Self Promotion through PR as a Lead Generator

7 replies
I answered a post in the main Internet Marketing Forum this morning, with someone looking for ways to promote and test their new product, when on a budget.

My answer was applicable to so many situations, I thought it might be helpful to post it here.

So many people overlook Press Releases as a way to generate leads and sales. It intimidates them.

But once you learn the ropes, writing and submitting Press Releases can be quite fun, and lucrative.

Here's my post for submitting Press Releases to your local geograhpic area:

Writing and sending your own press release can seem daunting for most people. But like most things, it is really not very hard, once you learn how.

If I recall, you asked about how to market locally. A Press Release targeted to your local market is a FREE way to test market responsiveness.

Here's a quick Down and Dirty recipe for local PR Marketing:

1.) Identify the local media outlets you want to target (e.g. Newspapers, bloggers, radio stations).

2.) Get the Press Release contact info. Either fax number or email address. They ALL will have PR contacts. This is their lifeblood.

3.) Learn the appropriate format for your release. (Send me a PM and I will give you an example.) This part is important. Reporters can be persinikity (sp?). If you break with the accepted format, your press release might get ignored.

4.) Last, but most importantly, is your content. DO NOT just write some boring release, like "New Product Being Released". Blah, Blah, Blah.

It has to pass the "Who Cares" test, or nobody will.

How do you do this?

Create a "story" that would be appealing, revolving around your product.

Does your product solve a big problem for people? Then write about it!
Is it controversial?
Is it humorous?
Does it plug into a new trend or fad?

You need an angle to make it into a human interest story. I could write all day about this part.

Keep in mind, reporters are searching for great stories. Every day, they need to come up with another one, and another one.

They can be your best friend, if you give them a great story.

Hope this helps!

One last thought here. In no way are press releases limited to your local market. You can send them out nationwide, and worldwide.

I've written and submitted my own Press Releases for years, with consistent results. By results, I ultimately mean SALES.

Dan
#generator #lead #promotion
  • Profile picture of the author JimMichael
    Some great advice!
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  • Profile picture of the author SkillDan
    Hi Peter,

    Here's an example of a Press Release that I did over the holidays, which generated a bunch of new members, for pennies apiece:

    Entrepreneur Teaches "How to Make Money"

    Just a simple announcement, but it worked.

    I'm getting ready to launch a WSO that explains how to do this type of stuff effectively.
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    • Profile picture of the author peter_act
      Originally Posted by SkillDan View Post

      Hi Peter,

      Here's an example of a Press Release that I did
      Thanks Dan,

      I guess I really have to change my ideas on press releases.
      My business site is http://www.threepr.com

      The three PRs are
      Page rank
      Public relations
      Press releases

      so I'd better learn how to do them!
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    • Profile picture of the author sandalwood
      Originally Posted by SkillDan View Post

      Hi Peter,

      Here's an example of a Press Release that I did over the holidays, which generated a bunch of new members, for pennies apiece:

      Entrepreneur Teaches "How to Make Money"

      Just a simple announcement, but it worked.

      I'm getting ready to launch a WSO that explains how to do this type of stuff effectively.
      Dan,

      Very good press release. Went straight to the point and told a story. My degree in journalism has come in handy many times. And you're right about the reporters being your best friend. They need the stories to fill their paper or air time.

      Here in our area, the 4 TV stations let you send your email to the news director personally. It will either get air time or trash time.

      Have a good day,

      Tom
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      • Profile picture of the author SkillDan
        Thanks Tom,

        I just did a press release last week, and got on page 1 of google, yahoo, aol and bing. Still up there a week later! It's a combination of art and science. Having a story that grabs your audience and the right keywords to vault you up there.
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