Publicity On A Shoestring Budget

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PT Barnum said, “A terrible thing happens without publicity … NOTHING!” You need people to know about you to remain in business. Publicity is the most overlooked marketing tool and also the least expensive, least risky, and most effective tool available.

Publicity, Public Relations, and Advertising

Publicity is free media exposure for your product or service. Public relations (PR) is the overall planning and strategy for dealing with the media. Advertising is paying to promote your product or service. Publicity is the art of convincing others to sing your praises for you while you’re singing your own praises.

With advertising, those who purchase your service or product are your target customers. In publicity, the media is your target customer. One customer sold on your service or product equals one sale. One media representative sold can result in thousands of sales.

Guerrilla Publicity

Guerrillas are business operators who substitute time, energy, and imagination for money. Guerrillas measure their performance on profits, not sales; they place primary importance on how many relationships they build, not on how much money they make.

Five things you can do to become a guerrilla publicist on a shoestring budget:

1. Know who you are, what you want, and sing your praises ofte

Know who you are. You are the product regardless of what product or service you provide. For people to trust you, you must first know and believe in yourself, your products, or your services. Position yourself as an expert and create a sharp ten to fifteen second sound bite that proclaims precisely who you are, what you do, and why you make a difference.

Know what you want. Opportunities are created when you have a clear purpose, achievable goals, and take persistent action. Publicity starts with a clear purpose and objectives. You will succeed with a precise plan on how you will achieve those objectives.

Sing your praises often. The most obvious signs of your expertise are that your customers keep coming back, pay what you charge, and recommend you to others. Ask for and use all testimonials. Don’t be afraid to boast.

2. Build relationships with a targeted market

Your relationships are your most valuable asset. Because you’re in business for the long haul, your best business will come from your best relationships. Take the “concierge approach” with your media contacts. Offer information, sources, access to your contacts, and fresh stories and ideas; actively show your appreciation for their work on your behalf.

Take every opportunity to say who you are, what you do, and how what you do can help others. In fact, you’d be well served by building your entire marketing plan around publicity. Be consistent, honest, and believe in your heart that what you do truly makes a difference.

3. Play the numbers game - and play it well

The media always needs fresh information and they look for people like you to provide it. Expect, but don’t be discouraged by disappointment and rejection. The media sees thousands of press releases every day. Here are a few ways you can make the numbers game work for you:

• Press releases. The media wants and expects press releases. Send them hot, relevant stories with lively one-line headlines that get their attention.

• Media lists. Media lists are databases containing information about the people and organizations that can help promote you. Start your own media list or gather media information from online services and keep them up-to-date.

• Follow up, follow up, follow up. Contact your media list – often and consistently. The key is to always follow up and capitalize on any news developments, keeping your name on top.

• Media kits. Have a media kit ready to go. Include everything they want to know: your company history, personal biography, a list of suggested questions, articles, brochures, a quality photo, endorsements and testimonials, and giveaways.

4. Be prepared for anything

Create a unique and attractive slant on your business. Promote yourself early, forcefully and fast, assuming you have no more than ten seconds to convince the media. Then, be prepared for anything. The slant you took may not be the slant they use. Practice your interviews from every angle, and when the time comes, take command of the interview and stay relaxed.

5. Get yourself out there

The best publicity often happens in the most unexpected places. Guerrilla publicity is a multi-faceted approach. Get yourself out there with seminars, articles, a book, website, or e-mail newsletter. Join Internet communities and use online publicity forums.

Summing it up

Now is the time to take action. Make publicity a mindset in your life. Always look for ways to publicize yourself and opportunities will appear. Take the time to establish your credibility and build for the long run. Prepare - and you will be rewarded. n