How to generate your own Publicity
I’ve had so many interviews since the release of my Parents Guide to MXit, I’ve not had enough time to notify people on my email list or around me to listen in as in the past. The person who taught me how to deal with the media, how to generate your own publicity, is Arthur Goldstuck. Read the Wikipedia entry I wrote about him here. One of our secret weapons is an extensive database of journalists. Mine now totals over 70,0, and I constantly update it when I get bounced emails, finding the new person at that publication, radio or TV show, and tracking down the person whose email bounced and finding out what new media outlet they are now working for. There is a structure to writing a press release, and you can learn some of the basics here.
So here are my own tips:
- Find a killer angle that is controversial and will make people sit up and listen
- Identify and interview at least two outside experts who support your own quote, and go as far as writing their quotes and asking them how to enhance them
- Send out your press release on a Tuesday and preferably close to the beginning of the month. Mondays are normally a scramble for journalists catching up with the weekend’s news
- And build personal relationships with journalists so that they trust you.
- Be consistent and work out a timeline for your publicity campaign, and consider all media: online, print, broadcasting
- When dealing with broadcasting,e nsure you have the contact details of producers because they decide who gets interviewed, not the show host or DJ
I’d love to hear your own ideas on generating publicity. I highly recommend the book by Al & Laura Ries: The Rise of PR & Fall of Advertising, which explains why Publicity is the best way to launch a new product or service.
Oh, and by the way, I’ll be interviewed on Channel Islam International about my ICT Career Guide, which is almost completed, this Sunday, 26 November 2006, at 10 am. And also on my 2nd feature will appear in the Sunday Independent newspaper this weekend about how to use Technology in Romantic Relationships.
