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.

Register at http://thepublishinguniversity.com/

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.

Read more about it at
http://venturebeat.com/2012/01/25/facebook-subscribe-button-3/

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

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.

Register here https://m164.infusionsoft.com/go/BSCJan2012/A10011/

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:

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

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:

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

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

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #582 Nov. 22, 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. Black Friday Hooks

2. My Own Black Friday Sale

3. Video Studio Taking Shape

4. How to Promote a Car Raffle

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Black Friday Hooks
=====================================

The media is obsessed with covering Black Friday.

It’s the same with Cyber Monday, the Monday after Thanksgiving
when online retailers push discounts and special promotions.

Smart Publicity Hounds can tie into both days by pitching these
stories:

–Local retailers and chambers of commerce, let your TV stations
and newspapers know about any unusual promotions you’re planning
to encourage people to “shop local.”

–Consumer experts, share tips on how online shoppers need to be
aware of things like “free shipping” policies, return policies,
and the hidden costs of restocking fees.

–Parenting experts, how can parents keep their kids safe at busy
shopping malls and in crowded parking lots? Is it smart to
“leash” your child? This is a great topic for radio talk shows
because it’s so controversial.

–Diet and fitness experts, share tips on how shoppers, who just
gorged on the Thanksgiving meal, can eat smart during shopping
trips. What are the “best bets” at the mall food court? What
kinds of small snacks, like yogurt and string cheese, can
shoppers stash inside their purses, to satisfy their hunger?

–Let the media know if you pride yourself on knowing how to find
the very best bargains, compare ads and sniff out the best
coupons like a bloodhound.

=====================================
2. My Own Black Friday Sale
=====================================

I had to reschedule the webinar on how to monetize your blog,
which I was planning for Black Friday, to a yet-to-be-determined
date in the next few months.

So I’m giving you something special instead.

If you’ve been eyeing some of my training tools like webinar
replays, special reports or ebooks, but you’ve held off buying
until you could get a good deal, this is what you’ve been waiting
for.

I’m having my own Black Friday sale starting this Friday, Nov.
25, and running through the weekend. You’ll get big discounts of
at least 40 percent on all my products, and some other fun
specials that will have your tail wagging.

Watch for the email on Thanksgiving.

Until then, start looking over the list of videos, CDs and
transcripts. on
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/tapes.html

You’ll find special reports at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/reports.html and
ebooks at http://www.publicityhound.com/ebooks.htm

======================================
3. Video Studio Taking Shape
======================================

Thanks for your tips on how to turn a dark, dank, dingy room in
my “Addams Family” basement into a video studio.

Two weeks ago, I appealed for help at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9689 and was swamped with wonderful
ideas straight out of HGTV.

Several Publicity Hounds suggested I use furniture like a comfy,
overstuffed chair or a credenza. But they’re too big to fit
through the small door. I’m using an old bookcase as a backdrop,
an idea from Publicity Hound Gail Sideman.

I bought two slabs of cement board from the Home Depot last
Saturday, which I’ll use to cover up the stone wall. And I filled
a bag with inexpensive do-dads from a local consignment shop to
dress up the set. I’ll be creating the studio this weekend.

I’m saving all my receipts so I can show you how inexpensive this
project can be and how little space you need to create talking-
head videos that pull traffic.

Stay tuned for my first video, coming soon to a YouTube channel
near you.

=====================================
4. How to Promote a Car Raffle
=====================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Barbara Roy, a
communications specialist in Oakland City, IN, who needs ideas on
how to promote an upcoming charity car raffle that helps train
teen-age drag racers for auto-related careers.

From Jason Saeler:

“Tuner cars require parts. Try contacting local high performance
parts dealers to see if they will let you leave a poster or flyer
in the window, on the counter or otherwise help spread the word.
Also try contacting industry magazines. Many have online forums
(Import Tuner, for example) to see if they would be willing to
help spread the word in some way.

From Judith Bron:

“Get dramatic!

“When advertising in print, display photos starting with a kid
racing on a deserted street. The next photo is of a kid in
handcuffs. The next photo is of a dejected kid looking out the
bars of a cell.

“If this is in writing, describe kids who got into trouble like
this and the sentence they had to serve to get their life back.
If on a video, get some kids to play the kids who got into
trouble.

“Then the caption: ‘Want to prevent this waste of a human life?
Check this out!’

“When it comes to doing something to help kids go straight, lots
of folks want to help.”

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9750.

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

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

This week’s “Help this Hound” question is from Karin Rex of
Lansdale, Pa.:

“My book, Microsoft Office 2010 Demystified, was just published a
few weeks ago. But the publisher is doing NO publicity for the
book. The Demystified series is one of their best book series
with over 100 titles!

“Obviously, I’ll need to toot my own horn, but how?

“The primary audience for this book is professors/teachers who
teach courses that involve Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook or
Access. The book covers all five applications and includes
quizzes at the end of every chapter and a final exam at the end
of the book. The obvious secondary audience is, well, anybody
else who uses Office. Here are a few snippets from a recent
Computerworld article:

“’Office 2010 is the most successful consumer version we have
ever shipped, and the product is also performing extremely well
in the business segment,’ said Peter Klein, Microsoft’s chief
financial officer.

“’Office 2010 is the fastest-selling consumer version of Office
in history, with license sales over 50% ahead of Office 2007 for
the equivalent period following launch,’ said Bill Koefoed, the
general manager for investor relations at Microsoft.

“With numbers like that, you KNOW a lot of people are gonna need
a book like mine! So, can your Hounds throw me a bone and offer
their best tips on how I can spread the word?”

The Publicity Hound says:

Sure can, Karin. Hounds, help Karin sell a truckload of books to
both target audiences. Share your tips at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9806

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

This one is titled “The World’s Most Funny Dog Video.” And it
just might be, with more than 17 million videos on YouTube.(If
you’re at work, turn down the speakers.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hb92wQpPG-s

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…
======================================

5 reasons it’s OK to say “I don’t know” in interviews
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9783

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #580 Nov. 8, 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. Welcome to My Addams Family Basement

2. Research Reporters Before Pitching

3. How You’re Doing on Twitter

4. Product Review Template

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Welcome to My Addams Family Basement
=====================================

Do you hate recording talking-head videos as much as I do?

There. I’ve said it. I hate recording talking-head videos!

Here’s why.

Before I can hit the “record” button, I must:

–Clean my home office. This includes ripping all the
inspirational post-its and to-do notes from the walls, and then
scooping up papers, notebooks, periodicals and other junk from my
desk and throwing it into a pile in the corner.

–Drag out my big wooden ladder so I can clip one of the lights
onto the side of it.

–Look for the blue gel sheets that I attach to the lights with
wooden clothes pins.

–Search for the damn clothes pins.

–Retrieve my tripod from the closet, set it up and attach the
camera, then reposition it until it’s perfect.

–Wash and style my hair.

–Paint my face.

–Find something decent to wear.

–Tape my talking points to the wall behind the camera.

Only then can I start recording a few dry runs. When I’m done
recording, I rip everything down and put the office back together
again.

Last night, I decided to turn a small corner of the apple cellar
in my Addams Family basement into a video studio. I can set up
the equipment once and everything stays in place forever. When
it’s time to record a video, all I have to do is gussy up, run
downstairs, turn on the lights and start recording.

My basement is fine for Lurch and Uncle Fester. But not for
video. Here’s where you come in. Click here to keep reading.
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9689

=====================================
2. Research Reporters Before Pitching
=====================================

Don’t pitch, ever again, unless you research the journalist
you’re pitching.

Check out the bio box along the right side of this article by
Kashmir Hill, who writes about privacy and technology for Forbes
magazine:

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kashmirhill/2011/11/02/the-spy-who-
liked-me/

The bio gives you golden nuggets of information that help you
pitch her. Click on “Show More” and then “Circle Me” and you’ll
find even more on her Google profile.

Researching journalists is just one part of “A Simple 5-Part
Formula for Delivering the Perfect Media Pitch & Hitting it Out
of the Park,” a webinar I hosted recently. Access the video
replay and the handouts here, including 27 angles for stories:

http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

======================================
3. How You’re Doing on Twitter
======================================

If you don’t have time to keep checking how many people are
following you on Twitter and how much of your content has been
retweeted, let TwentyFeet.com do it for you.

The “egotracking” service collects all your online stats in one
place for Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Google Analytics, and
Bit.ly.

For example, TwentyFeet told me that last week on Twitter, I had
97 retweets, 2 new listings, 55 new followers and 27 mentions.

For the first 30 days, TwentyFeet is free of charge. Apart from
that, one account with Twitter and one profile with Facebook are
free of charge forever.

I don’t use the paid service, but you might want to. Click here
to learn more: https://www.twentyfeet.com/

=====================================
4. Product Review Template
=====================================

Are you reviewing products at your website, blog or within
articles or your newsletter?

Reviews are a great service and help promote your expertise.

Here’s a simple template on how to write product reviews:

http://blog.ezinearticles.com/2011/11/Product-Review-article-
Template.html

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

Joyce Restaino of Newfoundland, NJ writes:

“We’re on the final push seeking contributing authors for the
forthcoming book: Jersey Women Mean Business: Big, Bold Business
Advice from 100 New Jersey Women Business Owners–Practical
Pointers, Solutions, and Strategies for Business, which will be
published by Woodpecker Press, a company that helps authors self-
publish.

“The investment is $595 and 50 New Jersey women business owners
have already committed to write chapters. Since this is a self-
published book, the media typically aren’t interested. However,
there are plenty of benefits for those contributing a chapter,
such as a professional video clip of each author talking about
her chapter and her business ($600 value); an opportunity to be a
guest on a blog talk radio business show; PR and social media
training; opportunities to appear on business panels after the
book is published in 2012; discounts and special author-only
programs.

“To attract authors we have used email, direct mail, phone
follow-up, workshops, and in-person appearances to talk about the
book and its benefits. We’re making one final push for
contributing authors and would love suggestions from all of your
Publicity Hounds.”

The landing page is at http://bigboldbiz.com

The Publicity Hound says: These books are popular with writers
who don’t want to publish an entire book. So I know my Hounds
will have lots of ideas on how to promote it. Post your comments
to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9709

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Dr. David Lee Scher of the Pennsylvania
State University College of Medicine in Harrisburg, Pa., for this
video of Tootsie Roll, the Yorkie that’s VERY particular about
where her treats come from. I howled as I was watching this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qgcis4h3jX4

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…
======================================

11 qualities to look for when hiring a publicist
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9678

Help me turn my apple cellar into a video studio
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9689

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #579 Nov. 1, 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. Make it Easy for People to Donate

2. Overused Words in Press Releases

3. ProfNet Leads on Twitter

4. Overcome Publicity Shyness

5. How to Time Your Facebook Posts

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Make it Easy for People to Donate
=====================================

Nonprofits and any business that’s asking website visitors for
donations: This tip is for you.

Make it as easy as possible for people to give to your worthy
cause.

Don’t just ask them to send a check. Let them pay by credit card,
or PayPal. Consider letting them donate stock, or give a
corporate matching gift. What about payroll deductions?

The Wikimedia Foundation, the folks that manage Wikipedia, gives
its website visitors nine ways to donate. You can read about it
at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9667.

Make these options part of your publicity campaign.

Include a reference in paid ads, press releases, your press kit,
the press room at your website, from a “Ways to Donate” link at
your blog, and on the social media sites.

Nonprofits that need publicity tips, or businesses that do joint
ventures with nonprofits, can find dozens more tips in the video
replay of a webinar I hosted last week with nonprofit marketing
expert Sandy Rees. If you’re sponsoring an event, looking for
donors, recruiting volunteers or trying to persuade the public to
support your cause, this is for you. Read more about what you’ll
learn and how to do it at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/nonprofitpublicity.htm

=====================================
2. Overused Words in Press Releases
=====================================

Delighted. Best of breed. Scalability. Unique. Innovative. New.

And my personal favorite: Announced.

Those words appear everywhere in press releases, making the news
sound boring and trite.

Steve Farnsworth, chief digital strategist for Jolt Media, is
asking you to cast your vote.

“What overused drek is clogging the heart of news releases these
days? You can select up to 3!”

Vote at
http://stevefarnsworth.wordpress.com/2010/07/19/overused-
words-in-press-releases-what-words-would-you-outlaw/

And then learn how to write press releases the correct way. Take
my free email course, “89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Releases.” By
the time you’re done, it will be the equivalent of earning a
master’s degree in press releases. Opt into the course at
http://www.89pressreleasetips.com

======================================
3. ProfNet Leads on Twitter
======================================

ProfNet, the subscription service that provides leads Monday
through Friday from print and broadcast journalists looking for
sources, can be pricey if you’re a sole proprietor or your
company is on a tight budget.

That’s why following Proftnet’s Maria Perez on Twitter can pay
huge dividends. You won’t see all the leads, or most of them, but she
shares a few juicy ones.

Today, for example, she tweeted a lead from the Wall Street
Journal, which is looking for a forensic accounting expert. She
tweeted about the New York Post, which is looking for experts in
home health care. Another tweet mentioned that the Christian
Science Monitor is looking for experts in the Occupy Oakland
strike who can comment on what it will or won’t accomplish.

Follow Maria Perez on Twitter at http://www.Twitter.com/ProfNet.

That tip was one of more than 60 I shared recently when I
gathered my favorite free (or almost free) tools to share during the
webinar “60 Ideas in 60 Minutes: Free (or Practically Free) Tips, Tricks,
Tools & Tutorials for Publicity & Social Media.” You can access
the video replay, handouts and slides I used during the presentation.
at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-tapes/60ideas.htm

=====================================
4. Overcome Publicity Shyness
=====================================

Most publicity advice is of the “here’s how to approach
journalists” variety.

But what if you’re reluctant, shy, embarrassed or uncomfortable
promoting yourself?

Many people are.

There’s a simple, profound principle that changed Steve
Harrison’s life when he started his business two decades ago. He’ll share
it, and explain the one marketing lesson that took him from
struggling to successful, when he hosts a free webinar tomorrow at 2 and 7
p.m. Eastern on “Fast-Track Strategies for Becoming a Well-Known,
Well-Paid Author, Speaker Or Expert In Your Field.”

Even though the call is free, I’m promoting it as a paid
affiliate because so many experts spend too many years trying to build
their platform, only to be disappointed in the end.

Don’t miss out, register for the call at
https://m164.infusionsoft.com/go/QL14FT/A10011/

======================================
5. How to Time Your Facebook Posts
======================================

This is way more work than you might be willing to do, but if you
love analyzing numbers, you can learn when to time your Facebook
posts so they reach the most fans.

Follow the directions given by Jeff Widman at the Mashable blog:
http://mashable.com/2011/10/26/time-facebook-posts/

And then discover all the other ways to attract Facebook fans.
Mari Smith, the world’s Number One Facebook expert, ticked them off
one by one, and demonstrated many of them, during my webinar, “33
Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them
Coming Back for More.” You can access the video replay, the
handout listing all 33 tips and more. at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

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

Meet Daniel, the 20-pound miracle Beagle that’s up for adoption
after surviving a gas chamber in Florence, AL. What a great
mascot for dog-related company or nonprofit.

http://video-embed.nj.com/services/player/
bcpid651974715001?bctid=1242628019001

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…
======================================

Nonprofit Marketing Tip: Explain all 9 ways people can donate
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9667

Write killer headlines: 102 fill-in-the-blank formulas
http://publicityhound.net/write-killer-headlines-102-
fill-in-the-blank-formulas/

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #578 Oct. 25, 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. Your Twitter Reputation Score

2. A Nonprofit’s Ideal Donor

3. Cool Tool for Getting onto CNN

4. Don’t Solicit Reviews on Yelp

5. For Authors, Speakers, Experts

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Your Twitter Reputation Score
=====================================

If you’re on Twitter, Twitter has assigned you a “reputation
score.”

It has a system in place to gauge who you follow and, in turn,
who they follow and who follows them. It uses that information to
suggest the “Who to Follow” avatars in the right-hand column of
your profile.

So far, your score is still a secret. So why am I mentioning it?

Because I’m betting that Twitter will make it public very soon–
simply because other sites are starting to score and grade us.
For example:

–If you’re on Klout.com, you have a score, from 0 to 100,
largely determined by how often you tweet.

–Influencer Exchange, the new subscription-based software
program that I’ve been promoting, assigns a score to influencers
in thousands of niches, depending on who’s discussing the
influencer in traditional media or social media and how important
those people are. You can read more about this, and find out how
to sign up for a free 14-day trial, at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9613

–On Quora, the question and answer site, users “vote up” or
“vote down” your answers. The answers with the most votes show up
on top.

–On review sites like Yelp, consumers assign you from one to
five stars.

–Facebook doesn’t assign you a score–yet. But how often you
interact with your friends, and those who have Liked your pages,
determines how often the information you share shows up in their
news feeds.

–On Yelp and other review sites, consumers assign scores of from
one to five stars for restaurants, hair salons and even the local
furnace repair company.

–Google, perhaps the world’s ultimate “grader,” has been using
its secret algorithm to reward or penalize our websites in
organic search results.

I can’t help but envision the day when we all have one overall
“reputation score” that’s seared onto the flesh on our hips with
a hot branding iron.

The score could eventually determine if you’re the top candidates
for a job, or get a lucrative consulting contract, or a reporter
from the New York Times calls you for an interview because you
have a higher score than the other people who the reporter
researched.

Not tweeting yet? Don’t miss the boat. See “Twitter for
Beginners: A Step-by-Step, Can’t-Fail System for Experts and
Influencers (and Those Who Want to Be)” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterforbeginners.htm

=====================================
2. A Nonprofit’s Ideal Donor
=====================================

When Sandy Rees worked as marketing director for the Knoxville
Second Harvest food bank in Tennessee, her most successful
strategy was creating a profile of the ideal donor, and then
marketing to that niche.

The food bank did its research and discovered that the vast
majority of donors were women over age 50, who attended church
regularly.

“We needed to be speaking in front of every woman’s group in
every church in town,” she said. “We did. We knocked their socks
off with the presentation and we had a special call to action at
the end. It worked like a charm.”

Rees says nonprofits that don’t take the time to research, study
and market to their ideal donors are leaving money on the table.
They’re also missing numerous publicity opportunities because if
you don’t know your donors’ profile, you can’t target the media
that are reaching them.

She will team up with me this Thursday, Oct. 27, to present her
best tips for nonprofit PR during the webinar “Failproof
Publicity Tips for Cash-strapped Nonprofits to Raise Money,
Recruit Volunteers & Promote a Worthy Cause.”

We’ll share dozens of tips, tricks and tools that will help you
save time and money communicating your story to the masses–and
achieve the results you need.

Read more about what we’ll be discussing, and register at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/nonprofitpublicity.htm

======================================
3. Cool Tool for Getting onto CNN
======================================

Want to position yourself in front of the producers at CNN?

Share your news story with the world at the iReport Assignment
Desk. (PR people: Work this into your client’s media plan.)

“The most compelling iReports from these assignments often end up
on CNN television and CNN.com,” the website says.

Find out how you can participate by reading the frequently asked
questions at http://www.cnn.com/help/i-report.html

This site was one of many tools I shared during the webinar “60
Ideas in 60 Minutes: Free (or Practically Free) Tips, Tricks,
Tools & Tutorials for Publicity & Social Media.” If you missed
it, you can access the replay and the entire list of all 60 ideas
at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/60ideas.htm

=====================================
4. Don’t Solicit Reviews on Yelp
=====================================

A few favorable reviews on a site like Yelp.com can have
customers lining up at your doorstep. Here are the three most
important things business owners need to know about Yelp:

–Use it. It’s powerful.

–You shouldn’t solicit favorable reviews from customers or
you’re violating the Terms of Service. And no swinging a deal
with another business to “write a good review about me and I’ll
write a good one about you.”

–You should respond to bad reviews publicly and privately. Don’t
waste time trying to convince Yelp to remove them.

My friend, a small business owner, won’t create a profile on Yelp
because she’s afraid of a bad review. Big mistake. Find out why
by reading the blog post I wrote on “11 ways for small business
to use Yelp, respond to bad reviews” at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=7464

Yelp is one of more than 50 places I recommend to promote your
live and virtual events to reach your target market and pull
sell-out crowds. Learn more about the other places at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/promotevents.htm

======================================
5. For Authors, Speakers, Experts
======================================

One of the biggest mistakes authors make is overlooking the 22
streams of revenue that go far beyond just selling books.

Speakers often fail to realize they, too, have talents–such as
the ability to guide CEOs and company presidents through
corporate consulting–that transcend the speakers’ circuit.

And experts? They can earn money as an expert witness in trials.

If you’re ready to make a quantum leap in your career as an
author, speaker, consultant or expert in your field, and share
your message with a lot more people while also developing new
income streams from what you know, join Steve Harrison for a free
telephone seminar today at your choice of two times: 2 p.m.
Eastern or 7 p.m. Eastern. He’ll sharing strategies which can
propel you to a whole new level of income and influence.

Even though the call is free, I promote his products and services
as an affiliate. Register at
https://m164.infusionsoft.com/go/Thrive/A10011NO/

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

Thanks to Dan Poynter of Santa Barbara, CA, for this video of a
dog puppet playing catch with a toddler. The puppet almost looks
real!

http://www.flixxy.com/dog-puppeteer.htm

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…
======================================

5 website gems for nonprofit PR, fundraising, marketing
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9625

How long before we’re branded, like cattle,
with a “reputation score”?
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9640

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #577 Oct. 18, 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. What Happened to the Wonder Wheel

2. A Fiverr.com Success Story

3. Find Experts & Hot Topics, Fast

4. Publicity Tips for Nonprofits

5. Lunch with Jack Canfield

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. What Happened to the Wonder Wheel
=====================================

After I gushed about the Google Wonder Wheel last week, several
alert Publicity Hounds emailed me and said they tried Googling it
but couldn’t find it.

Turns out that for the third time, Google has pulled it. Rats!

A few sharp Hounds suggested a similar tool that does almost
everything the Wonder Wheel does, but without the razzle-dazzle.
It’s the WikiSummarizer from Wikipedia. You can find it at
http://www.wikisummarizer.com/Pages/Default.aspx

It automatically generates outlines from Wikipedia articles on
any topic. Just type in a keyword and click on the “Summarize”
button. Within seconds, it will deliver a condensed list of
important subtopics connected to your broader keyword.

Use it if you’re hunting for sub-topics to blog about, or a topic
for a tips list or press release.

The WikiSummarizer was part of the webinar I hosted yesterday on
“60 Tips in 60 Minutes: Free (or Practically Free) Tips, Tricks,
Tools & Tutorials for Publicity & Social Media.” Afterward, a few
Hounds who were on the call shared their own favorite tools.

If you missed it, go ahead and register. I’m sending out the link
later today where you can download the video replay and the
handouts that list every tool. You don’t even have to take time
to watch the video. Use the handouts as a checklist.

Register at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/60ideas.htm

If you think your followers would benefit, share this on Twitter,
Facebook and LinkedIn. Affiliates, ask me how to configure your
affiliate link to earn a commission.

=====================================
2. A Fiverr.com Success Story
=====================================

Several Publicity Hounds sent me to the dog house for my
enthusiastic endorsement of Fiverr.com, a site where people tell
you what they’re willing to do for only $5.

I know many people who have used this site to find vendors to
create logos, write headlines, draw illustrations and cartoons,
and even have WordPress blogs installed. That’s why I recommended
it.

The skeptics say sites like this devalue the good work of other
competent vendors, and they’d never consider using this resource.

Then, I heard from Publicity Hound Jenny Munn of Atlanta, Ga.,
this morning, thanking me for the beautiful header that a
graphics artist at Fiverr created for her blog at
http://healthierkidfood.com/

The artist promised it within eight days and finished the logo in
only one day.

“It cost me only $5, and I wouldn’t have lost much if things
hadn’t worked out,” Munn said.

Fiverr.com, by the way, is one of the 60 tools I shared during
yesterday’s webinar. Read more about what else I shared at

http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/60ideas.htm

======================================
3. Find Experts & Hot Topics, Fast
======================================

Would you like to know the hottest topic that experts are
discussing right now, online and in traditional media, in your
niche?

If you’re an expert in pain management, would you ever guess that
other experts are talking about bracelets?

Yes, bracelets.

That’s what Publicity Hounds learned last week during the webinar
I hosted with Larry Levy, who was demonstrating the new service
his company has created called the Influencer Exchange. It’s a
sophisticated subscription website that tells you, within
seconds, which experts are discussing which topics in a
particular niche, and the level of influence of each expert.

He used the pain management example to illustrate his point.

We learned, surprisingly, that many of the experts he found were
discussing bracelets. The controversial topic of whether magnetic
and copper bracelets actually relieve pain is all over the media
right now, and his website tracked down their quotes.

Knowing that information means you can comment at a blog, write
your own blog post or timely op-ed piece, or create a video on
the topic of bracelets and pain.

Unlike Klout.com, which really doesn’t measure influence, Levy’s
service tracks experts across the entire media and social media
landscape. He’s offering a 14-day free trial so you can
experiment with it and see if this is right for you. The ideal
client for this service is a PR or marketing agency that does
more than $5 million a year in revenues.

You can watch or download the video replay by clicking on the
link that you see at the end of my blog post at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9613

=====================================
4. Publicity Tips for Nonprofits
=====================================

Stop relying on the tired “woe is us” storyline to grab media
attention for your nonprofit.

Smart nonprofits know that to stand out from all the other
agencies competing for media attention, they must pitch stories
that are interesting and different, and make the media’s job as
easy as possible.

Let’s use a dog example.

If I did PR at the local humane society, I wouldn’t bark about
how tough times are for the critters. Instead, I’d write a list
of helpful safety tips for dog owners who are planning to dress
up their dogs for Halloween. What kinds of costumes are
dangerous? Do they actually make fire-resistant costumes?

Or, I’d share recipes for homemade dog treats–perfect for
stuffing inside trick-or-treat bags.

Sandy Rees–a speaker, author, coach and expert in nonprofit
marketing–teams up with me next week to present her best tips
for nonprofit PR during the webinar “Failproof Publicity Tips for
Cash-strapped Nonprofits to Raise Money, Recruit Volunteers &
Promote a Worthy Cause.”

We’ll share dozens of tips, tricks and tools that will help you
save time and money communicating your story to the masses–and
achieve the results you need.

Read more about what we’ll be discussing, and register, at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/nonprofitpublicity.htm

======================================
5. Lunch with Jack Canfield
======================================

Would you like to have lunch with Jack Canfield and pick his
brain about marketing your own book or project?

Canfield co-created the “Chicken Soup for the Soul” series that
has sold over 115 million books and was featured in the movie
“The Secret.”

He once had seven books on the New York Times Best Seller List
simultaneously–a world record.

Steve Harrison is offering a free 90-minute telephone seminar
with Canfield this Thursday, Oct. 20, and the author will share
his strategies for getting where you want to go as an
author/speaker.

Go here now to register for Thursday’s call and you’ll also be
entered into a drawing to have lunch with Canfield, Harrison and
up to three others.

https://m164.infusionsoft.com/go/JackQL13/A10011/

Even though the call is free, I promote it as a compensated
affiliate.

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

It’s time for the annual collection of Howl-o-ween Costumes. I
love the last one, the Chihuahua dressed as a taco:
http://dogtime.com/halloween-dog-costumes.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…
======================================

Find influential experts in any topic, fast
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9613

——————————————-

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:

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #576 Oct. 11, 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. 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes

2. Join Hot Conversations Immediately

3. LinkedIn’s Company Pages Widget

4. Best Practices for Facebook Pages

5. What Separates Rich, Poor Authors

6. Artists Need International Publicity

7. Hound Video of the Week

8. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. 60 Ideas in 60 Minutes
=====================================

Nothing elicits more gasps, ooohs and aaahs from audiences at my
workshops than when I demonstrate the Google Wonder Wheel.

It’s a nifty tool that, within seconds, helps you learn which
specific keywords and keyword phrases people are searching for
within a general topic. I use the Wonder Wheel to find ideas for
articles, blog posts and press releases.

I encourage authors to use it to find ideas for chapter topics
for their next books. If you create products in a particular
niche, the wheel will help you pinpoint the kinds of problems
people within that area are struggling with, based on their
Google searches. Once you know their problems, you can provide
the solutions.

The Wonder Wheel is just one of hundreds of free tools I’ve
shared with you over the last few years. But to access the rest
of them, you’d have to look in more than a half dozen places: in
this ezine, at my blog, in articles at my website, in guest blog
posts I write for other bloggers, in my Twitter feed, and in my
status updates on LinkedIn and Facebook.

But you don’t have that kind of time.

So I’ve compiled the 60 best ideas on how to use free or almost-
free tools to navigate the world of social media and publicity,
particularly helpful if you have a tight budget and are looking
for ways to save time. I’ll present them, and demonstrate some of
them, during a webinar I’m hosting at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on
Monday, Oct. 17. It’s called “60 Tips in 60 Minutes: Free (or
Practically Free) Tips, Tricks, Tools & Tutorials for Publicity &
Social Media.

If the time is inconvenient, sign up anyway because you’ll get
the video replay. You’ll also receive, as a bonus, my newest
special report on how to find influential people who can lend
their names to whatever you’re promoting.

Register for the webinar at
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/60ideas.htm

If you think your followers would benefit, share this on Twitter,
Facebook and LinkedIn. Affiliates, ask me how to configure your
affiliate link to earn a commission.

UPDATE: After this newsletter was sent, several alert readers
emailed to tell me that Google has pulled the Wonder Wheel. I’d
been using it for years and never thought to check to see if it
was still there. I should have. I regret the error. Google,
Please bring back the Wonder Wheel.

=====================================
2. Join Hot Conversations Immediately
=====================================

Savvy marketing and PR people stay on top of the hottest
conversations within their clients’ niches.

They have to.

They want their clients to be able to comment on blog posts,
write letters to the editor, pitch timely story ideas, offer
background information for journalists’ articles, or offer
commentary for an author’s forthcoming book–long before the
client’s competitors are even aware that there’s a hot topic
being discussed.

But until now, PR people have had to slog their way through a
variety of tools such as Klout, which doesn’t do a very accurate
job of measuring true influence.

A new tool from Appinions, a New York company, tracks traditional
and social media to round out a true picture of influence both
online and offline. It’s a subscription-based service that
matches influencers to specific topics, based on opinions it
finds from news reports, blogs, tweets, TV transcripts and social
networks.

The ideal user for this service is a PR or marketing agency with
numerous clients and revenues of more than $5 million a year.

CEO Larry Levy will demonstrate the tool during a free webinar
I’m hosting from 3 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Oct. 13.
Register today because we have room for only 50 people:

https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/308195010

Or read more about it at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9541

After you register, email me your topics and Levy will try to
work them into his demonstration.

======================================
3. LinkedIn’s Company Pages Widget
======================================

Are you promoting your products and services yet on LinkedIn’s
Company Pages?

They’re free. You can create multiple pages. You can add photos.
And they’re a terrific way to promote B2B companies.

But how do you get people to find your pages, and then follow
you, so they can stay up to date on new products you’re
introducing?

Add the Company Pages widget to your website and blog.

Go here and build it:

https://developer.linkedin.com/plugins/company-profile-plugin

Learn more about LinkedIn expert Wayne Breitbarth’s power formula
for writing a killer profile, cashing in on groups and creating
company pages at
http://www.publicityhound.com/linkedinpowerformulapart2.htm

=====================================
4. Best Practices for Facebook Pages
=====================================

Don’t create the standard Facebook page if you or your PR client
are in one of these categories: celebrities, musicians,
journalists, politicians, athletes, nonprofits.

Facebook has Best Practices Guides for all those people, designed
to help you tell your story, build deep, lasting connections with
your audience and keep them updated and engaged.

You can find the guides at
https://www.facebook.com/FacebookPages?sk=app_229825110408473

Mari Smith has more ideas on how to encourage people to Like your
page and click on your links. She was my guest during the webinar
on “33 Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling Content &
Keep Them Coming Back for More.” No time to watch the webinar
replay? That’s OK. Use the handy checklist I compiled. It
includes all 33 tips. Follow one tip each day and watch the
number of Likes on your page skyrocket.

Read more about how to access the replay and the checklist, part
of the handouts, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

======================================
5. What Separates Rich, Poor Authors
======================================

Poor authors place their hopes, dreams, sweat, blood and money
only on their books.

If the book fails, the author fails.

Rich authors use the book as a calling card to upsell readers to
a wide variety of other products and services: coaching programs,
board games, wall calendars, membership programs, and more.
That’s one of the key differences between rich authors and poor
authors.

Learn the other six at a free 75-minute telephone seminar hosted
by Steve Harrison of Radio-TV Interview Report, at 2 and 7 p.m.
Eastern Time on Thursday, Oct. 13. Even though the call is free,
I promote it as a compensated affiliate. I’ve seen hundreds of
authors miss this important distinction and tie up their life’s
savings in cardboard boxes of books they can’t sell.

Register for the call at
http://www.freepublicity.com/RichAuthorSecrets/?10011

=====================================
6. Artists Need International Publicity
=====================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have ideas for Kate Farrall of
San Diego, CA, whose PR clients, both artists, need international
publicity for the mural they painted on a water tank outside
Sacramento, CA.

From Celeste Balducci:

“Promote an event at the site and give something back to the
community, such as a kids’ arts day. Connect with all the mom
bloggers, schools, local officials, ongoing social media,
museums, press and non-profit arts groups.”

From Alyson B. Stanfield, a business coach for artists:

“There is an entire magazine devoted to public art called Public
Art Review at http://forecastpublicart.org/par.php. Try also
Sculpture magazine at
http://www.sculpture.org/redesign/mag.shtml. You’re calling it a
mural, but it is really an installation piece.

“How about community enhancement/planning pitching? There are so
many communities trying to revive themselves. Surely there are
publications devoted to city planning. (Art is my bailiwick, so
not sure about this one.)

From The Publicity Hound:

“I recommend two blogs for inspiration. Visit Lori McNee’s blog
at http://www.finearttips.com/blog/. She is an internationally
recognized artist who specializes in still life and landscape oil
paintings. She shares fine art tips, including marketing tips.

“Also, go to Alyson B. Stanfield’s blog at
http://www.artbizblog.com/. She’s savvy marketer and a Publicity
Hound!”

Read all the responses to this “Help This Hound” question at my
blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9512

======================================
7. Hound Video of the Week
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Sophie Wajsman of Australia for sharing
this “Which is the Guilty Dog?” video. I promise you’ll laugh:
http://www.maniacworld.com/which-is-the-guilty-dog.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/

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

6 ways to promote your retail business before you open
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9556

7 ways to congratulate journalists–without brown-nosing
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9522

——————————————-

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http://www.facebook.com/publicityhound

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——————————————–

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Reprinted from “The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week,” an ezine
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=======================================
Joan Stewart
The Publicity Hound