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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
This is my attempt at helping each of you whom aspire to market yourself, but have no gains, whether ill gotten or not, to do so!
Please take this advice as based upon MY own experience. There will be no speculation on my part. If any of the information in this post or the ones which will follow, inspire you to start taking ACTION, then great. If you think that I am full of beans, then by all means have a laugh at my expense! Comedy or Cash you decide what I am! If it is beans then please remember that I am part Mex-I-Can! It's the national food! I have no products to sell, so my advice should only be construed, as my way of helping those who don't know which course to buy! Don't buy any course until you've read what I have to say. IF you think that I am full of beans as stated earlier, then run to the library and check out some marketing books before buying anyone's course. Enough of the soapbox derby, it's time for Tip no. 1. These are some hints at getting your Press Release Printed. ______________________________________________ Too often a press release is thrown in the trash. Why? (Based upon the editor at The Eastside Reporter and my own personal failures) It was submitted past the deadline, it required too much editing, poor printing or it was handwritten. It also might get "file thirteened" because it was too small to read or was single spaced. It can also be dumped because it was addressed to the wrong staff member. Don't make these mistakes! What: When: Why: Who does it benefit? How Much: Where can we find out more about this or whom to contact?: Please note that even though you take all of the steps to make a good submission, your release might get bumped or dumped because, it isn't relevant just yet, it could become a one-liner, or a better story for the space came along. Don't fret! The upside is that the editor might just contact you to do a feature story on your event or even run it as is. JUST KEEP TRYING! Take note of what changes were made to your submission, when your press release is printed. If there were no changes made, don't take this is as being set in stone, another editor may not agree with the layout or submission. Be sure to maintain a file of your press releases for your personal portfolio files. You can use them as you climb the media ladder later! (Read this last sentence out loud for a small chuckle.) See you on the next topic no. two where I will expound on the "What to do if you are contacted for a feature story. Signed, I have no FREE newsletter to send you so don't ask! Here are a few more suggestions for you. Use letterhead stationary. Be sure to include a "RELEASE DATE" at the top of your submission. If you want it to run a.s.a.p. be sure to center and capitalize this at the top, "RELEASE IMMEDIATELY". Try for a neat and visually balanced release. If you don't have a slant to your release try and find some genuine newsworthiness, or public interest in your story to include in your release. Be sure to proofread, check for grammar, and compete accuracy of your submission. Include a black and white clear photo for them to use. It might not get put into your release, but if the layout of the page is such, that space will permit it, the editor might be inclinded to do so. And now back to your regularly scheduled programming. |
MikeSpark New user 42 Posts |
Having worked at a television station in the past, I can tell you also that formatting is critical. if it's not formatted properly, it may likely get tossed.
google 'press release' and anyone can find some fairly strong guidelines. Mike |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
Thanks ReyRey.
Does anyone know anything about software called Press Release-O-Matic? Regan
Mister Mystery
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kenny kadabra Elite user scotland 450 Posts |
Some good advice Reyrey ! TA
Magic ain't an illusion ! it's a "way of life"
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R2 Special user 935 Posts |
I appreciate the feedback Kenny!
I have never used this software Regan, but let me know if you find out if there are any benefits to doing so? |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Yes, I would also like a review of that software. You are also right in that you really need to make sure your press release is in the proper format and also sent in a manner that the editor wants to receive it. Each publication etc, has different standards, so it is often best to call and find out for sure.
A quick trip to the library can also shed some light on this topic and give you some good examples. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Regan Inner circle U.S.A. 5726 Posts |
The sooftware ad really sounds good, and I don't believe it is very expensive. I wish someone knew more about it.
Regan
Mister Mystery
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Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
Oaky, guys, I'll be the guinea pig! I'll order the thing and let you know the results!
*** Don't rush out yet, guys. I got the download and it seems to be a pyramid designed to get you to sell others on this package by posting it on your OWN website! Please understand, this is a preliminary evaluation. I'll keep you posted as I examine this more closely. |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks Mark. I will be interested in your full review. Thanks again.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
I have Press Release O Matic (I got it as a bonus for participating in a marketing conference call, but with no resell rights). Honestly, I do think it's a nice little software package. I have used it to compose several press releases that have been the starting point for some good newspaper and local TV coverage.
You have to compose the release, but it will format it for you. No doubt some purists will complain that it uses a single space rather than a double space format. Well, so be it... it works for me. If you'll use it, I recommend it. Since we're on the topic of press releases, I've considered the possibility of starting a press release writing service. This is just the beginning of an idea really, but if anyone is interested, PM me and we can talk. One thing I can promise is I'll be a lot more affordable than those services that charge $200-$300 per press release! See ya! Joe Libby San Antonio, TX
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Joe can you go into more details as to what the software actually does and what it can do for any magician wanting to do press releases? What are it's main features and pros and cons on it as you see it? Thanks.
Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
Starrpower Inner circle 4070 Posts |
It has fields for each segment of a press release -- date, headline, opening, etc. etc. It can also translate the release into html for use on a website. Pretty basic. What it really does is prompt you so you don't forget anything, and then spits it out for you in printed form.
Personally, I think that if you already know the proper format for a press release, you could just save a master as a text document, then highlight the master text and replace each line with the NEW text. Or, you could create your own "fill in the blank" form. But, if you want it, it looks like I now have the resell rights, so ... STEP RIGHT UP! |
jlibby Inner circle 1044 Posts |
Starrpower pretty much nailed it. The only possible downside is you have to remember to put in a hard return at the end of each line as you type. It will then convert the press release into html form, so you can place it on your website if you wish. You can also cut and paste the text from the html into a Word doc, and then mail, email, and/or fax the PR to your heart's content.
And again, Starrpower is right, you don't HAVE to have this in order to produce an effective PR, but it does make the job a little easier. See ya! Joe L.
My new FREE ebook on the classic Mismade Bill trick is ready for you:
https://funnybirthdayshow.com/mismadebill/ |
MR2Guy Regular user Nashville 179 Posts |
Here is the format I use:
Start with "For immediate Release" "Put in your headline that you want to see as it will appear in the media here". Make it punch. Place and Date of the press release here Meat of the release here. Add a quote from someone about you here. Pricing, times go here. Final paragraph about you, who you are, why you're worth coming to see, etc.
Question every rule.
There are no absolutes. |
R2 Special user 935 Posts |
I thought this might spark some ideas for your query Kyle.
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magic4u02 Eternal Order Philadelphia, PA 15110 Posts |
Thanks. This gives me a lot of GREAT information. I forgot about thsi post so I do appreciate you showing me this. I am going to get started on it tonight and this helps. I will let you know how it goes.
Kyle Update: March 27 2005 Question for those who have done a lot of press releases in the past. I am just starting to do and use more press releases for my shows this year. I have a theater show next month and have my press release ready to go and have sent it out using a lot of the tips and suggestions mentioned here. (thanks all). My question is do any of you do any press release follow up after sending the press release out? If so, what method do you use and how do you address this follow up to maximize the possibilities of them running the story etc? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks in advance. Kyle
Kyle Peron
http://www.kylekellymagic.com Entertainers Product Site http://kpmagicproducts.com Join Our Facebook Fan Page at http://facebook.com/perondesign |
The Magic Cafe Forum Index » » Tricky business » » FREE Press Release Suggestions Tip no. 1 (0 Likes) |
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