologize to the source.

What happens if the reporter never sees the comment? Sometimes I
don’t see comments on my own Facebook page until days later.

Never rely on Facebook to communicate this important information.
And ALWAYS ask for corrections–not only so readers can see them
on the bottom of page 18, but also so the media outlet has a
permanent record of the error, and the correct information. I’ve
seen mistakes repeated two and three times because people didn’t
want to “bother” journalists or “make them mad” by asking for
corrections.

=====================================
4. Do You Make This Typing Mistake?
=====================================

This common typing mistake in email pitches, articles, blogs and
press releases sends the message “I’m out of it” and “I was born
in the Dark Ages.”

The mistake looks like this. Can you spot it? Look closer. See
it now?

At the end of a sentence, after the period, hit the space bar
only once, not twice, before typing the next sentence.

The double space rule went out with the typewriter. Read why at
http://www.ragan.com/Main/Articles/42683.aspx

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

Diane Kline of St. Louis, MO, writes:

“I am the co-author of QuirkOut! Crazy Things Women do to Stay
Sane. It’s a blog and weekly column, for women 20 through death,
in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch newspaper on Sundays—sort of a
Martha Stewart meets Tina Fey.

“We all have QuirkOut! moments. We just named them. They are
quirky behaviors that help women of all ages get through our busy
lives – such as taking three purses on an overnight trip or
keeping shoes in the oven when we run out of closet space.

“We’re trying to increase the number of Likes on our Facebook
page at http://www.Facebook.com/quirkout and encourage women to
submit their QuirkOut! moments to use on our blog. We
occasionally feature some of these items in our Post-Dispatch
column.

“We’re hoping your Publicity Hounds can offer some helpful tips
on how we can reach women by using both traditional and social
media.”

The Publicity Hound says:

You bet! Many of my Hounds already belong to active women’s
communities online and off. They’d love to share your column,
Facebook page and your call for QuirkOuts! OK, ladies, let’s see
who can come up with the best ideas for Diane. What have you done
at your own Facebook page to attract and engage readers? How have
you used traditional media? Post your answers to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10134

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

====================================
6. Hound Quote of the Week
=====================================

“I know that dogs are pack animals, but it is difficult to
imagine a pack of standard poodles…and if there was such a
thing as a pack of standard poodles, where would they rove to?
Bloomingdale’s?”–Yvonne Clifford, American actress

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Want (recurring) donations from blog readers? Just ask!
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10130

Top 10 creative writing blogs and more top tweets
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10105

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Missing the Publicity Target

JStewart — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:07:58 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #588 Jan. 3, 2012
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. Missing the Publicity Target

2. Embarrassing Online Pressrooms

3. Make Your Bio Fun

4. Twitter Resolutions

5. Promoting a Book Giveaway

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. Missing the Publicity Target
=====================================

Here are the top three problems Publicity Hounds are facing, in
order, based on the 298 people who completed my survey in
December:

–Leveraging the power of social media, including blogs.

–Generating online publicity.

–Generating publicity in traditional media.

No surprises there.

But I was shocked to see the number of people who mentioned in
their comments that they either don’t know how to find their
target audience or, once they’ve found it, they don’t know how to
create a compelling message that brings results. Dozens of
Publicity Hounds also complained that they’re overwhelmed with
all the work and don’t understand how to focus their energies on
the things that really matter.

Here’s a sample:

–”Social Media: What a time suck!”

–”Engaging with the right audience and finding ways to measure
success.”

–”Creating a list of all the places that would be appropriate
for my client’s publicity. How to go about creating that list.”

–”How do I get momentum and people wanting to follow me and like
my Facebook page and download my promo video?”

I also found a disturbing number of comments from Publicity
Hounds who were frustrated that their press releases aren’t
resulting in major publicity.

Hint: Press releases seldom generate major publicity, so don’t
waste your time. You need to create targeted pitches for targeted
media outlets. Use press releases primarily to pull traffic to
your website or blog, or as back-up information for journalists
who have already responded to your pitches.

So where do we go from here?

I’ve studied the results and I have some ideas on how to help you
simplify your life, save time, and reach the right audiences with
the right message. I’m creating a video right now that addresses
some of your major concerns, and it will be ready next week.

Stay tuned, and hang in there!

=====================================
2. Embarrassing Online Pressrooms
=====================================

If your online pressroom looks anything like mine did yesterday,
it’s time to drag out the dust mask, the Shop-Vac® and maybe even
a garbage dumpster.

I found so much outdated information and ancient publicity photos
in the pressroom at my website that I almost didn’t recognize
myself! And then it dawned on me that the current photo at my
blog is several years old and needs to be replaced.

If you go to your pressroom right now, I bet you’ll find lots of
embarrassing things like:

–Old photos that look nothing like the way you look now.

–Old phone numbers, email addresses and even fax numbers that
have been disconnected.

–An absence of links to social media profiles.

–No references to things like your blog or ezine. Remember that
many of your website visitors aren’t necessarily entering your
site from your homepage but from dozens of internal pages.

–Old logos, taglines and other marketing materials that are out
of date.

–Dusty bios, with no references to recent awards, major media
hits, new books you’ve written or other bragging rights.

Read my entire blog post on this topic at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10025 and then update your
pressroom.

======================================
3. Make Your Bio Fun
======================================

What’s the most memorable sentence in your bio, the one thing
people comment on most often?

If you don’t have one, it’s time for a rewrite. Also consider
rewriting the one- or two-sentence author blurb that’s at the end
of articles you write.

Here are a few fun blurbs that caught my eye recently:

–Jason Whitlock writes about the sports world from absolutely
every angle, including angles other writers can’t imagine or
muster the courage to address. His columns are humorous, thought-
provoking, agenda free, honest and unpredictable. (He writes for
FOXSports.com.)

–Naomi Dunford is the woman Brian Clark lovingly refers to as a
marketing genius and Tourette’s survivor. She is the author of
IttyBiz and co-author of How To Launch The **** Out Of Your
Ebook. Her alleged potty-mouth is prominent in the former and
virtually non-existent in the latter.

–Michelle Pierce is the editor-in-chief (and word ninja) for
Aqua Vita Creative, and she is very picky about spelling,
grammar, and punctuation. She would like to remind the entire
Internet that there is no “a” in “definitely.”

Want lots more examples, including complete bios that really
command attention? See “Special Report #46: Tips for Rewriting
Your Boring Bio” at
http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html

=====================================
4. Twitter Resolutions
=====================================

Here are three things to consider doing differently on Twitter
this year so that you tweet smarter and more efficiently:

–Rewrite your best tweets and post them at different times
throughout the day. Don’t let your followers miss a terrific
article or video you’re linking to, just because they weren’t
reading their feed at the exact time your tweet showed up.

–Don’t tweet identical information you’re also sharing on
Facebook and Twitter. You can share the same article, but rewrite
it for each of the three sites. These sites are all very
different, and people who follow you on all three sites don’t
want to keep seeing duplicate content.

–Every few weeks, go to your Twitter profile and click on
“Listed” in the upper right corner. You’ll see the names of all
the lists that others have created and where you appear. It’s a
fascinating glimpse into how others view you. Let’s say you’re a
book marketing expert, but you don’t see any lists named “book
marketing” or “book marketers.” That tells you something is
wrong, and you need to start sharing more content on your topic.

Read two more resolutions at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10039

======================================
5. Promoting a Book Giveaway
======================================

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Anne Roos of South
Lake Tahoe, CA, an author looking for ideas for a “giveaway”
contest for her two books, “The Musician’s Guide to Brides: How
to Make Money Playing Weddings” and “The Brides Guide to
Musicians: Live Wedding Music Made Easy and Affordable.”

From Marcia Yudkin:

“You’ll get the biggest bang for your giveaway copies if you
contact popular blogs for 1) Musicians (the type who do wedding
gigs) and 2) Brides. Offer each blog one or two free copies to
give away. Let them decide how best to run the giveaway as
they’re likely to know their audience quite well.

“Give them each a short one-paragraph description of the book
they can use in the giveaway.”

From Maria Mar:

“How about doing a blog book tour? If you have a book to publish,
this is the best route. But you can adapt this to other goals and
offers. Network with other bloggers who already do contests for
your market and topic. Offer them a prize for a contest. Find one
blogger for each of the books you have available or offer several
books to a handful of bloggers with high traffic. Everyone wins.”

From Shawn Hansen:

“Are you a member of a writing group? If not, get involved! These
organizations are great ways to network as well as to find out
where and when local signing events are happening. Give a book or
two away in drawings that require folks to fill out their name
and email address. Instant mailing list! If you don’t know where
to begin, look into the California Writers Club, Sacramento
Branch. It’s a bit far from Tahoe, but I live about 20 minutes
west of you, and I am an active member of that organization.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this “Help This Hound” question at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9991

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

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

“You can say any foolish thing to a dog, and the dog will give
you a look that says, ‘My God, you’re right! I never would’ve
thought of that!’” — Dave Barry

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Have an online pressroom you can be proud of–update it!
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10025

5 Twitter resolutions that will help you tweet smarter
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10039

Nice year-end gift for clients, and more tweets
(Top tweets from last week)
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10015

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—No More Passwords

JStewart — Fri, 30 Dec 2011 16:23:06 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #587 Dec. 27, 2011
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 Passwords

2. Best of 2011 Publicity Tips

3. Free Photos, Fast

4. Include Links on Twellow

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

=====================================
1. No More Passwords
=====================================

What makes you different from everyone else–your voice, your eyes,
etc.–will be used to safeguard your identity online and you’ll
never need passwords again.

That’s one of five predictions that IBM made last week, to signal
innovations it sees in 2012. Its annual predictions have been
covered by top-tier media outlets like Forbes magazine, FOX News,
The Washington Post and The New York Times, in addition to dozens
of techie blogs.

It isn’t too late to compile your top five predictions for next
year, or even just one prediction, and write a press release. Or
pitch it to your favorite blogger. You can even offer to write a
guest blog post.

Your predictions don’t have to be serious. They can be humorous and
off the wall.

Predictions are just one of thousands of ideas I give you in my
ebook, “How to be a Kick-butt Publicity Hound.” This is the Number
One all-around resource to get you through 2012 if you need help
promoting in traditional media and social media.

Learn more about the book here:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity/publicityhound.htm

=====================================
2. Best of 2011 Publicity Tips
=====================================

If you know a small business owner who’s struggling with promotion,
a PR pro who’s running out of story ideas for her clients, or a
nonprofit that needs to ramp up its publicity, let them know about
my free ebook, “The Best of The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week
of 2011.”

It’s filled with 24 of the best tips from this newsletter the past
year.

The tips are divided into four categories:

–Traditional media

–Social media

–Online publicity

–Building your business and nonprofit

Go ahead. Regift the book by sending your friends, followers and
clients here:
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9935

======================================
3. Free Photos, Fast
======================================

Need photos for your website, blog, online press room or marketing
materials, but can’t afford the stock photo services?

Thousands of free photos await you on Flickr at
http://www.Flickr.com, under the Creative Commons license. Problem
is, it can be a real pain navigating that site to find them.

Instead, use Compfight.com, a search engine that uncovers
Creative-Common-tagged freebies in the Flickr archives. There’s
even a search box so you can find what you’re looking for quickly.

But don’t just use them without crediting the photographers. Pay
attention to the terms of use for each photo.

Thanks to CopyBlogger.com for this tip.

For more tips, see “How to Use Photos & Graphics in Your Publicity
Campaign” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicityphotos.htm

=====================================
4. Include Links on Twellow
=====================================

If you’re listed on Twellow, the giant Twitter yellow pages (and
you certainly should be), you can now display the links to your
other social networking profiles on your Twellow profile.

Log into Twellow and click on the “Settings” link. You can now
display links for Facebook, Delicious, Flickr, LinkedIn, and many
more. This is a great way for your friends and future Twitter
followers to see your social networking activity on the web.

Still not tweeting? It isn’t too late. If you’re confused by what
all the fuss is about, or if you’re on Twitter but can’t gain
traction, shorten your learning curve by watching the replay of a
webinar I hosted on “Twitter for Beginners: A Step-by-Step,
Can’t-Fail System for Experts and Influencers (and Those Who Want
to Be).”

I explain how to use Twitter to establish your credibility,
influence your followers, share great content and attract the
types of people who need your expertise as well as your products
and services. Read more about what you’ll learn how to do
at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-tapes
/twitterforbeginners.htm

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

This week’s “Help This Hound” question is from Anne Roos of South
Lake Tahoe, CA:

“I’m an author and I’ve received 40 free books from the publicist I
used last year, 20 copies each of “The Musician’s Guide to Brides:
How to Make Money Playing Weddings” and “The Brides Guide to
Musicians: Live Wedding Music Made Easy and Affordable.”

“They were copies supplied without cost from the publisher to be
sent out for review. Since I didn’t pay for them, I want to do a
giveaway.

“What’s the most effective way to do a contest/giveaway? Where do I
post it to get it noticed? Should it be a quiz with a question of
the day? Should it be some kind of silly trivia? I just don’t know
how to attract people to a little contest.

“Even when I had a big grand prize giveaway that I tried out about
a year ago, it garnered very little interest. I’d love ideas from
your Hounds on how to really attract attention with this.”

The Publicity Hound says: OK, Hounds, have at it. Help Anne
generate the most publicity possible for this book giveaway. Post
your best ideas to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9991

====================================
6. Hound Photos of the Week
=====================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas for these
photos of the 10 Weirdest Dog Toys. My favorite is the red lips!
Go to http://www.oddee.com/item_97297.aspx

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

10 best Dog Tweets listed each week here
http://publicityhound.net/?p=10006

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Best of 2011 Ebook

JStewart — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 22:12:07 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #586 Dec. 20, 2011
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. Best of 2011 Ebook

2. Add Skills to Your LinkedIn Profile

3. Guest Host a Radio Show

4. Thanks for Completing My Survey

5. Master Facebook Changes in 3 Steps

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Best of 2011 Ebook
=====================================

Your contributions to this newsletter are what keeps me going,
and this is the time of year to say thanks.

Every year, I do that by excerpting 24 tips from the past year,
including some that have generated the most response from
readers, and compiling them into a free ebook.

Here are several ways to use “The Best of the Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week of 2011.”

–Regift it to your friends, clients and business associates.

–Share it on the social media sites.

–Speakers, use my tips in your presentations, and include this
link in your handouts so your audience can download it, too.
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9935

–Authors, use my tips in your books.

–Write a blog post and comment on one or more of my tips, and
please include the link.

–Go to a LinkedIn group and start a discussion on something
within the book.

–Save it to your hard drive, in a safe place, so you can dig it
out in a week or two when you’re creating a strategy for 2012.

For a full list of everything that’s included in the book, go to
my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9935

=====================================
2. Add Skills to Your LinkedIn Profile
=====================================

One of the items in my “Best of The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the
Week” ebook lists six places online where you can find your
profile so you can update it.

One of those is LinkedIn. If you’re editing your profile, it’s a
perfect time to also add skills you might have acquired since you
wrote it originally, or skills you might have forgotten about.

LinkedIn emailed me a few weeks ago and suggested four skills I
should add to my profile.

Why add skills? Because those keywords are what other LinkedIn
users might be typing into the search box when they’re looking
for job candidates, speakers, consultants, coaches, joint venture
partners or news sources.

Wayne Breitbarth, one of the foremost experts on LinkedIn, has a
three-part strategy for creating an influential circle of
contacts who are like gold. He explained it during a webinar I
hosted with him earlier this year. You can access the video
replay at
http://www.publicityhound.com/linkedinpowerformulapart2.htm

======================================
3. Guest Host a Radio Show
======================================

This is the time of year when radio stations are scrambling to
find guest hosts.

And even though chances are slim that you’ll be chosen for the
gig if you don’t have any radio experience, it’s worth trying.
Talkers magazine says the holiday season creates a bonanza of
fill-in work. This year, the Christmas holidays coincide with a
big election cycle, which creates even more pressure to keep
stations on track.

Bill White, program director of WGN in Chicago, says he equates a
fill-in host to someone hosting a dinner party in someone else’s
home.

“Fill-in hosts should be respectful of the regular host’s
audience but not rearrange all the furniture,” he said. “We also
look for fill-in hosts who will be comfortable and compliment the
regular host’s audience.”

Ideal hosts can be politicians, community leaders, or people who
have participated on a talk show. They should feel comfortable
behind the microphone and share similar philosophies of the host.

Interested? Call the program director at your local radio station
and make your best pitch. If the answer is no, they might use you
instead as a guest. Read the entire story in Talkers at
http://www.Talkers.com.

=====================================
4. Thanks for Completing My Survey
=====================================

A big thank you for completing the short survey about what you
need most in the areas of publicity and social media.

I found some interesting trends in the data, and your comments
really helped me understand where you need the most help.

I’m still sorting through it all, but I already have some ideas
about things I can do to make it easier for you.

Let’s get through the holidays first, and I’ll explain more after
the first of the year.

Help is on the way!

======================================
5. Master Facebook Changes in 3 Steps
======================================

Facebook rolled out its new Timeline feature last week. It’s a
chronological listing of posts, photos, shared links, check-ins
and other content.

The changes make it easier for people to scrutinize your life.
But you can personalize, privatize and tweak this new feature.

Wired magazine offers a quick guide on how to hide things on
Facebook, how to tell your life story by adding past events, and
how to customize your timeline–all in five minutes.

Read it at
http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/12/facebook-timeline-tips/

If 2012 is the year you finally start getting series about
pulling people to your page, use Mari Smith’s 33 tips that will
pull them in. She explained them all during a webinar I hosted
with her earlier this year, and when you order the video replay,
you get all 33 tips on a handy cheat sheet. Read more about “33
Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling Content & Keep
Them Coming Back for More” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

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

Here’s what puppies do on Christmas morning:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bzyryg1Rn18

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Great content for retweeting:

24 juicy publicity, social media tips in free “best of” ebook
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9935

Create Top 10, 20, 50 lists for year-end publicity
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9924

Ask visitors who complete a web form to tweet about you
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9894

Blogging cheat sheet and more tweets from this past week
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9905

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—52 Headline Hacks

JStewart — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 21:00:09 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #585 Dec. 13, 2011
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. 52 Headline Hacks

2. Heads-Up: Deadline Tonight

3. No-no’s for Nonprofit Publicity

4. Holiday Greetings for Journalists

5. 17 Freebies for Publicity

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. 52 Headline Hacks
=====================================

When it comes to writing headlines, pretend like you never heard
of the Seventh Commandment, “Thou shalt not steal.”

There’s nothing wrong with stealing other people’s headlines. I
do it all the time. So do magazine copywriters. You should too.

We’re stealing formula headlines–the type that force people to
pick up a magazine and head for the checkout counter. Formula
headlines usually have a few words or a phrase which can be
removed and substituted with another that will serve the purpose
of whatever you’re writing. Like this:

–How [Blank] Gamble with Your [Blank]. 7 Ways to Protect
Yourself

–10 Shortcuts for [Completing Tedious Process] in Record Time

–7 Things Your [Target Audience] Needs to Hear You Say

–How to be Smart in a World of Dumb [Group of People]

–What [World-Class Example] can Teach Us About [Blank]

Those five examples are from the free report “52 Headline Hacks–
A Cheat Sheet for Writing Blog Posts That Go Viral.”

Blogger Jon Morrow wrote it. Copyblogger, the popular writing and
blogging site, offered it this morning as its holiday gift to
readers. I want you to have it, too. Even if you don’t blog, you
can use the headlines for articles and press releases.

You don’t need to buy anything. You don’t need to give up your
email address. Just click here and save it to your hard drive:

http://headlinehacks.com/

My annual gift to you, “The Best of the Publicity Hound’s Tips of
the Week” ebook, will be ready for you next week. Share it on the
social media sites and re-gift it to friends and clients.

=====================================
2. Heads-Up: Deadline Tonight
=====================================

You only have until 11:59 p.m. tonight to answer several
questions at http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com.

You only have until 11:59 p.m. Friday to use the $25 coupon
that’s my way of thanking you.

What’s your Number One problem with publicity or social media?
And how can I help?

Publicity Hounds who already have answered those questions are
using their coupon and claiming special reports, CDs, transcripts
and ebooks they’ve been eyeing. They are also eligible to win one
of three $50 Amazon gift certificates. The first two winners are
Publicity Hounds Victor Brodt and Ernie Boxall.

I’m wrapping up the survey tonight and compiling the results
tomorrow. So don’t miss out. Go here now, answer a few questions,
grab your coupon code, and choose the training tools that will
help you most: http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com

The third $50 Amazon gift certificate winner will be chosen
tonight when the survey closes. Don’t miss out. Go to
http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com

======================================
3. No-no’s for Nonprofit Publicity
======================================

Your mailbox is probably overflowing with appeals from nonprofits
this time of year, when you’re feeling most generous.

Nonprofit marketing expert Sandy Rees says these two themes are
showing up repeatedly in direct mail pieces, press releases and
pitches to the media. And they’re a big turn-off:

–What your organization needs. Nobody cares that you’re short-
staffed. The public doesn’t give a hoot about your high utility
bills. And stop grumbling about a lack of volunteers.

–The bad economy. The constant “woe is us” mantra gets very old,
very quickly. And it won’t endear people to your cause. Forget
about the bar charts showing the big difference in donations at
this time last year compared to this year.

Instead, concentrate on the almost-guaranteed strategy that will
force donors to dig into their pockets for money, and compel
journalists to cover you.

Tell a compelling story of how your nonprofit has changed lives.
It might be a rags-to-riches story about one of your clients. Or
a hero-of-the-day profile of one of your volunteers who made a
big difference.

For more nonprofit publicity tips, including an easy formula for
profiling and finding your ideal donors, access the video replay
of a webinar I hosted a few months ago with Sandy, “Failproof
Publicity Tips for Cash-strapped Nonprofits to Raise Money,
Recruit Volunteers & Promote a Worthy Cause”:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/nonprofitpublicity.htm

You can use your $25 coupon. (See Item #2 above.)

=====================================
4. Holiday Greetings for Journalists
=====================================

Skip the gifts and food trays.

If you want to say “thank you” to a favorite journalist or
blogger this year, send a holiday greeting card in the mail.
(Email seems too lazy and impersonal.)

This isn’t the time to pitch. But you CAN mention that you enjoy
working with them.

Return to them next month with a story idea, or an idea for a
guest blog post their readers will enjoy.

See “How to Pitch the Best Bloggers & Create a Publicity
Explosion” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitch_bloggers.htm

======================================
5. 17 Freebies for Publicity
======================================

If you’re a smart Publicity Hound, you know that the easiest sale
of all is a sale to someone who already knows, likes and trusts
you.

One of the best ways to create loyalty long before a customer
buys from you, or generate fabulous publicity for your business,
is to offer a valuable freebie that ties into your topic. A free
ebook, White Paper, quiz, special report or a calculator can be a
convenient way to enhance your expertise, position yourself as
the go-to expert in your field, and generate free publicity for
your business or nonprofit.

Journalists and bloggers love telling their readers about these
freebies. Readers love getting them, and they’re eager to share
the goodies with their friends and followers on the social media
sites.

When Distribion, Inc. invited me to write a guest post for The
Distributed Marketing Blog, I agreed. It’s a high-traffic blog
for marketers at big companies in regulated industries, and it
gives me exposure to an audience that might not know about me.

You can read the post here and share it at your own blog or on
the social media sites:
http://distributedmarketing.org/2011/12/12/17-fun-freebies-that-
build-thought-leadership-2/

Next week, I’m going to feature a guest post at my own blog from
Deb McAlister-Holland, director of marketing at Distribion,
explaining how she publicizes guest bloggers. It’s fascinating,
and I asked her to write about it. She sure taught this old dog
some new tricks! Stay tuned.

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

If you don’t like the thought of stuffing a puppy into a
cardboard gift box, don’t watch this video. But if you want to
see sheer happiness and yelps of joy from the new puppy owners,
check out this “Puppies for Christmas” video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDgh14043dA

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

Piggyback PR onto Baldwin & celebrities behaving badly
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9867

Nominate a newspaper for a notable idea, achievement
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9884

Guest blog post:

17 Fun Freebies that Build Thought Leadership
http://distributedmarketing.org/2011/12/12/17-fun-freebies-that-
build-thought-leadership-2/

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—OK, What’s Bugging You?

JStewart — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 21:17:05 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #584 Dec. 6, 2011
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. OK, What’s Bugging You?

2. Attention Amazon Authors

3. Your Own Amazon URL

4. Twitter Tweekly

5. My Gift to You–It’s Almost Here

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. OK, What’s Bugging You?
=====================================

I can hear it in your voice when you call.

You sound frustrated.

At times, you sound lost, like you’re not quite sure where you’re
going with publicity and social media, and sometimes you’re
unsure that you’re even on the right road.

You’ve got success stories to share with other Publicity Hounds,
but they’re hit or miss.

During those weeks when you’re clicking on all cylinders, you
sometimes stall. And it’s usually so difficult to start back up.
So you plod along, all alone.

There’s a better way. I can help.

But to make sure I know exactly what you’re looking for, I need
your input. So I’m asking you to answer just a few quick
questions at http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com

To thank you for your time and input, I’ll give you a $25 gift
certificate good for any Publicity Hound product, as soon as you
finish the last question. Consider this your Deal of the Day.

Go here now: http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com

Oh, as an additional “thank you,” I’ll also enter you into a
drawing for one of three $50 Amazon gift cards. Now wouldn’t THAT
be a super-cool treat that would make your holiday shopping a
whole lot easier?

Just make sure you give me your email address, so I can contact
you if you win!

Here are the questions:

http://www.PublicityHoundSurvey.com

The quicker you finish, the quicker you can use your gift
certificate.

=====================================
2. Attention Amazon Authors
=====================================

With so many authors formatting their books for the Kindle, I
want to remind you about Amazon.com’s Author Central.

It’s a page on Amazon just for you, so you can tell them a little
about yourself, promote your expertise, and tell them about your
books. You can list your website addresses, too. But the links
aren’t live. That’s because–duh–Amazon wants you to stay on the
site and buy.

As soon as you sign up for Author Central, you can start adding
content to your page, even though it can take from three to five
days for the page to show up on the site.

You can learn all about Author Central at
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help

Warning: Authors write some of the dullest, most boring bios on
earth. Don’t you be one of them.

See “Special Report #46: Tips for Rewriting Your Boring Bio.” I
show you how to find great materials for your bio, share examples
of some of the best bios I’ve read, and explain how to
incorporate key events from your childhood that will make your
writing come alive. All for only $10. Order at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-
products/reports.html#SpecialReport46

======================================
3. Your Own Amazon URL
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hounds Anne Roos (the Celtic harpist) and Bob
Baker (the indie music PR guy) for tipping us off to this new
Amazon feature that authors will love.

If you sell books on Amazon and you’ve already created a page for
yourself using Amazon’s Author Central (see item above), you can
now have a customized web address or your profile.

A simple URL makes it a lot easier to share the link on your
Facebook page, in a tweet, in your email signature, and on
marketing materials.

You’re limited to only one URL but you can use any combination of
letters, numbers, dashes, periods and underscores.

You’ll find detailed instructions on how to claim it at
https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/help?ie=UTF8&topicID=
200799660

=====================================
4. Twitter Tweekly
=====================================

I love the way art marketing expert Alyson Stanfield updates her
blog readers on all the content they’ve been missing if they
don’t read her Twitter feed.

Every Friday, she publishes a post titled “Twitter Tweekly.” It’s
a simple list of her favorite tweets from that week, with links.

I’ve started doing that, too, though I wouldn’t dare steal her
fun title. The list reminds my readers who subscribe to the RSS
feed that they need to follow me on Twitter. It also flags
readers who might have found out about me for the first time by
coming to my blog through one of the search engines.

You can see Alyson’s latest Twitter Tweekly here:
http://www.artbizblog.com/2011/12/tweekly-19.html

Here’s mine:
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9838

Notice how the blog promotes Twitter and this newsletter promotes
the blog. If you have a blog and an ezine, there are dozens of
ways you can use them to cross-promote. The blog pulls in
traffic. Once you can capture the reader’s email address, you can
use it to push out your message with an ezine.

That pull-push cycle is an incredibly powerful marketing tool.
Don Crowther explained all the ways you should be using them in
tandem when he was my guest during the teleseminar “How to use
Blogs & Ezines Together to Grow Your Business.” Read more about
it at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/blogs_and_ezines.htm

======================================
5. My Gift to You–It’s Almost Here
======================================

How would you like to be able to help your clients, boss and
friends with publicity, and look like a hero when they show up on
the front page of the local business journal or on TV?

Give them my free ebook, “The Best of the Publicity Hound’s Tips
of the Week of 2011.” It’s chock full of more than two dozen
publicity and social media tips that will have their tails
wagging.

Each year, I comb through every item in this newsletter, pluck
out the 24 or more that received the greatest response from
readers, and compile them into an ebook that makes a valuable
holiday gift for Publicity Hounds on your list.

The book will be ready for you on Tuesday, Dec. 20, and you’ll
read about it here. Stay tuned…

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

Dread trimming the tree this year?

You’ll find some inspiration in this video, courtesy of Publicity
Hound Kathleen Mahan of San Juan Capistrano, CA. Watch how these
clever four-legged Hounds trim their own tree. One even climbs up
on a ladder. If they can do it, we two-legged Hounds can do it!

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

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

How to piggyback PR onto top consumer trends for 2012
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9846

Fast Company tips and other tweets from this past week
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9838

——————————————-

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

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

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:

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
The Publicity Hound

Publicity Tips—Create a Top 10 List

JStewart — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 19:10:34 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #583 Nov. 29, 2011
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. Create a Top 10 List

2. Cyber Monday Sale Ends Tonight

3. Powerful Twitter Tip

4. Attract Kindle & Nook Readers

5. Promote a Microsoft Office Book

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Create a Top 10 List
=====================================

Give your publicity campaign a big push at the end of the year by
creating a “Top 10″ list that ties into your topic or area of
expertise.

The media and bloggers love these lists.

They can be controversial, thought-provoking, educational or just
plain fun. Your list can be the “best of” or “worst of” whatever
topic you choose for either 2011 or 2012.

Examples:

–The Top 10 Website Mistakes People are STILL Making in 2011

–The Top 10 PR Blunders of 2011

–The Top 10 Social Media Time-Savers of 2011

–The Top 10 Careers for 2012

–The Top 10 Best Cities for Families in 2012

–The Top 10 Worst Cities for Singles in 2012

When you’ve created your list, write a press release. Offer to
write a guest blog post. Include it on your Facebook page and tag
other pages that would be interested. Tweet it. And Share it on
LinkedIn.

Your list doesn’t even have to be in text format. It can include
photos only and you can turn it into a slideshow.

By the way, I’m compiling my annual “Best of The Publicity
Hound’s Tips of the Week of 2011,” my annual gift to you. Feel
free to regift it to your friends, followers and fans. It will be
ready by mid-December.

If you missed any books from the past six years, you can find
them at http://publicityhound.com/publicity-products/free.html

=====================================
2. Cyber Monday Sale Ends Tonight
=====================================

You blew the doors off the doghouse during my Black Friday sale
over the weekend.

But several Publicity Hounds who took a long weekend off missed
it, and they asked if I’d extend it through Cyber Monday.

I did. And I’m giving you and other ezine readers one more extra
day to grab a big 40 percent discount for any products you order
from my website at http://www.PublicityHound.com. The discount
goes away at 11:59 p.m. tonight.

If you’ve been eyeing my video replays of webinars, or CDs,
ebooks or special reports, claim them now at
http://www.PublicityHound.com. To get the discount, type the word
“black” into the coupon box, hit “apply,” and check out.

======================================
3. Powerful Twitter Tip
======================================

Thanks to Amy Porterfield, a social media strategist, for this
powerful tip about how to drive more traffic and leads from
Twitter to your website.

Twitter now lets you add a second URL to your profile.

In addition to linking to her website, Amy links to an opt-in
page where people can give her their email address in exchange
for a replay of a Facebook webinar.

You can watch her short video here to see how she does it:
http://www.amyporterfield.com/2011/11/how-to-get-more-leads-on-
twitter/

The secret to Twitter is writing tweets that encourage people to
do what you want them to do: click on a link and opt in to a
freebie, or hit “Reply,” or retweet your message, or watch a
video.

If you’re already tweeting but you don’t understand how to gain
traction, check out “Twitter for Beginners: A Step-by-Step,
Can’t-Fail System for Experts and Influencers (and Those Who Want
to Be).” It’s a replay of a webinar I hosted several months ago
in which I demonstrate how to use Twitter to establish your
credibility, influence your followers, share great content and
attract the types of people who need your products and services.

Take advantage of the 40 percent discount until 11:59 p.m.
tonight at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterforbeginners.htm

=====================================
4. Attract Kindle & Nook Readers
=====================================

One of my goals for next year is offering most of my special
reports, ebooks and transcripts available to Publicity Hounds who
want to read them on the Nook and Kindle.

You should, too. If you don’t have any information products yet,
you can create them fairly quickly.

Ebook sales grew 177 percent last year. Amazon now sells 143
ebooks for every 100 hardcover books they sell, and that includes
hardcovers not available in ebook format.
Barnes & Noble, which sells the Nook, now accounts for at least
20 percent of ebook sales.

You can take an existing hard cover book and convert it to an
ebook. Or, create your ebook from scratch.

If you don’t have time to do it yourself, outsource the work to a
virtual assistant or one of the many subcontractors on sites like
ODesk.com and Elance.com.

During two free webinars I hosted this year, guest expert Daniel
Hall gave step-by-directions on how to format books for the
Kindle and Nook, or create them from scratch.

You can access the free video replay about the Nook at
http://realfastbook.com/joannook.html

Access the free video replay for the Kindle at
http://www.realfastbook.com/joanweb.html

======================================
5. Promote a Microsoft Office Book
======================================

This week, six Publicity Hounds have tips for Karin Rex of
Lansdale, Pa., who needs tips on how to publicize her book,
“Microsoft Office 2010 Demystified.”

From Cheryl Pickett:

“This book sounds like a good one to try to sell in bulk. If
there are any local business supply stores or even computer
service shops left near you (as opposed to Office Max), see if
you can partner on a live event. They would sponsor and purchase
a book for everyone who attends. You could speak on a specific
skill and highlight the fact that the store sells the software
etc.”

From Janine Gregor:

“Promote the book in a tongue-in-cheek way, by saying, ‘Think you
know all there is to know about Office 2010?’ or ‘Are you really
sure you’re using all of Office 2010 to its full potential?’ or
‘Test Yourself. Pass our Office 2010 quiz for bragging rights.’
And then, offer a fun quiz on a sales page (directed from your
third party social media sites), which allows people to purchase
the book directly from that page.”

From Ileana Kane:

“Create a whole list of vertical markets when you do your
brainstorming. Shoot for a list of 30…Sponsorships are a great
way to go because there are many companies that have budgets to
buy books ‘by the truckload.’ Once you get your vertical markets,
it will be simple to create lists of sponsors that you can go
to.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to last week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9806

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

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Jacqueline Simonds of Reno, NV, for
these eight videos that show sheer joy, yelps of delight and lots
of tail-wagging as these four-legged hounds welcome home their
owners from Iran and Afghanistan. (This’ll cheer you up if you’re
having a really bad day.)

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/40324

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 Blog & Mobile Site…
======================================

7 reasons to embrace nasty comments at your blog
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9783

Cool PR finds and other tweets from this past week
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9820

——————————————-

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=======================================
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound