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Simple Steps to Get the Publicity You Deserve
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Leslie Hamp
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Nov 06, 2009 10:12 PST
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Article Title: Simple Steps to Get the Publicity You Deserve
Author: Leslie Hamp
Category: Public Relations, Small Business, Advertising
Word Count: 539
Keywords: small business, public relations, marketing, entrepreneurs, advertising
Author's Email Address: les-@boostyourbottomline.com
Article Source: http://www.contentcrooner.com
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The reality is, public relations is probably the most underutilized and underappreciated way of marketing any business, product or service, yet when used consistently, it can bring huge rewards to businesses and organizations of all sizes. PR is the least expensive, least risky and most effective tactic you can master to spread your message. So what's the hold up? When we hear people say they want media coverage and that they know it will lead to new clients and bigger opportunities, they turn down the idea of PR and say they will be ready for a PR campaign "next year," or they want to re-do their website and finish X, Y or Z first.
Many of you, if not all of you, already have in place what it takes to be in the media and allow news coverage be a major factor in growing your business. When you watch the news or read a magazine and come across a story about your business or industry, what separates you from those featured? Here's a quick way to help you determine if you are already newsworthy. On a scale of 1-10 (1=poor, 10=great) score yourself on the various statements:
* I have people coming to me for advice related to my business or industry.
* I have been asked to speak or share my knowledge with others.
* I have multiple publicity strategies in place that position me as an expert.
* I am always prepared for an on-the-spot interview with print, radio and television reporters.
* I stage special events to get noticed by customers, prospects and media.
If you scored above 8 on even a couple of these questions, then you have what it takes for a successful public relations campaign. The rest is a matter of taking what you know, and what you have, and sharing it with media outlets and, ultimately, the world. It's easy when you have a plan of action.
To ensure success, develop a deliberate and systematic 7-step PR plan around the following:
1. Brainstorm your strategy. Research ideas and gather facts about your industry.
2. Define your challenges and opportunities. For example: A challenge could mean overcoming a negative view of your business. An opportunity could mean creating a special event to coincide with your new product/service.
3. Connect with your target market. Determine who you want your message to reach. Is it a broad general audience, or a tight niche group?
4. Stand out from the competition. Unleash your brand and key messages that make you stand out from the rest. Your message should become the theme throughout the campaign.
5. Specify tactics and timelines. List specific projects or activities that align with your goals, and develop a timeline for implementation.
6. Define a budget. Estimate all costs involved with each piece of your PR campaign and add 10% for a cushion.
7. Track your progress! No campaign can be done without keeping track of your success. Make sure you have a plan in place to measure the results.
Now that you have the extra motivation to finally launch your PR campaign, stay on track by visualizing the end result: more clients, more profit, and the smell of sweet business success!
Certified Marketing Spitfire Leslie Hamp is the creator of Business Boost In A Box. To learn more about the step-by-step program, and to sign up for your *FREE* Marketing Mastery Success Kit, visit http://www.boostyourbottomline.com
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