You’re planning a big event. You’ve written a press release. Next on the to-do list is Googling all the newspapers and on-line publications in your area, letting them know what’s up.
- By relying on that press release to spread the word, you’re like the octopus that’s missing several tentacles: you won’t get the power, speed, and direction you deserve.
Luckily for octopi, tentacles grow back.
Using your single press release you can:
- Identify several topics and spread them out over the weeks, or days, leading up to your event. Then Tweet the topics. Haven’t got a Twitter account? Build one now. It takes five minutes, and it’s free. You can also find editors on Twitter, and let them know what’s coming up.
- Notify your business friends on Facebook. For instance, at Via Vecchia Winery, they let dancers and artists know when they have a band performing, or a show. Artists promote events among themselves – everybody likes to see what other people are doing.
- Use the release as the basis for an electronic newsletter.
- Look for forums that talk about your topic. Be respectful when you approach a forum with your information, and offer to help its members in some way. This could be a free fact sheet, a telephone number for a free consultation, or an offer to email people who have questions.
- Find bloggers who write about what you do. You can offer to write a guest post using information in your release, or you can post a comment referring to what’s coming up.
Suddenly your press release has five new avenues, outlets that don’t depend on whether a journalist is having a busy day, or thinks your cause is worthwhile. It’s like an octopus with five new tentacles. And yes, they do exist.
Feed your blog with the help of an experienced, professional writer. Whether you need help brainstorming topics, weekly posts, or blogging advice, I can help. 614-579-3479. Cynthia Rosi, Columbus Freelance Writer. I blog where good things are healthy, kind, and free: www.simplyhugyourself.com.
