Why You Need a Compelling Press Release
Every business is looking for new and exciting ways to get attention for your products and services. While advertising is important, it doesn't provide the credibility that PR can. Marketing guru and strategist Al Ries says , 'For most companies today, PR is far too important to take a backseat to advertising. In many ways the roles are reversed, PR is in the driver's seat and should lead and direct a marketing program."
A smart way to apply Ries's advice is to secure valuable publicity for your company by appearing as a guest on talk radio. Talk radio is a fantastic vehicle that allows you to speak to sometimes millions of listeners who will be listening in to hear what you have to say! In the enthusiastic words of one of our clients Dr. Cass Ingram, 'Our sales have grown into millions per year from talk radio interviews alone! Regular, consistent radio publicity really works!'
Imagine that being your success!
Appearing as a guest on talk radio is a fantastic marketing medium, but if you are not media savvy it is difficult to know where to begin. The first step would be to know how to write a powerful press release for this specific medium. When it comes to press releases most people believe they just can write one, email it to a list of radio stations and sit back and wait for the avalanche of phone calls. But as time passes and no producers are beating down their door, they make a few phone calls to the producers and hosts only to discover that no one even read the release in the first place. Make sure that all of your time and work is channeled into the write direction. How to Get Started
The hardest part of writing a press release: getting started. Looking at a blank page with a head full of ideas can be frustrating. Which one do I use? Which one will get the response that I need?
First you need to grasp the fact that the people you are sending these to are busy. Producers and hosts receive floods of releases every day. Their goal: find great show ideas that their listeners will enjoy.
So, come up with a show idea. Easy? Well not necessarily easy, but it is your chance to flex those creative muscles. Think about how you can tie your product, service or message to a newsworthy story that would grab the attention of a producer. Don't limit yourself when going through this process. Allow yourself to think outside of the box!
Once you have a show idea it is best to ask yourself the question: Why would an interview choose me? The answer is simple: Radio shows need experts, not unqualified guests sharing opinions.
You are that expert! Think about it: who knows your product better than you? Tell them about the solutions that your product provides to problems that their listeners face, and do it all with enthusiasm and passion!
With a good show idea that ties your message into the news -- combined with your experience and expertise on the subject -- you now have the tools to start working on a radio release that will get producers calling you!
If you would like to learn more about gaining national and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha Friedman has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without budget busting monthly retainers.
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Published July 1st, 2008