The Publicity Hound's Tips of the Week » publicity for niche markets

Publicity Tips—Let a Geek Help with PR

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #591 Jan. 24, 2012
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Let a Geek Help with PR

2. Membership Has Its Privileges

3. Make Your Book a Bestseller

4. Sponsoring a Contest on Flickr

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

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

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

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

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

–Fix a problem in your online pressroom.

–Install the latest widget on your WordPress blog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How much to charge? That’s up to you.

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

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

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

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

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

Blueprints. Formulas. Systems.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Christina Steder:

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

From The Publicity Hound:

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

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

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

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

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

Gina Elise of Redlands, CA, writes:

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

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

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

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

The Publicity Hound says:

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

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

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

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

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

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

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

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

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

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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,
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Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—Missing the Publicity Target

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #588 Jan. 3, 2012
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Missing the Publicity Target

2. Embarrassing Online Pressrooms

3. Make Your Bio Fun

4. Twitter Resolutions

5. Promoting a Book Giveaway

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site

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

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

–Leveraging the power of social media, including blogs.

–Generating online publicity.

–Generating publicity in traditional media.

No surprises there.

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

Here’s a sample:

–”Social Media: What a time suck!”

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

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

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

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

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

So where do we go from here?

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

Stay tuned, and hang in there!

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

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

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

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

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

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

–An absence of links to social media profiles.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Marcia Yudkin:

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

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

From Maria Mar:

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

From Shawn Hansen:

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

The Publicity Hound says:

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

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

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

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

Dog Jokes & Quotes Ebook: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes,
perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few
good laughs.

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

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

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

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

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

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—Black Friday Hooks

JStewart — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 19:27:23 +0000

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:

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—What Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?

JStewart — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 13:56:17 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #581 Nov. 15, 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 Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?

2. Worst Way to Monetize Your Blog

3. Publicity for Handmade Things

4. Your Own TV Show

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. What Was Sandusky’s Lawyer Thinking?
=====================================

Crisis Communications 101 teaches that before you agree to a
media interview, you must anticipate every killer question you’ll
be asked.

Create a well-thought-out response to each one, and rehearse
until you can answer each question confidently.

Criminal Law 101 teaches that your client who is charged with a
crime has the right to remain silent.

It was disaster on both fronts last night when Bob Costas of
NBC’s “Rock Center” interviewed disgraced Penn State football
coach Jerry Sandusky, charged with sexually abusing children.

Sandusky denied being a pedophile but said he had a serious lapse
in judgment when he showered with young boys.

Here’s an excerpt, in which Sandusky was interviewed by phone,
with his lawyer seated next to Costas.

Costas: “Are you sexually attracted to young boys, to underage
boys?”

Sandusky: “Am I sexually attracted to underage boys…sexually
attracted? No, you know, I enjoy young people. I love to be
around them….I…I…But no, I’m not sexually attracted.”

It wasn’t until this morning that NBC released the full
transcript of the Costas interview, which is far more damaging
than just that sound bite. You can read it here:

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/college/jerry-sandusky-i-
seeking-young-person-sexual-helped-article-1.977730#ixzz1dniwDav7

PR experts and criminal defense attorneys said the interview will
work against Sandusky in his criminal case and in civil lawsuits
that will most likely be filed against him.

A USA Today poll asked, “Did Jerry Sandusky help himself with the
Costas interview?”

As of this afternoon, 85 percent of the 4,026 respondents said
no. I agree, and I was surprised the percentage wasn’t higher.

=====================================
2. Worst Way to Monetize Your Blog
=====================================

If you want to make money from your blog, don’t assume that
quality copy alone can make it happen.

You must be proactive and do things like go after sponsors, use
Google AdSense ads, and turn blog content into information
products that you can sell.

And you can do it all without aggravating your readers.

On Black Friday, while the masses are at the shopping malls
spending money, I’ll be teaching Publicity Hounds how to make
money by blogging. I’ve identified 27 ways to monetize your blog,
and I’ll explain them all during a webinar at noon Eastern Time.

If the time is inconvenient, sign up anyway because you’ll get
the video replay and other materials. Register here:
http://www.PublicityHound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/howtomonetizeyourblog.htm

If you have a clever way of monetizing YOUR blog, let me know. I
might include your tip in the webinar and help drive traffic to
your blog.

======================================
3. Publicity for Handmade Things
======================================

Thanks to the Etsy.com newsletter for four more websites where
Publicity Hounds who make handmade things can promote their
items:

http://craftmarketer.com/sites-for-getting-publicity-for-your-
handmade-things/

Artists, don’t miss out on the dozens of other tips I shared with
Ariane Goodwin when she interviewed me on “How Artists Can Sell
More Artwork through Online & Offline Publicity.”

You can access the CD or electronic transcript at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/artists.htm

=====================================
4. Your Own TV Show
=====================================

How much more credibility would you have with your audience and
customers if you had your own TV show?

It’s a powerful way to deliver your message, heighten your
platform and really make a name for yourself.

Wine expert Gary Vaynerchuck has his own WineLibraryTV show on
the web. It helped turn his family’s wine store into a $50
million
enterprise.

Relationship expert Tamara Schilling reaches a much larger
audience with her show, called “RelationShift TV.”

My friend Steve Harrison is hosting a webinar/telephone seminar
this Thursday, Nov. 17, with veteran video producer Perry
Lawrence, who’s helped many people launch their own direct-to-web
TV shows and use them to become the “go-to” experts in their
fields.

He’ll give lots of examples of other people who are using their
own web TV shows to enhance their expertise, and show you how to
get started.

Here’s the best part: Your videos do NOT have to be perfect, just

good enough.

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

This week’s Help this Hound question is from Barbara Roy, a
communications specialist in Oakland City, IN:

“I need ideas on how to promote an upcoming charity car raffle in
2012 through the Mad Mac Foundation, a group that sponsors
educational programs for at-risk youth.

“Proceeds from the raffle will be used to get teenagers, who
illegally race their cars on streets, into the classroom where
they can learn how to build tuner cars from the ground up. The
training will help them transfer their skills, which they’ve been
using illegally, into career paths that might include auto
engineering and design, auto repair, and creating video games
that involve cars. The curriculum includes science, technology,
engineering and math.

“Two cars will be given away during the July raffle.

“The winter months will be spent on materials prep and strategy.
But beginning in January, we’ll focus more on going after
sponsors and businesses to carry the raffle tickets. I could
really use recommendations on how to gain mass awareness for this
nationwide event.

“We will have branding, messaging and content on the website by
January, as well as a Facebook event page. Can your Hounds offer
their best ideas on how to promote the raffle and the training?”

The Publicity Hound says:

I can think of so many ways to reach this niche audience,
particularly through social media. Hounds, start your engines and
race over to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9750 with
your best ideas.

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

Thanks to Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas, for these photos of 10
Extreme Dog Houses:
http://www.oddee.com/item_97267.aspx

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

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

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

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

Create sound bites that the media find scrumptious
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9727

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—What Happened to the Wonder Wheel

JStewart — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 17:41:19 +0000

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.

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:

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips–Your Lawyer’s Bad Advice

JStewart — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:29:09 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #574 Sept. 27, 2011
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Your Lawyer’s Bad Advice

2. Ghost-tweeter Runs Amok

3. If You Can’t Get Reprint Rights

4. This Idiom Drives People Nuts

5. See You in Arizona

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Your Lawyer’s Bad Advice
=====================================

While you’re at lunch today, a reporter leaves you a voicemail
message telling you that one of your customers has filed a
lawsuit against you for shoddy business practices. The reporter
has called because he wants a comment.

You know nothing about the lawsuit. Your first inclination may be
to call your lawyer.

Clarence Jones, a media trainer and former award-winning
investigative reporter, is betting that your lawyer’s advice will
be wrong.

In almost every instance, Jones says, the lawyer will tell you
not to comment, which is the same as screaming, “I’m guilty!”

Think about it. You’ve reaad dozens of news stories about
companies being sued, and the CEO or company attorney says, “We
can’t comment on this because it’s in litigation.”

Your attorney’s Number One job is to cover your butt in a court
of law. Problem is, most attorneys don’t know anything about
covering your butt in the court of public opinion.

By the time a lawsuit winds its way through the courts, and you
win, your reputation could be tarnished and your business in
ruins.

Jones says your company–and even you, if you’re a sole
proprietor–must know how to respond in bad-news situations so
you can put your best foot forward and take control of the story.
If you find yourself in a PR crisis, weigh your lawyer’s advice
along with the advice of others such as a good crisis counselor.

Jones was my guest during the teleseminar I hosted called “In a
Media Crisis, Your Lawyer Will be Wrong” and offered lots of
advice on exactly how to respond during bad-news stories. Read
more about how to access the recording at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/yourlawyerwillbewrong.htm

=====================================
2. Ghost-tweeter Runs Amok
=====================================

Too busy to write your own tweets?

Lots of people are, so they hire ghostwriters to tweet for them.

That’s what Internet marketing strategist Mark Davidson did. In
fact, he hired an entire team of ghost-tweeters. But when he
fired one of them, he made the mistake of failing to change his
Twitter password.

Take a look at what happened next at
http://www.mediabistro.com/alltwitter/twitter-ghostwriter-
blues_b14044

It’s a good idea to change your passwords on social media sites
every few months, and not just when something like this happens.

If you aren’t tweeting yet, don’t let this scare you. A Twitter
feed that shares helpful advice and solutions to your readers’
problems is a powerful way to position yourself as an expert.

I recently hosted the webinar “Twitter for Beginners: A Step-by-
Step, Can’t-Fail System for Experts and Influencers (and Those
Who Want to Be).” It walks you through all the steps on how to
use Twitter to establish your credibility, influence your
followers, share great content, and attract the types of people
who need your expertise as well as your products and services.
Find out how to access the video replay at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterforbeginners.htm

======================================
3. If You Can’t Get Reprint Rights
======================================

After a newspaper or magazine publishes a story about you, and
you’re on a publicity high, nothing can bring you crashing down
quicker than discovering that you can’t reprint the story unless
you pay the media outlet several thousand dollars for reprint
rights.

As ad revenue and circulation decline at many publications, more
print media–especially big newspapers and magazines–are
demanding hefty reprint fees.

The best way around this problem is to buy as many copies of the
publication as you can afford, as soon as it’s printed. Don’t
wait several months and discover that the company can sell you
only three copies of the magazine that featured a cover story
about you.

These articles are powerful PR tools that you can tuck inside a
presentation folder when offering a proposal to a client. They
can be used as leave-behinds after meeting with someone who you
want to impress. You can mount the article onto a plaque and hang
it in your lobby.

These are the kinds of valuable tips you’ll find in my ebook,
“How to be a Kick-butt Publicity Hound,” a one-stop shop on how
to generate print and online publicity using traditional and
social media. The ebook includes a handy glossary that defines
media terms you might find confusing. Read more about what’s in
the book here at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity/publicityhound.htm

=====================================
4. This Idiom Drives People Nuts
=====================================

Do you go bonkers like I do when you hear “At the end of the
day…” from a talking head on TV?

That tired, worn out idiom that people think is so very hip is
starting to pop up in writing, too.

Don’t use “at the end of the day” when you’re talking to the
media, or they’ll pounce on it and use it in a direct quote or in
a five-second sound bite.

Speakers, don’t utter it from the platform.

Authors, you can do better than that.

Let me analyze your writing and show you how to improve it. I
serve as the personal writing coach for people in my mentor
program and review their press releases, bios, articles, blog
posts, tweets, status updates and more.

Learn more about the program, and if you qualify, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html

=====================================
5. See You in Arizona
=====================================

I’ll be in Mesa, AZ, Oct. 20-22, attending Don Crowther’s Social
Profit Live conference on social media and Internet marketing.

If you’d like face-to-face consulting time with me, even if
you’re not attending the conference, let me know and let’s put it
on the calendar. I’ll be at the Phoenix Marriott Mesa.

Just hit “Reply” and let me know your schedule.

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Kathleen Mahan of San Juan Capistrano,
CA, for sharing this precious 13-second video that shows what a
dog does when it gets cold at
http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2011/07/what-a-dog-does-when-its-cold/

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

13 press release topics when there’s nothing newsworthy
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9451

Pitching Mistake: Calling the media via your assistant
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9436

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—Be Part of a Restaurant’s Name

JStewart — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:41:12 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #573 Sept. 20, 2011
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Be Part of a Restaurant’s Name

2. Social Media Today Needs Bloggers

3. Three Major Facebook Changes

4. 7 Ways to Land Big Media Appearances

5. YouTube Adds Editing Tools

6. Promoting a Family circle Article

7. Hound Joke of the Week

8. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Be Part of a Restaurant’s Name
=====================================

File this one under “Clever Publicity Stunts.”

Starting Oct. 3 through the end of the month, Smith & Wollensky
steakhouse in Midtown Manhattan will remove the name “Smith” and
replace it with the surname of a devoted customer who agrees to
take a pledge of loyalty to the restaurant.

The new names will also appear on signs, awnings, matchbooks,
cocktail napkins and waiters’ jackets.

Just book a table, take a pledge at their website, and your name
might be one of several dozen drawn at random.

This sounds like an incredibly expensive promotion, and I’d be
curious to know if the return on investment is worth it.

Read more about the promotion on the restaurant’s website at
http://www.smithandwollenskynyc.com. Then read 51 ideas on how
restaurants, chefs and foodies can generate publicity. They’re on
the handout I created that accompanies the audio recording of a
teleseminar I recorded on “Publicity Tips for Restaurants, Chefs
& Foodies.”

Find out how to access it at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/restaurants.htm

=====================================
2. Social Media Today Needs Bloggers
=====================================

If you’re an expert in any aspect of social media, consider
submitting a guest blog post for Social Media Today.

SMT describes itself as “an independent, online community for
professionals in PR, marketing, advertising, or any other
discipline where a thorough understanding of social media is
mission-critical. Every day, we provide insight and host lively
debate about the tools, platforms, companies and personalities
that are revolutionizing the way we consume information.”

I’ve submitted a few posts at the site and found it a bit
difficult to navigate at first, but the exposure is valuable. I
recommend offering original content, not warmed-over posts from
your own blog.

Learn more here:

http://socialmediatoday.com/clifffigallo/358121/smts-september-
message-our-contributing-writers

======================================
3. Three Major Facebook Changes
======================================

New changes you need to know about:

–Until now, it hasn’t been easy to choose exactly what you see
in your News Feed. You also couldn’t hear directly from people
you’re interested in but don’t know personally–like journalists.
Facebook is adding a Subscribe button, making it easier for you
to do both. You’ll start seeing this button on your profile and
your friends’ profiles. Use it to choose what you see from people
in News Feed; hear from people, even if you’re not friends; and
let people hear from you, even if you’re not friends.

–Lists have existed for several years, but users have complained
that it’s time-consuming to organize lists for different parts of
their lives and keep them up to date. To make lists easier,
Facebook has made three improvements. Smart Lists create
themselves and stay up-to-date based on profile info your friends
have in common with you–like your work, school, family and city.

Close Friends and Acquaintances lists let you see your best
friends’ photos and posts in one place, and see less from people
you’re not as close to.

You can also add the right friends to your lists without a lot of
effort.

–You no longer need to accumulate 25 friends or fans before you
can claim a vanity URL. Until you got that many, you were stuck
with a long, ugly URL that no one could ever remember. Choose a
vanity URL and check its availability here:
https://www.facebook.com/username/

Now, use the checklist I created on how to attract fans to your
vanity URL. I compiled it when Mari Smith was my guest during the
recent webinar on “33 Ways to Attract Facebook Fans, Provide
Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming Back for More.” 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 cheat sheet of
tips, part of the handouts, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

Read what Facebook has to say about all the changes at
https://www.facebook.com/blog.php?post=10150280039742131

=========================================
4. 7 Ways to Land Big Media Appearances
=========================================

One of the big advantages to being booked on a major TV talk show
like the “Today” show, “Good Morning America,” “The View,” or
even for a news segment on the Fox News Channel, is that these
top media aren’t shy about stealing each other’s guests. Do a
terrific interview on the “Today” show, and “The View” might
call.

A single major national TV appearance can change your life
forever. But getting onto these shows isn’t easy.

Discover the breakthrough strategies others have used to be
featured on those big shows and in major print media like Time
magazine and USA Today. Steve Harrison is hosting a webcast at 4
and 8 p.m. Eastern Time today, Sept. 20. This is a free call, and
I’m promoting it as an affiliate.

Learn the 7 things you must know about what separates the run-of-
the-mill publicity seekers from those who get booked onto these
shows and appear in major publications. Register at
http://www.publicitytrainingclass.com/?10011

=====================================
5. YouTube Adds Editing Tools
=====================================

If you’re serious about creating talking head or PowerPoint
videos for YouTube, you’re probably using a video editing program
like Sony Vegas Movie Studio.

But if you’re in a hurry, you can now use several nifty editing
tools from YouTube that let you edit right in the browser.

Watch the video YouTube created that explains all the tools:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G-n9p28Yh8w&feature=
player_embedded

When you’re done, learn all the inside secrets on how to use your
YouTube videos to pull traffic to your website or blog. Colin
Martin and Mark Bullock presented a free webinar a few months ago
on “YouTube Secrets: Getting Views, Subscribers and Branding Your
Business.” I took three pages of notes while recoding the
session. If you missed it, don’t worry. We recorded it. You can
access the replay at http://tinyurl.com/62ajq65

=====================================
6. Promoting a Family Circle Article
=====================================

This week, three Publicity Hounds have tips for Carrie Steuer of
Chicago, IL, a bra consultant who wants to know how to piggyback
onto an article Family Circle magazine is writing about her this
month, and continue the great publicity.

From Dan Janal:

“Reporters love trend articles. What’s new in fashion? Colors,
styles, etc.? Is there a spin you can make with the news from
Fashion Week?

“Can you poll your customers on what they like or dislike? One of
my clients surveyed her readers and we wrote a press release
based on the results. You can read it at

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/halloween-costumes-five-
sexiest-halloween-costumes-as-voted-by-men-127822108.html

From Alice Hohl:

“One of the best things you can do is to be prepared for a rush
of people to your site after the article is published. Have
systems in place to handle a flood of inquiries. Create an online
form that captures emails.”

From The Publicity Hound:

“Publicity Hound Larry Jacobs asked a similar question when Golf
Digest magazine wrote about him. I listed as many ideas as I
could think of at my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=6944.
One of the most important things I suggested was to order as many
reprints as you can afford. You never know when they’ll come in
handy.”

Read all the responses to this “Help This Hound” question at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9401

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

“Some dog I got. We call him Egypt because in every room he
leaves a pyramid. His favorite bone is in my arm. Last night, he
went on the paper four times–three of those times I was reading
it.”

–Rodney Dangerfield

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

5 important tips for pitching journalists by phone
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9393

Peek inside the local TV news biz at TV Spy.com
http://ow.ly/6wS4c

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—Lazy, Cop-out Photos

JStewart — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:30:12 +0000

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:

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips—Facebook Deadline Oct. 1

JStewart — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:46:20 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #571 Sept. 6, 2011
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Facebook Deadline Oct. 1

2. Make Your Blog Your Home Base

3. The Press Release Addiction

4. Repeat of TV Talk Shows Webinar

5. Help This HOund

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Facebook Deadline Oct. 1
=====================================

If you’re on Facebook and you have created a page that is
customized and hosted outside of Facebook, you will need to buy
an SSL certificate before Oct. 1. This affects almost all of us.
If you’re in doubt about whether you need it, talk to your web
consultant.

SSL stands for Secure Socket Layer. It lets your customers know
that their transactions and other communications with you are
secure.

You can buy an SSL certificate from hosting services such as
HostGator at
http://secure.hostgator.com/~affiliat/cgi-
bin/affiliates/clickthru.cgi?id=pubhound and GoDaddy at
http://x.co/ZW1h for less than $100.

Please don’t ask me about SSL certificates, because this isn’t my
area of expertise. But this deadline is important enough to
mention here. If you have questions, ask your web consultant or
read this blog post, the best one I found that explains this
topic is at
https://ilocalsearch.net/facebook-pages-changes-ssl-certificate-
requirements-that-you-need-to-know-about

Once this is out of the way, you go back to your checklist of
things you can do at your Facebook account to build a loyal base
of fans who have Liked your pages, the only place on Facebook
where you can promote what you’re selling.

I created a checklist of 33 items that Mari Smith mentioned when
she was my guest during the recent webinar on “33 Ways to Attract
Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming Back
for More.” 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 cheat sheet of
tips, part of the handouts, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

=====================================
2. Make Your Blog Your Home Base
=====================================

It’s darn near impossible to sell something directly from
Twitter, or even the snazziest Facebook page.

But not from your blog.

Your blog is the place where you can promote your expertise,
explain how to use one of your products, answer readers’
questions about your services, or go into great depth explaining
why visitors should donate to a worthy cause you’re promoting.
It’s also the place where you can convince journalists that you
know so much about your topic that they should be using you as a
source, and probably even interviewing you for their articles.

You can post photos and videos at your blog, too. After you’ve
hooked visitors and convinced them they need your products or
services, you can link to a sales page at your website.

The big mistake on social media sites is that most people skip
the blog. They try to take their followers directly from Twitter
to a sales page. Spend a few minutes reading all the junk in your
Twitter feed and you’ll see what I mean.

If you aren’t blogging yet, it isn’t too late to start. I have
yet another cheat sheet for you. It’s more than 100 ways to find
content for your blog so you’re never lacking for ideas. It comes
with the replay of the teleseminar I created with Patsi Krakoff
on “Time-saving Tips for Smart Business Blogging.” Read about
what Patsi will teach you at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/businessblogging.htm

======================================
3. The Press Release Addiction
======================================

Writing press releases is like a drug addiction.

It’s a quick fix that feels good, because it makes you think
you’ve really accomplished something. But when you come down from
Cloud Nine, it dawns on you that the press release hasn’t moved
one journalist to call you. The problem of no media attention is
still there–staring you in the face.

Sound familiar?

If so, break the vicious cycle right now by vowing to never write
a press release and send it to a journalist or broadcaster if you
want them to cover your story. Instead, write a compelling,
personalized pitch that tells the journalist, “I know who you
are. I know what you cover. I know what you need. Here’s a story
idea that can help you.”

Keep the press release in your back pocket, just in case they
tell you they are interested in the story and would like a
release along with an interview.

A webinar I hosted recently, “A Simple 5-Part Formula for
Delivering the Perfect Media Pitch and Hitting it Out of the
Park,” shows you how to do what nine out of 10 other people
aren’t doing when they want media attention. They aren’t
customizing pitches.

The replay of the webinar includes handouts that offer samples of
compelling pitches that generated media coverage. When Publicity
Hound Mary Castillo used my formula, two journalists bit and said
they’d cover her client’s story. Find out what she did that you
could be doing at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

=====================================
4. Repeat of TV Talk Shows Webinar
=====================================

If you missed the webinar on how to get booked on big TV talk
shows like “Rachael Ray,” “Live with Regis & Kelly” and the
“Wendy Wilson Show,” you’re in luck.

Steve Harrison is repeating it at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time on
Thursday, Sept. 8. When you pitch, producers and guest bookers
may ask you a question that you must be ready to answer, pronto.
Find out what it is and learn the inside secrets on exactly what
kinds of guests these shows are looking for. Register for the
call at http://www.tvpublicityteleseminar.com/?10011

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

Leticia Meireles of San Diego, CA, writes:

“I just had my birthday and, in lieu of gifts, I’ve been asking
friends to support a cure for breast cancer.

“Many generous business owners helped me to gather almost 100
items to be sold on my fundraising online auction—items on
Ebay, too. Many of them are from retailers and restaurants in San
Diego. Others are from national chains such as BestBuy. All
proceeds will benefit the Susan Komen 3-Day for the Cure.

“I need to raise $10,000, but no one seems to be bidding. What
should I do differently? You can see the items up for bid at
http://www.32auctions.com/organizations/1878/auctions/2039

The Publicity Hound says:

Social media to the rescue. At least that’s what I’d do. I’d find
every social media group possible near San Diego and ask people
to spread the message for you. But that’s just a start. What
about other online promotion ideas, and the many ways you can
spread the word offline? Hounds with ideas for Leticia can post
them to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9341

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

Check out this dog’s eyes as he stands before a plate of
cupcakes:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iTuOr2vlC-c&feature=
player_embedded

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

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

Http://www.publicityhound.com/dogjokebook/

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

What Taylor Swift can teach you about book marketing
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9320

Press release mistake: Not including a call to action
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9311

Promoting fiction: Should authors fake a memoir?
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9252

9 ways to sneak your website address into media stories
(A guest blog post I wrote)
http://www.arikhanson.com/2011/08/25/9-ways-to-sneak-your-
website-address-into-media-stories/

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

Publicity Tips–Surprising Source of Traffic

JStewart — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 22:36:31 +0000

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #570 Aug. 30, 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. Surprising Source of Traffic

2. Write Razor-Sharp on Facebook

3. Pitch a “Follow Up”

4. Don’t Share Photo Albums

5. Sell My Products & Services

6. Hound Joke of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Surprising Source of Traffic
=====================================

Which website is the biggest referrer of traffic on the Internet?

You get three guesses.

Nope, it’s not Twitter. It’s not Facebook either. And it’s not
LinkedIn.

If you guessed Google, that’s wrong, too. Google is a search
engine, not a website.

The one site that drives more traffic than any other is
StumpleUpon.com, a social bookmarking site.

I was shocked when I saw that statistic recently. But when you
stop to think about it, it makes perfect sense. Social
bookmarking sites exist to share links to interesting content on
the Web. Sites like Facebook exist to keep you on Facebook,
interacting with your friends.

Why is StumbleUpon important for Publicity Hounds?

Because if you create a StumbleUpon account and share terrific
content, other “Stumblers” will view you as a reputable source.
You can then–very infrequently and very carefully–share your
own content, even though it’s better to have someone else share
it for you.

Colin Martin, a social bookmarking expert, says sites like
StumbleUpon also help you become a recognized expert within your
field. He explained how to use that site and Delicious, Digg and
Reddit, the three other major sites, during a teleseminar called
“How to do Social Bookmarking to Promote Your Expertise, Attract
Followers & Pull Massive Amounts of Traffic.” The audio replay or
electronic transcript comes with four short videos that show you
how to create your accounts at bookmarking sites, bookmark
content, make friends and join groups, and find everyday uses for
this powerful marketing tool.

Read more about what you’ll learn to do at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/social_bookmarking.htm

=====================================
2. Write Razor-Sharp on Facebook
=====================================

If you’re searching for a compelling topic to write about in your
next Facebook Status Update, and you’re in a hurry, consult this
infographic that lists eight clever ideas:

http://www.allfacebook.com/infographic-8-ways-to-conquer-
facebook-statuses-2011-08

Here’s one of them. Write a fill-in-the-blank sentence, like
this: “___________ always makes me smile.”

I used to think status updates like that were nonsense. But
people love responding to them. And as the infographic I linked
to above explains, the more Likes and Comments your content
receives, the higher your Edgerank score. And the higher your
score, the more your content will appear in your friends’ and
fans’ news feeds.

Of course, the fill-in-the-blank tactic can be used on your Pages
as well. One of the most frequent questions I receive is, “How
can I get more people to Like my pages?”

I hosted Mari Smith, the world’s Number One Facebook expert,
during a webinar recently on “33 Ways to Attract Facebook Fans,
Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming Back for More.” The
webinar replay comes with a handy cheat sheet that lists 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 cheat sheet at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

======================================
3. Pitch a “Follow Up”
======================================

One of the easiest ways to generate publicity is by pitching a
story that’s a “follow up” to a story about you that a media
outlet already has covered.

Let’s say you’re a nonprofit that received publicity a year ago
for several new partnerships you formed with local businesses to
place people with disabilities in jobs at those companies.

Don’t let the publicity end there. Return to the same media
outlets and let them know the rest of the story. How are the
employees doing?
Do they have good attendance records? Have any of them been
promoted? Have you placed additional people with disabilities in
jobs?

These stories are easy to place because the media already have
covered you. “Follow up” is media lingo, so use that phrase when
you pitch.

Publicity Hound Mary Castillo of Orange County, Calif., used the
other pitching tips I shared during a webinar earlier this month
and, within 15 minutes of pitching, received two confirmations
from reporters who agreed to run her story. A radio show that
she’s been trying to get her client onto for a year also
expressed interest.

Read more about what I taught Publicity Hounds how to do, and
access the video replay and handouts that include pitches that
received media attention:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

=====================================
4. Don’t Share Photo Albums
=====================================

If a family member or employee who is very famous in your
community dies, and the local newspaper or TV station asks you
for photos, don’t hand over your entire photo album when they ask
for it.

This is an old reporter’s trick, and the media will sometimes try
to pull this off so competing media can’t get access to your
photos.

Offer a few photos, but save several for other media. One way
around this problem, of course, is to offer digital photos.

This tip comes from my ebook, “How to Use Photos & Graphics in
Your Publicity Campaign” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicityphotos.htm

If you’re only pitching stories, you’re missing half your chances
for publicity.

=====================================
5. Sell My Products & Services
=====================================

If you love my products and services and want to recommend them
to your own followers, and earn a hefty commission for every
sale, sign up for my affiliate program at
http://www.publicityhound.com/affiliateinstructions.htm

And stay tuned for a webinar I’ll be hosting next month, filled
with helpful tips that will explain the best ways to promote, all
within guidelines from the Federal Trade Commission.

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

The Publicity Hound asks:

When dog food is “new and improved” and better tasting, who tests
it?

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

Promoting fiction: Should authors fake a memoir?
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9252

Prepare your PR company for hurricanes, earthquakes
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9233

——————————————-

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http://www.facebook.com/publicityhound

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http://www.linkedin.com/in/publicityhound

——————————————–

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