March 28, 2010
Get Free Publicity with These Popular Public Relations Stories
There is no limit to the types of stories you can pitch to the media to get free publicity, though some are easier to sell than others.
Below are some of the types of stories journalists are likely to be interested in. Some of these may apply to you, others may not, but you can use them as a stepping-stone for related public relations ideas.
Do well by doing good works. For example, you can sponsor a charitable event or do volunteer work for a charity. Doing good works offers you two chances for free publicity. You can distribute a press release to announce the commitment you’ve made before the event and another one after the event detailing some of your accomplishments.
Celebrate a milestone or an anniversary. Just sold your 10,000th car? Reached a 10th, 25th or 50th anniversary? Let journalists know. It’s a great time to get free publicity.
Write a helpful how-to article. If you own an auto repair shop, offer tips on basic maintenance or trouble shooting. If you run a pastry shop, offer some tips on how to get a flakier pie crust.
Connect into the news. There are so many possibilities. Let’s say some celebrity couple announces that they’re getting divorced. If you’re a psychologist or a marriage counselor, you could offer a press release on how to have a better marriage. If you’re a divorce attorney or a CPA, you might issue a release on the financial consequences of divorce.
Conduct a survey. If you sell computers, you can get free publicity if you do a survey about the most common customer complaints and announce your results to the press. If you run a health spa, you might do a survey to determine whether walking or jogging is more popular. Malcolm Kushner, humor consultant to Fortune 500 companies and author of such books as “Public Speaking for Dummies” and “Presentations for Dummies,” has garnered national publicity for his annual “Cost of Humor Index.” Each year he assesses the cost of such humor-related items as rubber chickens and whoopee cushions, then sends out a press release announcing his findings. He’s been featured on several top TV talk shows and other national venues.
Danek S. Kaus is a Silicon Valley business reporter and publicist. He is he author of “Get more Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity.” Get more Get Free Publicity Tips at his website and discover how to Get Free Publicity on Radio Talk Shows
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