Think Like a Reader, Viewer, or Listener to Get Great Publicity

About a year ago I read a feature story in the Wall Street Journal. It was about a new trend -- baby showers that were being thrown for grandmothers.

The article was terrific -- newsy, entertaining and informative. It was subsequently featured as a reprint in my local newspaper, and I'm sure in many other newspapers.

I remember thinking (of course, being in the publicity business, this is the kind of stuff I think about) that this was a prime example of the quality of stories in the Wall Street Journal, and a major reason for the popularity of this newspaper.

As a long-time reader of the Wall Street Journal (I was required to subscribe to it in college as a Finance Major), I am very familiar with the publication. And it allows me to pitch stories better, because I know the types of stories that are covered.

When clients tell me they want to be on Oprah, I ask them, "Have you watched Oprah lately?" Nine out of 10 say no.

My point is this: If you really want to have a great chance at getting coverage in a specific media outlet, you should be really familiar with that outlet. As the reader, or listener, or viewer, you are in a unique position to understand what you like and don't like. And the media people will respect the fact that you are pitching them a story that their audience will be interested in.

Copyright 2005 Margie Fisher All Rights Reserved

Margie Fisher is President of Margie Fisher Public Relations. She is also the author of the Do-It-Yourself Public Relations Kit?. To sign up for her free biweekly PRactical P.R. newsletter, and to see more free articles, visit http://www.margiefisher.com

In The News:


pen paper and inkwell


cat break through


Financial Planners Get Free Publicity With Email

In previous articles for marketing-minded financial planners, I've discussed what... Read More

How Public Relations Changes Minds

Public relations changes minds in the process of delivering what... Read More

Pot Roast and Public Relations (or, How Your Web Site Can Be Your Best P.R. Tool)

Recently I had a craving for... Read More

Why Good PR Warrants Your Attention

Because good public relations can alter individual perception and lead... Read More

Speak Up

Another way to really become known in your area is... Read More

So, How Do I Answer That?

How you answer questions depends on many factors. Example what... Read More

How to Use Community Relations to Grow Your Business

Community relations is one of those marketing strategies that isn't... Read More

Effective Media Relations ? You Won?t be Talking to the Media Without It!

The media's role is to package and spread news, current... Read More

What Does the Public Relations Client REALLY Want, and Why?

It's not unusual for clients of service providers to insist... Read More

Attention Owners of Food Related Businesses: How to Get Publicity Any Time You Want

Attention: Who Else Wants To Get Publicity Whenever You Want... Read More

PR: Advice You Didnt Ask For

Although, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you may... Read More

Turn Your Business? New Year Resolutions in PR Revolutions

As eyes look forward to a new business year, many... Read More

A Well-Oiled Strategy Machine

Yes, that's what public relations really is when it tracks... Read More

Watch Your Attitude

So many restaurants spend money on publicity and then practically... Read More

Media Relations: Should You Pay For News Coverage?

Dear New York Times:I'd like to be quoted in one... Read More

Writing a Press Release: The Medias Dirty Secret

There's a dirty little secret about press releases that the... Read More

CD ROM Business Cards

Created properly, an extremely effective marketing tool.It's a great concept,... Read More

Publicity: Financial Planners That Get It Follow One Rule

Advice about business and life often gets around to one... Read More

Achieve Media Attention for Your Business

Do you want to be quoted by the national press... Read More

Writing a Press Release: The Design Basics

Big corporations like General Motors and Coca-Cola spend thousands of... Read More

The Right Hook

Have you fantasized about spreading word of your business on... Read More

Levines Laws For Pitching With Panache

Excerpted from "Selling Goodness- The Guerrilla PR Guide To Promoting... Read More

How PR Makes a Managers Life Easier

Things are pleasant for many business, non-profit or association managers... Read More

Monarch Health Sciences starts shipping long awaited Monavie and Monavie Active

The Acai Berry is starting to gain world wide recognition... Read More

Managers Who Tap Into PRs Value

Business, non-profit and association managers get a ton of satisfaction... Read More

How to Master Communication Even if you failed High School Grammar

Does the thought of knowing your verbs from your adjective... Read More

Three Communication Secrets of The Great Communicator

I've worked in media and public relations for 20 years,... Read More

24 Killer Press Release Secrets

1. Your press release should sound like news, not an... Read More

Guerrilla PR- Chapter One

THE NATURE OF MEDIAThirty years ago, Marshall McCluhan, the father... Read More

Yes, There is a PR Sweet Spot

And here it is: public relations alters individual perception leading... Read More

The Story The Media Really Wants

If you're like most of my clients, you're probably interested... Read More

Interviews - Five Tips To Handle Tough Questions From Reporters

Journalists are trained and often experienced at getting information out... Read More

The Only Way to Get Free Advertising?

Receiving free advertising is the dream of most business people.... Read More