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:

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #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

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #569 Aug. 23, 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. How to Follow Up a Pitch

2. Reader’s Digest Wants Your Story

3. How Not to Walk Off the Set

4. Tips for Pitching Local TV News

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. How to Follow Up a Pitch
=====================================

In the old days, a decade ago, PR experts advised that after
pitching a journalist, you should follow up seven times before
you give up and move on.

No more.

Today, smart Publicity Hounds also spend their time doing things
they didn’t have to worry about back then: managing their
Facebook pages, bookmarking, tweeting, sharing industry news on
LinkedIn, blogging, and commenting at other people’s blogs. It’s
impractical and next to impossible to do all that and follow up a
pitch seven times.

When I presented last week’s webinar on “A Simple 5-Step Formula
for Delivering the Perfect Media Pitch & Hitting It Out of the
Park,” I recommended you follow up three or four times.

But when you do, don’t call and say, “Hi, I’m calling to follow
up on….”

It’s better to say, “I sent you information on…” and then offer
something else. That could be a photo opportunity, a graphic, an
additional source or two, or statistics for a sidebar. Sometimes
that extra little nugget will tip the scales in your favor and
encourage the journalist to say “yes.”

One Publicity Hound who attended the webinar already has gotten a
“yes” from two reporters, after using my 5-step formula. Learn
how to access the video replay, handouts and other materials at
http://www.Publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/pitchingformula.htm

=====================================
2. Reader’s Digest Wants Your Story
=====================================

Can you write your autobiography in 150 words or less, and
include advice or a life lesson?

If so, you should enter “Your Life…The Reader’s Digest
Version,” a campaign on the magazine’s Facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/ReadersDigest

Grand prize is $25,000 and lots of exposure. The winning entry
will be printed in the magazine (circulation 17 million).

Jane Lynch, of the TV hit show “Glee,” is spokesperson for the
campaign and submitted the first entry.

After you write yours, you can encourage your friends to vote for
it. The page is a little clunky, and you can’t see all the
entries. But you can search for them by name or topic.

Share a lesson, simple advice, funny moment, or a story about
your life. You can also upload a photo or video.

If you’d rather skip this and spend your time acquiring more
Facebook fans, use the helpful handout I compiled on “33 Ways to
Find Facebook Fans, Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming
Back for More.” It comes with the video replay, MP3 and other
bonuses from the webinar I hosted with Mari Smith recently. she’s
the world’s Number 1 Facebook expert.

Read more about what you’ll be able to do at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

======================================
3. How Not to Walk Off the Set
======================================

Former U.S. Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell blew it big time
when she walked off the set of CNN last week while being
interviewed by Piers Morgan.

He asked her opinion on gay marriage. But she said she wanted to
talk instead about her new book. From there, things got really
ugly.

Here’s an entertaining video compiled by CNN reporter Jeanne Moos
on how not to walk off the set of an interview.

http://piersmorgan.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/19/in-wake-of-the-walk-
off-how-not-to-walk-out-of-an-interview/?hpt=pm_mid

=====================================
4. Tips for Pitching Local TV News
=====================================

The local TV newscast that typically pulls the biggest audience
is at 10 or 11 p.m. on Sunday.

I can’t remember where I heard that statistic, but it’s true in
my house. I never watch the local TV news during the week. But I
always watch it on Sunday night, mostly because I want to see the
weather forecast for the coming week.

Feature stories abound on Sunday night because there’s so little
hard news to report. If you’re pitching local TV, try to figure
out an angle that ties into the coming week. Can you tie into the
changing of the seasons? The weather? An upcoming holiday?

Are you the local angle to a national story that will be in the
news during that week? Is your company or nonprofit doing
something that week that’s newsworthy?

Shawne Duperon, a TV producer, knows all the inside tips on how
to catch the attention of local TV news producers. She shared
them all during the teleseminar “How to Get on the Local TV News
Tomorrow.” Read about what she discussed and how you can access
the audio replay or the downloadable transcript, at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/getinthenews.htm

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

This week, five Publicity Hounds responded to Dr. Karen Hoving’s
question about whether she should continue to use social media to
market her psychology practice in Aurora, Colo.

From Kevin Green:

“Trust. It’s important for your business. Blogs can be used to
show you know your stuff and are likable, which leads to trust.
Ask for newsletter sign-ups at your blog.”

From Mary Jane Hurley Brant:

“Write articles on topics that you’re an expert in, and then post
on Facebook, LinkedIn and everywhere you can think of. Articles
addressing important topics today drive traffic and it’s
different than a blog. Submitting our articles to credible sites
as Ezinearticles.com (to name one great place) is always helpful
especially when one becomes recognized as an expert.”

From Bruce Bair:

“Twitter is helpful for letting followers know your schedule and
to get them to come to your main site.

“Facebook is a place you can get a following. Be sure you have a
landing page there and that you have content only available
there. Create some video on the problems of prominent people in
the news: Mel Gibson, Lindsay Lohan and Britney Spears.”

The Publicity Hound says:

Read all the responses to this “Help This Hound” question at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9172

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

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

You think dogs can’t spell? Watch this German Short-hair Pointer
listen intently for its owner to drop the clue that signifies
good times ahead. Bogie, my German Short-hair, tilts her head to
the side, just like this one does, when I’m talking to her. Too
cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3m78V6ub4ao&feature=related

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

3 ways to customize a pitch to journalists and get a “yes!”
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9216

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #568 Aug. 16, 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. A Dirty Word When Pitching

2. Offer Extras & Sweeten the Pitch

3. Attract More Facebook Fans

4. Wanted: Your Guest Blog Post

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. A Dirty Word When Pitching
=====================================

The next time you pitch a story idea to a journalist, don’t use
the one word that will force the reporter to hit the delete key,
write you off as a jerk, and maybe even blackball you.

The word?

Publicity.

As in, “We’re hoping for a little publicity for our fund-raiser
to benefit cancer research.”

Journalists HATE that word. They don’t view their jobs as giving
people publicity. They cover news.

Bloggers might cut you a little slack, but don’t use the word
with them, either.

Your job as a Publicity Hound is to be as helpful as possible to
anyone you pitch and to send the message, “I’m here to help you,”
not “I’m here so you can help me.”

The list of pitching mistakes is longer than my dog’s 3-foot
leash. It includes sending the same one-size-fits-all pitch to
dozens of media outlets, putting all journalists’ email addresses
in the CC line of your email, misspelling their names, pitching
via Twitter when the journalist doesn’t want to be pitched there,
and obeying journalists when they tell you, “Do not follow up.”

What they really mean is, “Don’t follow up if you don’t have
anything of value to offer.”

So what can you offer that will make them pay attention?

Lots of things like photos and graphics, and even audio and
video. I’ll cover them all when I host the webinar “A Simple 5-
Part Formula for Delivering the Perfect Media Pitch and Hitting
it Out of the Park” from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday,
Aug. 18. If the time is inconvenient, register anyway, because
you’ll receive the video replay and other materials within 72
hours.

You can use my formula as a cheat sheet every time you pitch. And
I’ll give you 27 story angles you can steal on days when the idea
well is dry.

Register here:

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

=====================================
2. Offer Extras & Sweeten the Pitch
=====================================

One of the little extras you can offer journalists when you pitch
is a list of other sources they can call to round out their story
or their program.

That’s one of three strategies that a husband and wife used to
clinch a seven-minute segment on the “Today” show.

Steve Harrison interviewed them and found out they used two other
strategies to get the producers to say “yes.” He’s repeating a
teleseminar with producers who book guests on TV talk shows for
ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox, at 2 and 7 p.m. Eastern Time today.
Register at http://www.tvpublicityteleseminar.com/?10011

I promote this teleseminar as a compensated affiliate, because an
appearance on a big TV talk show can propel authors, speakers,
experts and small business people to stardom. Producers pay
attention to who’s booking which experts, and it isn’t unusual
for you to receive multiple calls from other producers if you
make it onto just one show.

======================================
3. Attract More Facebook Fans
======================================

An excellent way to pull more people to your Facebook page is to
post on the walls of other Facebook pages if the target audiences
are similar to yours.

But don’t promote. Share helpful content their readers will find
interesting.

How do you find those page owners? Simple. By following the trail
of bread crumbs on Facebook.

Start with someone you already know who reaches the same audience
you do, perhaps somebody in your industry. Go to their Facebook
page and look along the left margin where it says “Likes.” Find
out what pages they have Liked. Click through to each one.

When you see a page that’s a good fit, click on “Like” at the
top. But don’t leave just yet. Look along the left side for a
list of pages that that page owner has Liked. Before you know it,
you’ll have another dozen or so pages that you’ve Liked, and that
means more pages where you can comment on their content and post
to their walls.

During this exercise, it’s a good idea to use a paper and pen and
keep track of whose site you started on and where you went from
there. Then, you can go back to your friend’s site and see what
other pages they have Liked.

That’s one of several dozen ideas I discussed with Mari Smith,
the world’s Number One Facebook expert, when I hosted a webinar
recently. We came up with “33 Ways to Attract Facebook Fans,
Provide Sterling Content & Keep Them Coming Back for More.”

If you missed it, you can still access the video replay, Mari’s
PowerPoint slides and a helpful handout of all 33 ideas so you
don’t have to take notes. Access it at
http://www.publicityhound.com/facebookpages.htm

=====================================
4. Wanted: Your Guest Blog Post
=====================================

Bloggers are trying to squeeze in a week or two of vacation
before the kids go back to school.

August is the ideal time to suggest a guest blog post to a
blogger whose audience needs to hear what you have to say.

That’s what I did last week and the blogger said “yes!” He also
mentioned that my timing was perfect because he’s going on
vacation next week. I’ll share the link here as soon as he
publishes it.

If your idea isn’t a perfect fit and the blogger declines, ask,
“What other bloggers do you know who might be interested in this
topic?”

I always welcome guest posts on topics that include how to use
traditional and social media, and not just when I’m going on
vacation. Pitch me, and explain why my audience would be
interested.
Send an email to JStewart@PublicityHound.com and put “Guest blog
post” in the subject line.

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

Dr. Karen Hoving of Aurora, Colo., writes:

“I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and specialize in two
areas: Bipolar Disorder and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“Here’s what I’m doing right now to market myself:

–A Facebook page.

–A website.

–Two blogs: The Couch Trip for general psychology and
“Shrinking” Chronic Illness.

–A monthly newsletter (with only 11 subscribers-–sigh).

–A Twitter account.

–A LinkedIn profile (but am not terribly active). I share
different information on each site.

“Here’s my question: Do shrinks get patients via social media
marketing? I am doing a lot and watching all of the videos you
and others send. But often, people are trying to sell something
online. I am trying to sell ME-—my services and education, and my
time.

“Can this be marketed on sites like Facebook and Twitter? If so,
how? Marketing for therapists is different than marketing for
someone selling widgets.”

“If social media won’t work for me—and I’m willing to be
patient-—I don’t want to waste a lot of time.”

The Publicity Hound says: Many other professionals face the same
frustrating dilemma, Karen. But I know they’ve found ways to use
Facebook and Twitter creatively. How about it, Hounds? What are
some things Karen can do to reach her target market and turn
social media friends and fans into paying clients? Post your best
ideas to my blog at http://publicityhound.net/?p=9172

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

======================================
6. Hound Videos of the Week
======================================

10 Adorable Corgi Videos on YouTube (I love the one of the Corgi
that wants to be vacuumed):

http://socialtimes.com/corgi-videos_b72360

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

Pitch Patch.com for a new series on the American Dream
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9181

Pitching journalists? How to avoid “spraying & praying”
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9148

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #566 Aug. 2, 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. The Most Powerful Twitter Strategy

2. It’s Fair Time; Start Pitching

3. Webinar on Webinars Replay Link

4. Correcting Corrections

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

***********************************
ADVERTISEMENT:

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newspapers, television, radio and the Internet from Wisconsin
News Tracker.com.
http://www.wisconsinnewstracker.com

Want your ad here? Read how:
http://publicityhound.net/the-publicity-hounds-tips-of-the-week-
now-accepts-ads/
***********************************

=====================================
1. The Most Powerful Twitter Strategy
=====================================

Here’s the best way to attract thousands of raving fans on
Twitter if you’re using it primarily for business:

–Provide a steady stream of useful content that helps your
followers solve their problems. That includes links to other
people’s content such as articles and blog posts. Twitter is all
about your followers. It shouldn’t be all about you.

–Link to infographics, photos and videos that explain
complicated topics and offer how-to information.

–Humor your followers occasionally with pithy one-liners,
particularly those about your industry. I tweet about “Dumb
Headlines” like this one: “Stiff opposition expected to
casketless funeral plan.”

–Answer questions when people ask. Don’t tell them “It’s on Page
44 of my book.”

–Be one of the first in your industry to share breaking news.

–Keep promotion to an absolute minimum. Push your Twitter
followers to your blog, where you should also be sharing helpful
content, but where you can promote all you wish.

Use these guidelines, and your followers will retweet your
content. Their followers will retweet it too, and so on.

Don’t fret if you’re still not on Twitter, or if your tweets
aren’t gaining traction.

I’m hosting a webinar on “Twitter for Beginners: A Step-by-Step,
Can’t-Fail System for Experts and Influencers (and Those Who Want
to Be).” It’s at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Aug. 4.

This webinar is perfect for Publicity Hounds who manage their own
Twitter accounts and for PR people who are training clients on
how to manage theirs. Read about what you’ll be able to do after
the webinar:
http://www.Publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterforbeginners.htm

=====================================
2. It’s Fair Time; Start Pitching
=====================================

This is the month for state and county fairs. The media love
story ideas like these:

–If you’re an expert on household budgets, invite a reporter to
accompany you and your family and see the fair on the cheap. What
food and entertainment can be had for next to nothing? Where can
people find coupons for the fair?

–At the Wisconsin State Fair, beer on a stick and butter on a
stick are among the new foods being featured this year.
Nutritionists and cookbook authors can pitch a story on “State
fair food that can kill you.” Suggest healthy options offered by
fair vendors.

–The merchants building is filled with businesses hawking car
polish, knives, cookware, mops and massage machines. If you have
a booth, pitch a story on what you’re doing differently this year
to try to get fair-goers to part with their credit cards. Free
samples? Contests? Free bottled water?

–Doctors, hospitals and clinics: Offer tips on how fair-goers
can survive the heat.

–Floral shop owners: Pitch a story on how to keep fresh-cut
flowers looking their best for a week, even in the heat. Lots of
gardeners are competing for blue ribbons. Even those who aren’t
going to the fair will love this story.

–Chiropractors: What midway rides are the most dangerous for the
spine and back?

What happens if you pitch, but no one responds? Should you follow
up? Of course. But do it the right way. Jill Lublin shows you
how. See “Failproof Ways to Follow Up After Sending a News
Release or a Story Pitch” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/failprooffollowup.htm

======================================
3. Webinar on Webinars Replay Link
======================================

Publicity Hounds’ tails were wagging during the webinar I hosted
last week with Daniel Hall on “Step-by-Step Insider Secrets To
Producing Highly-Profitable Webinars.”

Why? Because Daniel told us what webinar company to use. He gave
us specific instructions on exactly what to put on our PowerPoint
slides, word for word. And he showed us how to “close the deal”
at the end. If you want to use free webinars to sell a product or
service, don’t miss the replay:

http://www.realfastwebinars.com/joanwebinar.html

Even if your webinar participants don’t buy anything from you,
they’ll still love you for providing high content.

The replay link is live only until Sunday. Then it’s paid access
only.

Even if you don’t take up Daniel on his offer, which also ends
Sunday night, you’ll want to get your hands on this formula.

http://www.realfastwebinars.com/joanwebinar.html

I bought his product. Once I’ve studied all of it, I’ll be
inviting you to free webinars on a variety of publicity and
social media topics, and they’ll be very different than the ones
you are use to seeing.

=====================================
4. Correcting Corrections
=====================================

One of the mistakes that will send you to the dog house without
your dinner is contacting a media outlet or a blogger about bad
information you provided to them, asking for a correction, and
then screwing up the information in the correction.

So it looks like no dinner tonight for this Hound. In last week’s
newsletter, I wrote a correction for an item that appeared here
the week before about basketball star Dwyane Wade of the Miami
Heat. But in the correction, I misspelled his name. Another
alert Hound caught my error.

With my tail between my legs, I’m slinking off to my dog house.
And no treats for a week!

What’s that? You say you don’t ask for corrections? Big mistake!
Find out why by reading my article “How to Ask for a Correction”:

http://publicityhound.com/pics/free_publicity/Articles/ask_for_a_
correction.html

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

Publicity Hound Juliet Hartley of St. Petersburg, Fla., writes:

“I’ve been sending a lot of pitches to different magazines about
my chic handmade hair accessories at http://www.BowAllure.com,
but I just don’t hear anything back from them. It’s very
frustrating.

“I’m attaching a copy of a pitch I sent to a few magazines and
would love to hear your input. I’ve contacted a couple of
reputable publicists but I just cannot afford to pay for their
services at this moment.

“The magazines I’m trying to send pitches to are very hard to
reach, like Parents magazine or Pregnancy and Newborn magazine.
They don’t give you the email address of the editor.”

The Publicity Hound says: As soon as I read Juliet’s pitch, which
I’ve posted at my blog, I spotted a problem instantly. There are
others. Let’s see if you can find them, get Juliet back on track
and make some suggestions on how she can pitch a story about hair
accessories. Or should she?

Post your comments to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9030

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas, for
this funny photo collection of dogs shaking off water:

http://www.petapixel.com/2011/07/28/portraits-of-dogs-as-they-
shake-off-water/

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 things they never tell Twitter newbies, but should
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9015

Muck Rack lists 140+ journalists on Google+
http://publicityhound.net/?p=9043

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #560 June 21, 2011
Publisher: Joan Stewart
mailto:JStewart@PublicityHound.com
http://www.publicityhound.com
http://www.publicityHound.mobi
http://www.publicityhound.net/ (Blog)
http://www.publicityarticles.net (Ezine Archives)

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

“Tips, Tricks and Tools for Free Publicity”

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

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

1. Attract Rabid Facebook Fans

2. Why Social Media Doesn’t Work

3. Dreaded Check-passing Photos

4. Land a Corporate Sponsor

5. Promote a Restaurant Reopening

6. Hound Quote of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watch it here:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jacqueline has had equally impressive success.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Jenni Bowring:

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

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

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

From Everett:

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

From Shelley Hunter:

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

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

The Publicity Hound says:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #559 June 14, 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. Install Google’s +1 Button

2. Inventory Closeout

3. Facebook & Twitter Training

4. Write Your Book in 90 Days

5. Help This Hound, Again

6. Hound Photos of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Install Google’s +1 Button
=====================================

When Google, the King of Search, gives Publicity Hounds an easy
way to let our websites and blogs stand out, we need to embrace
it with all four paws.

The newest tool is the +1 button, shorthand for “this is pretty
cool” or “you should check this out.”

It’s already popping up on websites and blogs, including my blog
at http://www.PublicityHound.net.

Here’s how it works.

When you install the code that makes the button visible on your
own site, people who like your content can click on it and tell
Google and others that they’re recommending it. It’s Google’s
equivalent of Facebook’s Like button.

But here’s the really powerful part. When you recommend somebody
else’s content, your photo shows up when that person’s website is
listed in Google’s search results. Your photo will show up only
if you already have a Google Profile.

Do these four things today:

–If you don’t have a Google Profile, create one at
https://Profiles.Google.com

–Read more about the Google +1 button. The FAQs are at
http://www.google.com/support/webmasters/bin/answer.py?answer=
1140194. You can find a video and a helpful tutorial from
Francisco Rosales at the SocialMouths blog at
http://socialmouths.com/blog/2011/06/02/the-google-plus-1-button/

–Install the button at your website and blog. Or save yourself
the headache and have your webmaster do it for you.

–Start recommending content you see elsewhere by clicking on the
+1 button.

It’s too early to tell how successful the button will be, but
because this is from Google, you still ought to try it.

=====================================
2. Inventory Closeout
=====================================

I’m removing 20 products from my invbentory, and this is your
chance to grab ‘em before they’re gone.

They include CDs, electronic transcripts and tips booklets. CD
and transcripts, regularly $39.95, are only $5 each, plus
shipping. Tips booklets, regularly $5 each, are $1.35, and
include shipping.

Even though many of the products are out of date, all of them
include valuable publicity tips. You’d be crazy not to at least
look at the list of titles:
http://www.Publicityhound.com/publicity-
products/inventorycloseout.htm

When the CDs are gone, they’re gone, and we aren’t reordering.

=====================================
3. Facebook & Twitter Training
=====================================

You responded to last week’s call for training topics and by an
overwhelming majority, Publicity Hounds want how-to tips on
Facebook and Twitter.

Mari Smith, the world’s Number One expert on Facebook, will be my
guest expert during a webinar at 4 p.m. Eastern Time on
Wednesday, June 29, on how to pull fans to your Faceboook Page,
convince them to interact, and keep them coming back for more.

“How do I get more Facebook fans?” was your Number One question,
and there’s nobody better than Mari to teach you. You can start
registering next week.

Many Publicity Hounds still aren’t on Twitter. If you are, you
may not know how to use it to build influence, attract a targeted
group of followers, and sell more products and services.

I’ll be hosting a webinar for beginning and intermediate Twitter
users in early July.

If you have nagging questions about Facebook or Twitter, even if
you’re not sure if you’ll attend the webinar, email me at
JStewart@PublicityHound.com and I’ll add it to the training.

======================================
4. Write a Book in 90 Days
======================================

Many of my friends have written books the hard way, so I’ve heard
one sob story after another about how long it takes.

One author I know spent four years writing her book, and another
frustrating year rewriting, proofreading and doing all the other
little things associated with finally getting it onto the shelves
in bookstores.

If this sounds like you, or if you want to write a book and avoid
these hassles, help is on the way.

You’re invited to a free webinar or telephone seminar on
Thursday, June 16, with host Steve Harrison who will interview
Ann McIndoo. Ann has developed a unique system for writing a
quality non-fiction book in 90 days.

I’m promoting this call as a compensated affiliate because far
too many authors spend far too much time producing books that, in
many cases, don’t even sell. Ann’s system works best for authors
who have written non-fiction books, particularly how-to,
leadership, business, self-help, autobiography, etc. It doesn’t
work very well for children’s books, novels or poetry.

Discover the speed writing system she’s used to help 268 authors
get their books done quickly. Register at
http://www.freeauthortraining.com/call/?10011

=====================================
5. Help This Hound, Again
=====================================

I love it when you help other Hounds with their publicity and
marketing dilemmas.

But my tail really wags when the Hound asking for help uses one
of your ideas.

That’s what Timothy Nishimoto did when, several months ago, he
asked for help on how to emphasize food at this wine bar in
Portland, Oregon.

Publicity Hound Michael LaRocca suggested Tim change the name of
the restaurant, and Tim likes the idea. He wants to sponsor a
contest asking people to help name the restaurant.

But he’s confused about how to create the buzz in the community
while also coordinating PR. I’ve published his entire question at
my blog, and we’re hoping you can help.

Post your best ideas and helpful advice in the comments section
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=8690

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Meryl K. Evans of Plano, Texas, for
these photos of the weirdest dog breeds ever:

http://www.oddee.com/item_97779.aspx

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

Publicists: Trade PR skills for Internet marketing training
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8623

Install Google’s +1 button at your website and blog
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8655

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

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

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #554 May 10, 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 30-Second Bumper Sticker

2. Work with Me One on One

3. YouTube Video Secrets

4. Fast Track for Authors, Speakers, Experts

5. Marketing Tips for a Moose Lodge

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Your 30-Second Bumper Sticker
=====================================

If you’re on LinkedIn, many people only see what Wayne Brietbarth
calls “your 30-second bumper sticker.”

That includes your name, your photo and the 120 characters that
comprise your headline.

My headline is “#1 Publicity Expert on Google. President, The
Publicity Hound. Call me & ask how I can help you with PR.”

I thought that was pretty clever when I wrote it. But when I host
a webinar on May 19 and have Wayne back for 75 minutes of
LinkedIn training, I fear he’ll rip my headline to shreds because
it breaks one of his cardinal rules. It isn’t filled with the
types of keywords people would search for on LinkedIn if they
wanted someone with my expertise.

Your headline and profile are your most important aspects of
LinkedIn–the determining factors that help someone decide,
instantly, if they want to do business with you. If your profile
is vanilla and boring, readers will move onto someone else who’s
more interesting. But if it gives the reader a clear
understanding of exactly what you do, you could get the order.

The first webinar I hosted with Wayne, back in March, got rave
reviews.

Many participants asked for a follow-up session and more training
on three topics we didn’t have time to discuss in depth:
Profiles, Groups and Company Pages.

Groups are where you can meet people for the first time, dazzle
them with your expertise, and start relationships, even if they
aren’t connected to you. Company pages are like giant free
billboards for your products and services–a place where happy
customers can post rave reviews for everyone else to see.

This time, Wayne will address those topics in depth. He’ll
critique your LinkedIn headline if there’s time. And one lucky
person who registers will receive a free, private 20-minute
LinkedIn critique from Wayne after the call.

This webinar will sell out fast, so grab your seat now. Go here
to find out what else we’ll be discussing, and register today so
you don’t get closed out:
http://www.Publicityhound.com/linkedinpowerformulapart2.htm

======================================
2. Work with Me One on One
======================================

If you’re frustrated by the social media time suck, or confused
about how to get a journalist’s attention, help is on the way.

The new class of Publicity Hounds in my Mentor Program will begin
their training on Monday, May 16, with an emphasis on how to
dovetail traditional and social media for publicity. I’ll be
teaching how to write for the web, how to repurpose content in
multiple formats, and beginning and advanced strategies for
blogging, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, photo-sharing sites, and
niche social media sites.

Here’s the best part.

You’ll participate in training along with others in the program,
but you’ll have unlimited access to me so we can work together,
one on one, on exactly what you need. If you’re a beginner, we’ll
start at the beginning. If you’re more advanced, we’ll cover
material some of the others won’t understand.

I will also serve as your personal writing coach and review
anything you write: social media profiles, tweets, Facebook
status updates, press releases, pitches to journalists, and copy
in your press kit.

Because of numerous requests, I’ve decided to do something I’ve
never done before. I’ve set up a handy payment plan for you if
you can’t afford the 6-month or one-year registration fee up
front. You can now pay in four installments.

I invest heavily in my own Internet marketing, social media and
public relations training. I’m either working with my own coach
or mentor, or I’m taking advanced courses or attending seminars
so I can stay on top of what’s new. Plus, I always under-promise
and over-deliver. Just ask anyone who’s attended one of my
teleseminars or webinars, or used me as a mentor.

Read more about how we can work together, and don’t miss our
first mentor program teleseminar on Monday, May 16, when I
discuss how to create a strategy for Twitter:
http://www.PublicityHound.com/mentorprogram/intro.html

Confused about whether this program is right for you? Call me at
262-284-7451 and let’s see if we’re a good fit.

=====================================
3. YouTube Video Secrets
=====================================

Nothing beats video when it comes to capturing one of the top
slots on Google search results.

With just one video on YouTube, you can rank higher than one of
your competitors who has been online for years, but is relying on
nothing more than a few articles here and there to pull traffic.

Video can also be an integral part of a publicity campaign. Colin
Martin, who edits my videos, says most people do it backwards.

They create the video. When they’re ready to upload it to
YouTube, they hurriedly tag the video with whatever keywords pop
into their brains. They write descriptions carelessly, and create
titles haphazardly.

And then they wonder why the video isn’t pulling the kind of
traffic they had hoped.

Colin says you should do it the other way around. Research
keywords first, and then create the video. That’s one of his
YouTube secrets.

Colin, who also manages the video production for Tom Antion, my
Internet marketing mentor, will share many more YouTube secrets
when he joins Marc Bullard for a free webinar for Publicity
Hounds from 8 to 9 p.m. Eastern Time on Wednesday, May 18.

Read more about what you’ll learn how to do after taking 60
minutes of free training with these video wizards during the
webinar “YouTube Super Secrets: Getting Views, Subscribers and
Branding Your Business” at http://tinyurl.com/62ajq65

============================================
4. Fast Track for Authors, Speakers, Experts
============================================

A job search expert was able to stand out from all the other job
experts and sell 10,000 books in three weeks.

The author of “Skinny Bitch” made her book a New York Times Best
Seller, with over 2 million copies in print.

One smart Publicity Hound wrote an enticing subject line that
forced a producer from the “Today” show to call.

Another Publicity Hound had a super story to pitch but no clue
about who to contact at his local TV stations. Within a matter of
hours, one of the local news crews was interviewing him.

How did they do it?

By being timely, acting quickly, and doing things that lots of
other Media Mutts aren’t doing.

Steve Harrison will discuss them all, and more, during a free
teleseminar on Thursday, May 12.

“Fast-Track Strategies for Becoming a Well-Known, Well-Paid
Author, Speaker or Expert In Your Field” will be offered at your
choice of 2 or 7 p.m. Eastern. I promote this as a compensated
affiliate, because I see so many authors, speakers and experts
doing it the hard way.

Register at http://www.freepublicity.com/fasttrack/?10011

======================================
5. Marketing Tips for a Moose Lodge
======================================

This week, eight Publicity Hounds have tips for Don Luepnitz of
Norwalk, CA, on how his Moose Lodge can use traditional and
social media to attract more members and visitors. The lodge
website is at http://www.norwalkmoose.org/

From Marcia Yudkin:

“Let’s start with your signage, as shown in the photo. It’s
uninformative and uninviting.

“It doesn’t indicate what you offer and doesn’t convey the facts
that non-members are welcome and that kids are allowed. Talk to
your local sign shop for ideas on how to add those messages
inexpensively–for example, through colorful banners.”

From Patty Newbold:

“Have a web page about darts, so anyone searching for darts in
Norwalk or surrounding towns sees the page and can tell when the
public is welcome there for darts, what it costs to be able to
play there all the time, and whether there are any tournaments or
lessons for darts players.

“Do something similar for bingo, the kids’ room, the bar, the
dinners, the breakfasts–and be sure it’s clear on each page when
the public is welcome, what it costs to be a member, and where to
join. Add a page for charities and kids’ sports teams that want
the lodge’s help, too.

From Scott Anthony:

“My first idea was to cross-promote. As a sponsor of sports
teams, you probably treat the players to pizza or ice cream after
games. On occasion, why not ask the restaurant owner to
distribute flyers for your events in exchange for the business
you send his way (pick a busy restaurant).”

The Publicity Hound says:

These are all great suggestions. I offered lots more when I
hosted the webinar “60+ Places Offline to Promote Your Product,
Service, Cause, Issue or Event to Build the Buzz & Encourage
Others to Promote for You.” Learn more about all the publicity
tools that are right at your fingertips at
http://www.publicityhound.com/promoteoffline.htm

Read all the responses to this week’s “Help This Hound” question
at http://publicityhound.net/?p=8351

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

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

Thanks to Dan Poynter of Santa Barbara, CA, for tipping us off to
this video of a talking dog. It racked up more than 12 million
views on YouTube:

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

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

10 Magic Phrases Journalists and Bloggers LOVE
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8368

YouTube secrets push your video to top of search results
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8395

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

=======================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
P.O. Box 437
Port Washington, WI 53074-0437
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #553 May 3, 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. Twice as Many Facebook Fans

2. Energize Your Boring Bio

3. Sample PR/Marketing Contracts

4. Your Sneaky LinkedIn Profile

5. Help This Hound

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Twice as Many Facebook Fans
=====================================

Convince twice the number of people who land on your Facebook
page to click the “Like” button. Create a Welcome page.

Research shows that Welcome pages convert twice as many visitors
into fans compared to pages where visitors land on the Wall.

I hired CustomFanPageDesigns.com to create a Welcome page. I also
did something else I should have done long ago.

I created a new Facebook page to reflect “The Publicity Hound”
brand. The old page, called “Publicity and public relations tips,
ideas and strategies,” doesn’t include my brand because I was
going after keywords, instead. I realized my mistake too late.
Facebook doesn’t let you change the name of a page.

Now, I’m trying to convince my more than 3,200 fans to Like my
new page. I want you to, too. And here’s what I’m offering.

I posted a really helpful tip this morning about a creative item
you can add to your online media room or press kit. It will
encourage journalists and bloggers to write about you. It will
give them lots of fodder and fun facts for articles and blog
posts. PR people, your clients will LOVE this idea. Like my new
page, look for the photo of chef Emeril Lagasse, read all about
it, and leave a comment:

http://www.facebook.com/publicityhound

======================================
2. Energize Your Boring Bio
======================================

When you’re adding the cool item I mentioned above to your
publicity materials, how about sprucing up the boring bio in your
press kit, the much shorter author resource box at the end of
your articles and guest blog posts, and even your Twitter bio?

Here are three examples of bios I like:

At the end of a guest blog written by Allison Boyer:

“When Allison’s not blogging for the BlogWorld blog (say that
three times fast), she runs After Graduation, a career advice and
motivation site.”

Pia Mara Finkell’s bio on Twitter (notice all the keywords):

“Work and play in wine and food, but randomly become obsessed
with beer, bourbon, pie, dogs, the Yanks, running, lacrosse and
anything that makes me laugh.”

Paragraph at the end of the bio for Gabe Benveniste, founder of
SonicLiving, a concert tracking tool and social network:

“Gabe competed in the 2003 World Beard and Mustache Championship,
where his prodigious chops propelled him to sixth place (out of
six) in the first-ever sideburn contest. His work has been
featured in Playboy, MTV and Wired.”

You’ll find lots more examples in my “Special Report #46: Tips
for Rewriting Your Boring Bio,” a steal at only $10:
http://publicityhound.com/publicity-
products/reports.html#SpecialReport46

=====================================
3. Sample PR/Marketing Contracts
=====================================

If you’re setting up shop as a PR or marketing consultant, and
you’ve got your first client, one of the most perplexing problems
is obtaining sample contracts, or writing a contract from
scratch.

But what if you don’t have the start-up money to consult with a
lawyer? Problem solved.

Kellye Crane, of Solor PR Pro, and Jenny Schmitt of Cloudspark,
wrote the free, 30-page ebook called Get It In Writing, The
Communication Consultant’s Guide to Contracts. They’re not even
asking for your email address.

This is the most comprehensive free book I’ve seen on this topic,
and consultants who work in any area of communications will save
themselves weeks of research. The authors advise that you
eventually talk to an attorney when using a contract, but if
you’re short on cash, this book will at least get you started.

I also recommend this ebook for anyone who needs a publicist or
PR agency, and wants to see what sample contracts look like. Find
out how to access the book in the post at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8326

=====================================
4. Your Sneaky LinkedIn Profile
=====================================

Certain LinkedIn “gurus” have been teaching a sneaky little trick
on how to capture first-place listings on LinkedIn when somebody
is searching for a business person with your expertise.

They tell you to stuff keywords and keyword phrases into your
profile, to the point where it’s obnoxious.

When LinkedIn finally wakes up and realizes what’s happening, it
might slap down the offenders in the rankings, much like Google
does when it finds people trying to game the system. Or it might
simply disable the account. If you have one of these sneaky
profiles, don’t let this happen to you.

Even worse, these profiles look disingenuous and unethical.
LinkedIn expert Wayne Breitbarth says visitors who read your
keyword-stuffed profile will know in an instant what you’re
trying to do and they might wonder, “If this person is trying to
trick LinkedIn, who else are they trying to trick?”

Publicity Hounds flooded Wayne and me with compliments after the
webinar I hosted with him in March. They asked me to bring him
back for another webinar on how-to tips for LinkedIn profiles,
Groups and advanced search.

Mark your calendars for 3 to 4:15 Eastern Time on Thursday, May
19, and register for the webinar when you get this newsletter
next week. If you can’t attend live, you can download the video
replay.

what else do you want Wayne to teach about LinkedIn. Hit “reply”
and tell me what else we should include.

If you missed the first webinar with him, it’s not too late to
start applying what he taught. Access the video replay and the
killer handouts for “Your LinkedIn Power Formula: How to Make
Killer Contacts, Pull Crowds to Events, be a Star in Your
Industry & Track Down Leads Like a Bloodhound” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/linkedinpowerformula.htm

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

Don Luepnitz of Norwalk, CA, writes:

“I am with the Norwalk, CA, Moose Lodge, and we can sure use some
help getting the word out and trying to get new people to come
down and or join.

“We offer dinners, breakfast, bingo, darts, full bar, a kids
room, and have fundraisers for ourselves and other charities. We
also sponsor kids’ sports teams, and we have a Facebook Fan Page
at
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Norwalk-CA-Moose-Family-
Center-1739/219549031389577

“How can we use traditional and social media to attract more
members and visitors?”

The website is at http://www.norwalkmoose.org

The Publicity Hound says:

Put a Facebook button that leads to your fan page on your
website. Also, start submitting items about your events to
Patch.com, the uber-local website. There’s a Patch for
Cerritos/Artesia and that might be close enough to you for them
to accept your news items. Also see “12 More Ways to Avoid Missed
Opportunities with the New & Improved Facebook” at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/facebook12ways.htm

Hounds, what ideas do you have for Don? Post them to my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8351

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

Here’s a silly YouTube video of Romeo the Pug playing piano:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XFAy84Pesb0

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

Sample PR contracts included in free ebook
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8326

——————————————-

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

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

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

——————————————–

Permission to Reprint:

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

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

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

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

Privacy Statement:

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

================================================
Joan Stewart
a.k.a. The Publicity Hound
P.O. Box 437
Port Washington, WI 53074-0437
U.S.A.
Phone: 262-284-7451

The Publicity Hound’s
Tips of the Week
Issue #551 April 19, 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. Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail

2. Your Twitter Lists

3. Top-quality Animoto Videos

4. Jack Canfield’s Tips for Authors

5. Promoting Photos on Glass

6. Hound Video of the Week

7. And at My Blog & Mobile Site…

=====================================
1. Fail to Prepare? Prepare to Fail
=====================================

If you, or your PR client, are interviewing with the media, and
you haven’t prepared answers to difficult questions, particularly
if you’re in a bad news situation, you’ve blown it.

That’s what happened last week when a correspondent for the BBC
interviewed Mike Lazaridis, the co-chief executive of Research In
Motion (RIM), the Canadian firm behind Blackberry.

After discussing the new Playbook tablet, the focus of the
interview shifted to the company’s problems in India and the
Middle East, where governments want to gain greater access to the
tight security system used for Blackberry’s business users.

Lazaridis wasn’t ready for the question and complained that it
was unfair. His PR person tried to intervene. Things got ugly.

The correspondent kept his cool. But Lazaridis got flustered and
eventually ordered the camera person to “turn that thing off.”
Bloggers, like PR consultant Greg Simpson in the UK, started
writing about it and sharing the YouTube video. Take a look:
http://pressforattention.com/2011/04/15/back-off-the-rim-
blackberry-ceos-pr-tussle-with-bbc/

Ben Franklin had it right when he warned: “By failing to prepare,
you are preparing to fail.”

Be prepared. Crisis communications counselor Jonathan Bernstein
explained how to deal with sharp reporters (and nasty, hostile
ones) when he was my guest during the teleseminar, “How to Keep
the Media Wolves at Bay.” Learn more about what we discussed
here:
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/media_wolves_atbay.htm

======================================
2. Your Twitter Lists
======================================

Frustrated that you aren’t getting in front of the right experts
and journalists on Twitter?

Do you have too few quality followers?

Is hardly anyone retweeting your fabulous content?

You can change all that by using Twitter lists. Here are three
ways to use lists:

Save hours of time researching journalists, broadcasters,
Internet radio hosts, freelancers, beat reporters, editors and
others by looking for lists that other people on Twitter have
created. Within seconds, you can even find lists of journalists
in specific cities.

Want to get in front of influential bloggers who write about a
particular topic? Save hours of time by finding them on Twitter
lists that other people have created. (You can do this even if
you aren’t tweeting.)

If your favorite journalists, or journalists who you want to
notice you, are on Twitter, and you have a Twitter account,
create a “(Fill in the blank) Journalists” list and add them. If
you have a food-related story to pitch, for example, and you want
to get in front of food journalists, add them to a “Favorite Food
Journalists” list. And then let them know you’ve done so.
They’ll be flattered. This is a great way to start a
relationship with journalists before you pitch them.

You’ll find two more ideas at my blog at
http://publicityhound.net/?p=6929

And you can access the video replay of a webinar I hosted on
Twitter lists and directories at
http://www.publicityhound.com/publicity-products/marketing-
tapes/twitterlists.htm

=====================================
3. Top-quality Animoto Videos
=====================================

I love Animoto, the web-based program that lets me create slick
videos, accompanied by music or my recorded voice, within
minutes, using stock photos and text and even video clips.

The program is particularly helpful when I don’t have time to get
all dolled up for a talking-head video.

But I just realized I haven’t been adding my Publicity Hound logo
to the beginning and ending of all my videos. This important step
introduces newcomers to my brand, and solidifies the brand in the
minds of those who know me. No problem. My assistant can log into
my account and correct this problem for me very quickly.

Other tips for great Animoto videos:

–Be concise with your copy. Shave all unnecessary words.

–Choose the appropriate music from their library of more than
1,000 selections. (A great task, by the way, for a virtual
assistant.)

–If you use Animoto to present one of your products, consider
including an image of the product in its packaging, so that
customers can identify it easily when looking for it in a store
or at your website. Your Animoto video can also include a short
video clip of you demonstrating how to use the product.

–Include a call to action at the end of the video. Direct
viewers to a purchase page, a Facebook fan page or a newsletter
sign-up box. I subscribe to the Pro package, which lets me direct
my viewers to a specific page at my website without making them
click on anything. Powerful!

–Create short videos of no more than two and a half minutes.
Authors, I’ve even seen some well-done book trailer videos
created in Animoto.

Take a free test drive at the Animoto website, and create an
unlimited number of videos for non-commercial use, at
http://animoto.com/?ref=obcetdav

=====================================
4. Jack Canfield’s Tips for Authors
=====================================

Jack Canfield is one of the most successful authors and speakers
of all time, despite the fact that 144 publishers rejected the
first “Chicken Soup” book he co-wrote with Mark Victor Hansen.

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

In fact, at one point he had seven books on the New York Times
Best Seller List simultaneously–a world record.

Want to hear how Jack became so successful and how you can use
his strategies to get where you want to go as an author, speaker
or entrepreneur?

If so, you’re invited to a free telephone seminar on Wednesday,
April 20, where you’ll hear Jack interviewed by my friend Steve
Harrison.

Whether your book or project is still in the idea stage or you’re
already a pretty advanced marketer, you’ll come away with fresh
insights you can use. I’m a compensated affiliate.

Go here now to register for Wednesday’s call:

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

Even if you’ve heard Jack before, you’ll come away with
strategies you can use right away, like:

–What to do if you find yourself reluctant to aggressively
market your work.

–The two mindsets you need to create a best-selling book.

–How to find someone to sponsor your book.

–How to systematically create word-of-mouth marketing for your
book.

Go here now to register for Wednesday’s call with Jack Canfield:

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

======================================
5. Promoting Photos on Glass
======================================

Matthew Bivens of Gainesville, FL, needs ideas on how to promote
his company called Fracture, at http://www.FractureMe.com, which
gives people an innovative way to print, mount and display their
personal photographs on shatter-proof glass.

Jenna Photography suggests:

“Get a couple of photographers (portraits, wildlife, etc.)
involved on your Facebook page. Once they start promoting you on
their pages, word will spread like wildfire. We photographers
love sharing ideas with other photographers and clients,
especially when it’s something that can be used in shoots or to
display our work.”

Here’s my idea:

Start sending samples of your work to the most influential
bloggers in certain niches.

For example, do a Google search for “Top 10 mommy bloggers.”
Choose one. Visit her blog. See if you can find a photo of her
with one of her children. Or her favorite vacation spot or
whatever.

If you need a high-resolution photo, contact her, tell her who
you are, and request the photo so you can send her a sample. Be
sure to link to your website.

Do the same for bloggers in other niches–travel and vacations,
pets (this niche is huge!), authors and books, weddings, special
events, etc.

Also, consider sending a sample product and a press release to
the “new product” sections of magazines that would be a good fit.
(Pets, travel, etc.)

Add your own ideas to these at http://publicityhound.net/?p=8200

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

Thanks to Publicity Hound Tracey Bennett of Honolulu, Hawaii, for
this five-minute video of a trainer taking his dogs through an
incredible series of tricks. Stay with it at least until the two
and a half minute mark.

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

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

Piggyback onto the Royal Wedding with 70+ story ideas
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8242

Authors, meet me May 7 in Denver
http://publicityhound.net/?p=8227

——————————————-

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http://www.facebook.com/publicitytips

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

——————————————–

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