Posted by Michelle/AL on 11/20/06 6:15pm
Msg #161317
Press Releases - Laura V. in WA Please Read
I know I could've emailed you, Laura, but perhaps someone else will benefit from your response. Since it's the Holidays I re-wrote the press release sample in your book and faxed it to several radio stations to be aired. It wasn't until after I finished faxing that I thought of the following questions: 1) Am I notified if a station runs the release? If not, how will I even know it's running? 2) What if more than one station runs it? Is that a problem for the station? 3) I assumed this would be for radio stations only...was I right? Thank you in advance.
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Reply by Laura Vestanen on 11/20/06 8:39pm
Msg #161341
Hi, Michelle
I am glad you are finding the information in my notary marketing booklet useful!
To answer your questions - -
1. The radio station will not let you know if they air information contained in your release. The only ways you will know it aired is if you happen to hear it or if clients call you and mention the radio announcement. You may hear about an airing soon or months later.
2. There is no problem if multiple stations air the information you listed in your press release. Let's hope dozens of them do so! Unlike articles written for magazines, press release information is not copyrighted. News sources assume you are sending press releases to multiple recipients. I send out press releases to at least 18 Washington newspapers, community magazines, and radio stations each time.
3. Press releases may be sent to radio stations, newspapers, online community bulletin boards, magazines, newsletters, and more. A press release about notarizations for children traveling abroad could go to PTA members, daycare workers, Girl Scout leaders, travel agencies, and others who could use this information.
Two important things to remember when writing a press release:
*Create an attention-grabbing subject line.
People in the media get hundreds of emails every day. It is hard to get someone to open YOUR email. Craft a subject line that will inspire curiousity.
For example:
When I sent out press releases for my eBook "Tales of a Traveling Notary", the subject line read "Charming and alarming people in Skagit County." Skagit County is filled with farmers and not much else. The newspapers and radio stations there are always looking for news about their people.
*Put your phone number and website address in the BODY of your press release as well as listing them in your contact information at the top and bottom.
Many editors will cut the top and bottom of your release and only print the body. Putting your phone number and url in the body will help it survive editorial cuts.
Best of luck to you!
Laura
http://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Your-Non-Loan-Notary-Services/dp/B000IB14YW/sr=11-1/qid=1164062105/ref=sr_11_1/104-0822671-8003100
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