Happy New Year! The fresh new calendar page means that we get to make a brand new start, too. In my last post, I shared 8 tips for creating a PR plan in 2014 that’s R.E.A.L (realistic, engaging, authentic, and long-lasting.) Photo credit http://frugal-science.com
One of the tips was to capture everything you have coming up in 2014 and think of ways you could either promote it or use it to create content (a blog post, podcast, e-book, etc.). With targeted media, like bloggers, trade publications, or your direct customer base, what you’re doing and why can be enough to help you stay connected with your ideal client as long as you’re providing information that interesting and relevant.
Mainstream media, however, is a different ballgame. A great story doesn’t mean it will get picked up or even noticed. It’s nothing personal, but there are only so many minutes of air time or column inches available and the criteria used to choose what makes it — and what doesn’t — can seem very lopsided. However, there are a couple of ways that you can move the scale in your favor and they should be taken into account when putting together your R.E.A.L plan.
1. Holidays — Everyone covers the holidays. Some might say they cover them too much since there seems to be a run on the same type of stories year after year. “A” has biggest light display, “B” has no money to buy presents, “C” donates money to the homeless and “B” has the best holiday ever, while “A” plunges neighborhood into darkness for overloading electrical circuits. You get the idea. The media are always looking for stories that make the holidays more interesting and an angle can be found for just about anything. So, think about how you can take what you do and write a media pitch or a press release that ties in with a holiday.
2. Current events — Whenever you can offer a new spin on a hot news story, it’s almost always guaranteed to get coverage because it’s different from what everyone else has. How can your area of expertise provide a new way of telling the story? List the ideas you come up with and include them in your plan.
3. Be educational — What can you teach people that adds value to their lives?
4. Be informative — People are hungry for information. Share what you know. You’ll quicky gain a reputation as a thought leader.
5. Be controversial — People love controversy. Don’t be afraid to stir the pot. Just make sure you can back it up.
Here’s my question for you. What do you want to do differently this year than last? Please share your answers below.
Wishing you a blessed 2014 that exceeds your expectations. #HNY
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Robin Taney, (aka the “Get R.E.A.L Girl”) is the owner and founder of Studio 4 PR. She works with creative, independent, and “kitchen table” entrepreneurs who are highly motivated to be found by their perfect client. You can connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and sign up for mailing list You are welcome to use this post on your blog, provided you do not alter it in any way and include a link to this blog.