Promoting Your Website Through a Press Release

Have you ever gotten one of those letters from your local property tax appraiser, informing you that your tax bill is going up about 20 percent?

I got one of those recently, so I took it to my friend Joe Gross in San Antonio. He appeals property tax assessments for a living.

"Man," he said. "I've never seen assessments shoot up like they have this year."

My "news antennae" shot up. Then when he showed me his new web site, which gave property owners a chance to look up appraisals of other homes in their neighborhood, I told him, "Joe, you've got write a press release about this new website."

I helped Joe put together a press release and distribute it to local radio and TV stations. A few nights later, there was Joe, on the evening news, describing his web site to tens of thousands of viewers.

Could it happen to your website? You bet, if you remember a couple of basics--and write an attention-grabbing press release

***Learn to spot opportunities. When you see, hear or read something that relates to your field, call the reporter who did the story and offer "another angle" or a "follow- up." Reporters are often judged on their ability to "enterprise" their own stories and ideas, and if you help make THEIR job easier...guess what they're likely to do for YOU?

Recently the San Antonio Express News ran a story about some new software. Darrin Schroeder, VP of a San Antonio company that had just rolled out a similar product, called the reporter and offered a "follow-up." Result: front page story, with color picture, several days later.

***Don't be afraid to ask. Listening to a pitch is part of every reporter's job. And keep this in mind: because they work on deadline, they don't always have much time to talk. So sometimes "No" just means "Not now." It's okay to try again another time.

***Talk high touch more than high tech. A high tech feature is great...but only if it results in a high touch benefit that makes life simpler, easier, more enjoyable, or more interesting. Pitch how it saves time or money and cuts down aggravation. Humanize it as much as possible, and if you know of someone who legitimately loves and uses your site, offer them as a possible interviewee.

Writing a press release to promote your website isn't nearly as hard as you probably think. It will cost you some time and energy, but it doesn't have to cost you cash. You WILL get results if you keep trying, and the rewards will far outweigh the effort.

Just ask Joe Gross.

To see the entire press release I wrote for Joe, along with a line-by-line explanation of why I wrote it the way I did, go to http://www.publicity-pro.com/joegross.htm

About the Author: Award winning TV anchor George McKenzie offers a free 7-part email "Publicity Crash Course" at http://www.write-a-press-release.net During his 33-year broadcasting career, George's work appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN, and CNN.

---

PR: How Sweet It Is!

The public relations goal and strategy make sense; the message... Read More

6 Essentials for Doing Your Own PR: Guest Author

Today's issue of Lean Marketing Champions features tips on doing... Read More

All You Need to Know About Press Release Writing and Distribution

Before you even think about writing a press release, there... Read More

Publicity for Financial Planners--Eight Tips For Success

Individual financial planners can outscore bigger competitors and gain market... Read More

PR: Whats the Point?

Here's the point: people act on their own perception of... Read More

Public Relations Primer Part III: 10 Donts

There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More

Public Relations Success Starts Here

For discerning business, non-profit and association managers, PR success is... Read More

Recessions Dont Last Forever!

It could, but what if it doesn't?Will you be prepared?Will... Read More

The Ratings are Coming

Small businesses have always known the importance of word of... Read More

Media Exposure Validates And Legitimizes Your Business

Although repetition is extremely important, there are times when advertising... 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

Prep for a Successful Trade Show

Well, autumn is upon us and with the onset of... Read More

Television Reporters - Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to an Interview

Prior to a TV interview it is guaranteed the journalist... Read More

13 Publicity Ideas for Retailers

If you're trying to promote your store, but you don't... Read More

Do You Have A Press Package?

How do you make a friend of the media? A... Read More

Publicity: Write a Letter to the Editor for Free Publicity

Ever wonder why papers devote a page or more to... Read More

Publicity and Marketing Magic For Financial Planners: The Four Mores

Publicity will take your financial planning practice, your business, and... Read More

Publicity: Nailing a Media Interview, Part I

The most important thing to remember for any interview: stay... Read More

Go Ahead, Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Call a Reporter

Yes, you can call a reporter.I've said it before, in... Read More

Media Relations: How to Get Your Letter to the Editor Published

You may remember Forrest Gump's Vietnam pal ? the one... Read More

Its the Little Details that Can Make or Break a News Story

Have you ever heard of the saying, "One person's trash... Read More

Top Ten Tips For Great Sound Bites

If you're an online business using public relations (PR) to... Read More

How To Get Press To Come To You

Have you ever noticed how the same people's names always... Read More

Promote Your Products With A Press Release

Writing an effective press release is a way to draw... Read More

The Ten Ps of PR

Everyone is talking about the Ps of successful marketing, so... Read More

Managers: PR More Than Tix and Plugs?

You bet! And in three ways vital to you as... Read More

Publicity - How To Get Your Story on Television

A press release telling about "Stevie, the Water-Skiing Squirrel" will... Read More

Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Focus on Main Points During an Interview

You never want to inundate a reporter with information, but... Read More

Why PR is a Vital Force

Because it can alter individual perception and lead to changed... Read More

Public Relations Going O.K?

Yes?Good!Still, as a business, non-profit or association manager, if you're... Read More

Passion with Purpose - The Winning Combination

The power of PassionPassion is an extraordinarily powerful spring. Without... Read More

A Guide to Optimizing Public Relations Content

This guide to "SEOing" your PR efforts can help you... Read More

Do I Really Need a Publicist?

Are you hesitating about hiring a publicist or, if you... Read More