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

——————————————-

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 #572 Sept. 13, 2011
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Lazy, Cop-out Photos

2. Bad Guest Blogger Pitches

3. Your Book: A Premium Incentive

4. Promoting a Breast Cancer Auction

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Lazy, Cop-out Photos
=====================================

“We can’t think creatively. We’re lazy. And we don’t mind boring
you with this photo, which you’ve seen a thousand times before.”

That’s the message you send when you use these three types of
photos in a publicity campaign:

–The dreaded ribbon cutting, with the giant cardboard scissors.

–The ghastly check passing, with the oversized check that often
dwarfs the people on each end who are holding it.

–The uninspired groundbreaking, with eight guys in suits, ties
and hard hats, lined up side by side, each with a foot poised on
the shovel.

C’mon. You can do better than that.

Instead of a ribbon cutting, take a photo that shows how the
money is being spent. If it’s for the local food pantry, take a
photo of a volunteer stocking the shelves.

Dispense with the ribbon cutting. Instead, photograph the store’s
first customer making a purchase at the check-out counter.

Rather than a groundbreaking photo, create a helpful info-graphic
that explains various stages of the project, or a timeline for
completion.

Or hire a local artist to create an oil painting of the project.
Make inexpensive reprints available to the public. That’s a much
more interesting story.

That last idea comes from Dan Collins, the PR expert who was my
guest during the teleseminar on “Fun Alternatives to Boring
Groundbreakings, Ribbon Cuttings and Check Passings.” He has so
many creative suggestions for sidestepping boring photos that
you’ll swear off using the lazy ones forever. Read more about how
to access the transcript or audio replay at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/groundbreakings.htm

=====================================
2. Bad Guest Blogger Pitches
=====================================

This is starting to happen with annoying frequency.

Somebody emails me, offers to write a guest blog post and then
asks, “What would you like me to write about?”

I barely have time to figure out what topics I can write about.
The last thing I need is a guest blogger who I have to baby-sit.

Pitch a blogger the same way you’d pitch a journalist. Let them
know, without coming right out and saying it, that you’ve read
their blog. You know the kinds of topics their audience loves,
and you have an idea that’s a perfect fit. Also, explain your
area of expertise and why you’re the best person to write about
it.

Better yet, pitch two or three ideas. Include a link to your
blog, but do not tell the blogger to “visit my blog, take a look
around and let me know what you think.”

If you want exposure to my audience, make my job so easy that
publishing your post on my blog is a no-brainer.

When you submit the post, include one or two screenshots or
images. Write your own short author resource box. Link within the
post to other websites, when appropriate. And adhere to
Associated Press style. If you don’t have a stylebook, you can
buy one for less than $20 at http://ow.ly/6sXPb

Learn dozens more ideas on how to make a journalist’s or
blogger’s job easy by watching the video replay of a webinar I
hosted recently on “A Simple 5-Part Formula for Delivering the
Perfect Media Pitch and Hitting it Out of the Park.” You an
access it at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

======================================
3. Your Book: A Premium Incentive
======================================

Many big companies offer books as “premium incentives” to
encourage people to buy a particular product, much like your
favorite magazine might offer you a clock, T-shirt or other bonus
when you renew your subscription.

Some companies also buy books to give to their customers as
“thank you” gifts. Other firms buy books in quantity to train or
inspire their employees and buy 5,000, 10,000 or as many as
20,000 books from an author or publisher.

It’s not as hard as you might think to land these kinds of super-
lucrative deals–IF you know how the corporate market really
works.

Matthew Bennett, a self-published author who’s relatively unknown
to the general public, has sold more than 5 million books in
quantity to Fortune 500 corporations including Disney, Reebok,
NBC, Abbott Labs, Pfizer, US Healthplans, Subway and many others.

Want to learn how he does it and how you too can get started
selling your books by the truckload to big companies?

You’re invited to a free webinar (or telephone seminar) on
Thursday, Sept. 15, to hear Steve Harrison interview Matthew
about his methods and proven system for selling tons of books.
Register here:

http://www.authortrainingwebinar.com/?10011

Even though the call is free, I promote it as a compensated
affiliate, because too many authors spend far too much time and
effort selling single-copy books, and not enough on bulk sales.

Note: Steve has only 11 spots remaining for his National
Publicity Summit Oct. 12-15 in New York City, where you can
personally meet more than 100 producers and journalists who do
stories and shows for many of America’s biggest media outlets.
The price goes up after tomorrow, Sept. 14. Apply here:
http://www.nationalpublicitysummit2011.com/applyhere/?10011

=====================================
4. Promoting a Breast Cancer Auction
=====================================

This week, four Publicity Hounds have tips for Leticia Meireles
of San Diego, CA, on how to get more traffic to her online
auction that’s raising money for breast cancer research.

From Christel Hall:

“Leticia may get a big boost from social media. In fact, I just
tweeted for her cause:

“Birthday girl asks for friends/family to bid & buy to donate to
cancer cause, rather than give her b-day gifts:
http://www.32auctions.com/organizations/1878/auctions/2039.”

From Judith Bron:

“Every community has a hospital, hospice, health center or some
other health facility that works with breast cancer patients and
breast cancer survivors. Try contacting them and asking if you
can publicize your auction on their website, on their Facebook
page or other communications. If one of these organizations is
holding a dinner to raise funds for the cause, ask if you can
place flyers on tables at the event. Ask if you can put flyers at
health care facilities and in the cafeterias at local hospitals.”

From The Publicity Hound:

“Some big brands have donated items to your auction. Do they have
Facebook pages? If so, thank them publicly for the donation, tag
them, and link to the auction page. Same for all the local
businesses that have donated gift certificates and other items.
Their customers and fans might be very interested in bidding.”

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9341

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

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

Carrie Steuer of Itasca, IL, writes:

“I am a ‘Bra Lady’—a direct seller for Essential Bodywear.

“This month, I’m being featured in Family Circle magazine. It’s
an article about me, being a wife and mom and managing my bra
business.

“I am considering writing a press release or something else, but
I don’t know how to do that, or what to say, or what else I
should be doing.

“Can your Hounds lead me in the right direction? My website is
http://www.MyEssentialBodywear.com/breastfriend.”

The Publicity Hound says:

I love the bra care advice at your website I’ll bet other
magazines, women’s newsletter editors and bloggers would too.
Create a simple “tips list” and start pitching. Let’s see what
other suggestions my Hounds can post to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9401

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

Thanks to Christel Hall of Minden, NV, for this video of a dog
that just couldn’t make it as a service dog and became a SURFice
dog:

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=BGODurRfVv4

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

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

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

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

10 ways to be an indispensable media source
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9348

Need a 2-page website? You can be a beta tester
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9386

——————————————-

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 #563 July 12, 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 You Must Know About Google +

2. Don’t Let Interns Pitch

3. Secret Tool to Get Facebook Likes

4. Use Flickr to Promote Your Business

5. Social Media Webcast

6. Best-seller Blueprint for Authors

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. What You Must Know About Google +
=====================================

If you’ve been searching for a good explanation of Google +, the
social media platform that’s the newest hot thing, you may have
been frustrated, as I have, by the lack of helpful content.

But I found a really good explanation of what it’s about,
including lots of links, at Janet Fout’s blog. Take a look:
http://janetfouts.com/google-and-world-domination/

Google + makes it imperative that you update your Google profile
now. If you don’t have a Google profile, create one at
https://profiles.google.com.

Do yourself a favor and double-check all your links to make sure
they lead to the right pages. If you’ve created new social media
profiles, or Facebook pages, be sure to add those to the list of
links.

Is the explanation of what you do recent?

Do you have new bragging rights to add to your profile? Last
week, the Business2Community blog at
http://www.Business2Community.com named me to their list of the
40 Most Approachable A-Listers on Twitter. I added that to my
Google profile and noticed how quickly it had gotten stale.

Update yours today.

=====================================
2. Don’t Let Interns Pitch
=====================================

This time of year, the debate about whether PR interns should
pitch stories to the media surfaces.

There’s a good discussion at the Get Social PR blog at
http://www.getsocialpr.com/2011/07/11/public-relations-
professionals-should-pr-interns-pitch-to-the-media/

Rodger Johnson, a PR counselor and blogger, argues in favor of
letting interns pitch, with supervision.

“Interns need to learn how to pitch and the best way to do that
is to pitch,” he says.

I disagree.

If they fail–and that’s entirely possible, even with a PR pro as
the coach–the client’s reputation is on the line.

Put yourself in the client’s shoes. What would you say if you
knew that an amateur was representing you and your brand?

Besides, too many interns are ill prepared to answer a reporter’s
questions about the company.

I wouldn’t let most virtual assistants pitch on behalf of clients
either. I know of one or two who specialize in PR and work more
as publicists than virtual assistants. But the vast majority of
them should not be pitching. It sends the message that “Miss Big
Shot is too important to be calling you herself, so she sent me.”

Am I wrong? Comment at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8854

=====================================
3. Secret Tool to Get Facebook Likes
=====================================

Thanks to Greg Mischio, a member of The Publicity Hound Mentor
Program, for this tip on how to encourage people visiting your
business to Like your Facebook page.

Let them borrow your iPad, suggest they visit your page and Like
it, and then tell them to look around on the page. They can sign
up for your newsletter, write on your wall and leave a comment on
something you’ve written.

Greg manages PR and social media for his client, The Vision
Therapy Center, Inc., in Brookfield and Madison, Wi. He thinks
that would be a great way to occupy patients who are waiting in
the lobby to see the doctor.

His idea can work at lots of other businesses, too. Just be sure
your customers don’t walk off with the iPad.

During our conversation, Greg and I used the 33-point checklist
that I compiled last week, after the webinar I hosted with Mari
Smith, on “33 Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling
Content and Keep Them Coming Back for More.” We discussed which
tactics on the list his client should use first.

You can download the checklist, the video replay of the webinar,
and Mari’s slides, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

======================================
4. Use Flickr to Promote Your Business
======================================

What if photos of your products appeared all over the Internet–
at blogs, to illustrate other people’s articles, and at other
people’s websites?

And the people who see your photos could also click on the link
that leads them to your website.

For many companies, that’s nothing more than a dream.

But not for Publicity Hounds who know how to use Flickr, the
mammoth online photo management and sharing website that makes it
easy to:

–Make your photos available to the people who matter to you,
including current customers and your target audience.

–Organize your photos in one place online where people can share
them on the web, on mobile devices, from the users’ home
computers and from whatever software they are using to manage
their content. Flickr lets you push them out in as many ways as
possible: on the Flickr website, in RSS feeds, by email, by
posting to outside blogs or numerous other ways that tie into a
PR campaign.

Flickr calls itself “the WD-40 that makes it easy to get photos
or video from one person to another in whatever way they want.”

Are you using it yet to promote your business?

If not, guest blogger David Murton has nine ideas for using
Flickr to promote your product, service, cause or issue.

Even if you don’t have a treasure trove of photos, I’m betting
you have at least several that you can upload today.

Read David’s tips at my blog:

http://publicityhound.net/9-ways-to-use-flickr-to-promote-your-
business/

=====================================
5. Social Media Webcast
=====================================

I’m flying to San Diego today to be one of Don Crowther’s guests
on a live webcast tomorrow (Wednesday, July 13) to discuss my
successes with social media.

I’m scheduled to be on at 6:40 p.m. Eastern Time, though that
time might change. I hope you’ll join us. In fact, check out the
entire live webcast from 5 to 11:30 p.m. Eastern Time. You’ll see
Don interviewing lots of other people who have great social media
tips to share.

We’re all case studies he’s using to promote Social Profit
Formula 2.0, the new, updated follow-up to the original Social
Profit Formula course, which I’ve taken.

Even if you don’t want to spend a penny with Don, you can watch
the entire webcast for free by using this link:

https://btconsulting.infusionsoft.com/go/livecast/a342/

Because it’s live streaming video, we’ll be taking your questions
and responding to your comments.

(Tune in to see if Don lets me wear my Publicity Hound T-shirt!)

=====================================
6. Best-seller Blueprint for Authors
=====================================

Want to find out how one author made her book an Amazon.com,
Barnes & Noble and New York Times Bestseller?

Join my friend, Steve Harrison, on Thursday, July 14, for a free
webinar (or telephone seminar) and discover the ingenious, yet
simple “best-seller blueprint” you can use to sell more books in
a week than most authors sell all year. I promote this webinar as
a compensated affiliate because I’ve heard from far too many
authors who are doing it the hard way.

You’ll hear from four authors who’ve used it to make their books
bestsellers and one who sold $184,256.00 of copies at zero cost!

To register go here now:
http://www.bestsellerblueprintcall.com/?10011

======================================
7. Hound Joke of the Week
======================================

Thanks to Publicity Hound Sophie Wajsman of Melbourne, Australia
for this one:

If a fire hydrant has H2O inside, what does it have outside?

Answer: K9P

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

9 ways to use Flickr to promote your business
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8739

5 reasons why PR interns shouldn’t be pitching the media
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8854

——————————————-

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 #560 June 21, 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. Attract Rabid Facebook Fans

2. Why Social Media Doesn’t Work

3. Dreaded Check-passing Photos

4. Land a Corporate Sponsor

5. Promote a Restaurant Reopening

6. Hound Quote of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Attract Rabid Facebook Fans
=====================================

Mari Smith’s Facebook page has become the go-to place for people
who have questions about Facebook.

On any given day, dozens of people post questions–some of them
no-brainers and some of them so perplexing that even Mari doesn’t
know the answer. But she always finds out and shares the
information with her readers.

She also encourages her more than 43,000 fans to share their best
tips–and share they do.

I learned, for instance, that if you tag someone on Facebook with
his or her first and last name, you can simply remove the last
name after it’s already highlighted in blue, and the status
update will still show up on that person’s page. Removing the
last name makes the message more personal. Very cool!

Mari is arguably the world’s Number 1 Facebook expert. She’s
smart, funny, helpful, and I love listening to her “wee” Scottish
accent.

That’s why I was thrilled when she accepted the invitation to be
my guest expert on a webinar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday,
June 28. Choosing the topic was easy. The Number One question
people ask me is, “How do I get more people to Like my page?”

She’ll explain more than a dozen ways (knowing Mari, it will be
closer to two dozen) to attract Facebook fans, provide sterling
content, and keep them coming back for more (just like the
celebrities do).

I took the big batch of question you’ve been asking the last few
months and forwarded them to her so she’ll be ready with the
responses.

One particularly knotty topic is contests. Mari wrote last week
that most people violate Facebook’s Terms of Service when they
sponsor contests. I almost did, too, until I read what she wrote.
Break the rules, and Facebook can close down your account,
pronto.

She’ll cover how to sponsor contests in detail, and address other
frequently asked questions. I’ve also asked her to explain how
you and I can encourage people to post questions on our pages so
we can imitate her, and be the go-to sources for up-to-the-minute
news in our industry.

Join us at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, June 29. Register at
http://www.Publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm.

=====================================
2. Why Social Media Doesn’t Work
=====================================

Don Crowther, the Top Gun of social media whose SMARTS course has
been my guiding light for last two years, just posted a free, new
video called “Social Media Doesn’t Work.”

Watch it here and then, correct what you’re doing wrong:

https://btconsulting.infusionsoft.com/go/spf2/a342/

Don readily admits that for most people social media doesn’t
work. And the reason is simple: It’s because of a costly mistake
that most social media marketers are making right now, a mistake
that will doom your social media efforts to failure.

The good news is, Don shows you the deceptively simple, but
highly effective secrets that can turn it all around, and sell
more books or products, get more consulting assignments and paid
speaking engagements, or just plain make more money with social
media.

You’ll also get a downloadable worksheet that shows you in just 5
minutes precisely how well you’re doing with social media. You’ll
quickly discover whether you’re wasting your time, or are on your
way to making serious money.

Last thing: You can watch the video on your iPhone, iPad or
iTouch without any hassles or delays.

Watch it here:

https://btconsulting.infusionsoft.com/go/spf2/a342/

=====================================
3. Dreaded Check-passing Photos
=====================================

When I presented a workshop on Saturday at the international
convention of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs, I asked
all Publicity Hounds in the audience to stand, raise their right
paws, and repeat after me:

“I solemnly swear to never assign, take or appear in photos of
checkpassings, ribboncuttings and groundbreakings.”

Everybody had a good laugh, especially when I projected onto the
big screen one photo after another of those incredibly boring
ribbon-cutting ceremonies with the giant cardboard scissors, and
a second set of photos of checkpassings, with the oversized
cardboard checks that dwarfed the people standing on each side of
them.

“Enough, already,” I told them. “You can do better than that.”

One audience member said her club donated money for exercise
equipment to a local hospital. Rather than assigning the photo
we’ve all seen a million times, the dreaded checkpassing, club
members waited until the exercise equipment was delivered.
Dressed in workout clothes, they hopped aboard the equipment and
walked, ran, rowed, pulled and sweated their way to a great photo
that appeared in the local newspaper.

PR guy Dan Collins gives dozens more ideas on how to steer clear
of trite photos. He was my guest during the teleseminar “Fun
Alternatives to Boring Groundbreakings, Ribboncuttings and
Checkpassings.” It’s available as a CD or electronic transcript
you can download right now.

Read more about what it includes at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/groundbreakings.htm

======================================
4. Land a Corporate Sponsor
======================================

One of the best ways for corporations to market themselves is
through experts like Brendon Burchard and Jacqueline Whitmore.
And maybe even you.

After a lot of trial and error, Brendon cracked the code and
developed a surprisingly easy way to get major companies like
Wachovia, Coke, Toyota and Sony Pictures to promote and sponsor
his books, publicity and speaking tours.

Jacqueline has had equally impressive success.

She’s been the gift-giving expert for Sam’s Club, the gift-buying
expert for Office Depot, and a national spokesperson for Sprint.
She also has partnered with Clarisonic skin care products and
Hologic, which sells imaging equipment for the health care
industry.

In both cases, Brendon and Jacqueline found companies that were a
perfect fit with their area of expertise and have received
mountains of free publicity from national print and broadcast
media.

“When you’re aligned with a corporation, especially a Fortune 500
company, or one that has a reputable name, you’re perceived as
more credible because that corporation has chosen you as its
spokesperson,” Jacqueline says.

In fact, at the National Speakers Association convention several
years ago, Jacqueline heard Brendon speak about how to land
corporate sponsors and said he was one of the highest-rated
speakers at the event.

This year, Brendon will share his secrets during a free
teleseminar this Thursday, June 23, with Steve Harrison. Discover
how you can use his methods to promote your own book, product or
business, just like Brendon and Jacqueline do, and get PR firms
to pay all your expenses.

The call will be presented twice–-at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern. If
you can’t make it, please recruit someone to listen and take
notes for you. Register at
http://www.SponsorshipTrainingTeleseminar.com/?10011 (I’m a
compensated affiliate for Steve Harrison).

=====================================
5. Promote a Restaurant Reopening
=====================================

This week, seven Publicity Hounds have tips for Timothy Nishimoto
of Portland, Ore., owner of Vino Paradiso Wine Bar & Bistro, who
is looking for suggestion on changing the name of the restaurant.
He wants to know how to coordinate PR–drip it out little by
little or announce it all at once?

From Jenni Bowring:

“Courting the local food writers/bloggers is key to creating
advance buzz. Invite them-–when you, the food, and your chef are
ready–-to an advance, food-writers-only tasting.

“Close the restaurant for an evening (if possible) to make it
even more exclusive, or hold a kitchen dinner for them if closing
would be a hardship. Invite them to screen the new menu and taste
the food with carefully chosen wine pairings (perhaps the new
menu could include a wine pairing suggestion for each entrée).

“Each tabletop should have something in the center with the
message about the re-naming.”

From Everett:

“Here is my reaction to your current name (Vino Paradiso: A
friendly wine bar and bistro). Using ‘vino’ and ‘wine’ is a
redundancy, but not a felony. It would indeed be nice if you
could eliminate the repetition. ‘Bistro’ is actually a French
word, although perhaps not everyone knows that. Using a French
word might detract from your desire to communicate the new
Italian menu…You might even consider ‘Vino Paradiso
Restaurant.’ It says it all.”

From Shelley Hunter:

“There is a very popular and long-standing burger joint in Davis,
Calif., that was called Murder Burger. I think the name was
originally about butchering the beef. For obvious reasons, they
also decided to change the name. They, too, held a contest.

“I remember the contest because my brother-in-law (in college at
the time) and all his buddies were thinking of names to win free
food. I think the winner got a burger a week for a year, or
something like that. The name was changed to Redrum Burger,
which is brilliant if you’ve seen The Shining and is perfect for
this college town. I chuckle every time I see the sign and always
remember the contest.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this “Help This Hound” question
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8690

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

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

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

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

Facebook, inflight mag titles added to inventory closeout
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8752

Do you buy ads? Offer a testimonial for free publicity
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8714

——————————————-

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