Catapult Public Relations

Get rich quick:How you can use rich media webcasting!

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:39:14 +0000

Get rich quick:

How you can use rich media webcasting!

http://www.catapultpr-ir.com/Files/Tactics_Nov09_final_p22.pdf

Consider Your Content

Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:02:07 +0000

In the era of self publishing, quality writing is key to getting pick up in both print and online publications. With shrinking editorial staff, news releases are often printed as published or only reworked slightly. Well written content will be more likely to be used, since it saves editorial effort.

http://www.catapultpr-ir.com/

http://www.catapultpr-ir.com/blog/

Hold the Attachments

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:39:01 +0000

The proliferation of computer viruses and worms has made everyone leery of opening email attachments, even if the message is from someone they know. Some magazines have installed software that automatically removes attachments before forwarding the message to the intended recipient, but more often than not the entire email will simply be deleted. What that means for PR professionals is that they should always paste their releases in the body of their emails when sending them out to reporters. If there's an image to go with the release, let them know that artwork is available upon request.

Alma Maters matter

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 01:28:22 +0000

If you are sending a news release from your organization that features a member, employee, board member, staff, etc. of your organization, remember to send the release to the alma mater(s) and hometown media of the person featured. This will help expand visibility of your organization to many other outlets and readers gain further visibility of your organization's featured person, helping to further spread your news.

Seasoned Executives need media training too

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 20:06:44 +0000

CEO's often feel they don't need media training because they are in the public eye frequently. This can be a pitfall due to the fact that they often are caught off guard by the questions a determined reporter can ask regarding a launch. Media training can assure a polished, complete story is presented to the press.

Keep Everyone Informed

Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:10:36 +0000

Have regular informational meetings with your PR firm or department so that every newsworthy event is recognized. Events that could be publicized are often passed by or discovered by PR and marketing departments too late to be utilized by the media. Some events an executive may not see as important could be newsworthy and support the company's PR goals. Provide frequent updates so that these items are recognized.

Competition is Good!

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 23:49:15 +0000

Many company execs make the mistake of saying “We don’t have any competitors.” If you don’t have any competitors you either aren’t being honest or you don’t have a market for your product. The willingness to identify who your competitors are gives you credibility and builds trust.

Let the press know how good you really are

Wed, 30 Jul 2008 01:06:49 +0000

First, recognize that people want to know about your accomplishments. Second, understand that getting the word out about your recognition helps to build your credibility.

Read the (Journalists’) Bible

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 18:32:18 +0000

First published in 1975 and updated annually, the Associated Press Stylebook remains the journalists' bible for editorial standards. It provides clear, consistent and simple rules on how to handle technical terms, abbreviations, punctuation, spelling, capitalization and more.

PR pros should abide by the rules of this invaluable guide when writing pitches, news releases, bylined articles and white papers. Have a copy of the AP Stylebook on your desk and refer to it often. Okay? No! According to the Stylebook, it's not okay, it's OK.

Avoid Buzzwords, Hype and Superlatives

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 23:17:20 +0000

Journalists and analysts alike have limited patience with news releases and pitches that are filled with jargon and outlandish claims. Some journalists even use a filter to detect and weed out releases that have too many buzzwords. To keep your release from being zapped, here are some words to avoid: end-to-end, customer-centric, nimble, robust, Web-centric, leading edge, revolutionary, state of the art, future proof and mission critical. The best advice? Try and write like a journalist. Use plain English to describe your product or service and the benefits it provides. Editors appreciate this approach and are much more likely to use your release when it's written in a straightforward fashion.