PR Tips of the Trade

May 6, 2008

Make Contact Info Visible

Clearly display media contacts on your releases, Website and other PR materials.  Make it easy for reporters to find out how and where to get more information (including after-hours).  Also post pictures, logos and other supporting documents reporters might use to fine-tune a story.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 6:06pm

Tags: pr , reporters , pr strategy , public relations , communication , media relations

April 28, 2008

Details, details, details

For every phone briefing, call and email the reporter and company executive prior to the call to ensure that they remember the event details and have all the necessary information, e.g., dial-in numbers, PowerPoint, etc.   You'd be surprised how many times they (each) forget!

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 12:30pm

Tags: pr , reporters , pr strategy , public relations , communication , pr briefing

April 11, 2008

In the World of PR, the future is NOW. . .

If you have a special event or product launch happening three or even six months down the road, now is the time to start planning your PR strategy. Many trade publications are monthlies and can have lead times of anywhere from 60-120 days, so it's important to start laying the groundwork early. Make sure everyone involved in the project is aware of the deadlines and stays current on where things stand. Communication and proper planning will enable you to devise the best and most effective strategy that takes advantage of all potential news media outlets and coverage opportunities.

Posted In: Marketing
Posted by Mary at 12:15pm

Tags: pr , public relations , launch , procuct launch , special events , tradeshow

April 2, 2008

How to do work with your PR firm during Company/Product Launches

The success of PR launches is largely a two-way street. Company spokespersons need to make time for media interviews prior to the announcements. PR launches often are stymied by inaccessible company spokespeople during the most critical weeks for phone or face-to-face interviews.  Spokespersons who make these appointments a top priority enable their PR firm to set up more interviews with very tight, often inflexible media/analyst schedules.  Once an interview is scheduled, try not to reschedule it. It's often difficult for media/analysts to rework their schedules to accommodate new dates and times.  Some reporters will just cancel the meeting all together.

Posted In: Communications
Posted by Mary at 6:04pm

Tags: pr launch , work with pr firm , journalist interviews , pr agency , public relations

March 28, 2008

Right for the Medium

Make sure all the writing for printed materials is written specifically for that medium. Cut and pasting a brochure for web material or vice versa will produce an unpolished feel.

Posted In: Marketing
Posted by Mary at 11:56am

Tags: pr , writing , public relations strategy , pr writing