Get Free Publicity with These Proven Story Ideas
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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 is a list of some of the types of stories journalists are likely to be open to. Some of these will apply to you, others won’t; but you can use them as a springboard for related public relations ideas.
Do well by doing good. Sponsor a charitable event or volunteer for a charity. If you’re a business owner or a manager, you might encourage your entire staff to participate. Doing good works offers two chances for publicity. You can send out a news 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.
Tie in to the news. There are many possibilities. Let’s say a celebrity couple announces that they’re getting a divorce. If you’re a psychologist or a marriage counselor, you could offer pointers on how to have a better marriage. If you’re a divorce attorney or a CPA, you might issue a press release on the financial consequences of divorce.
Create your own survey. If you sell computers, you can get some free publicity if you do a survey about the most common customer complaints and announce your findings to the press. If you operate a health spa, you could do a survey to determine whether jogging or walking is more popular. Fortune 500 Humor Consultant Malcolm Kushner is author of “Public Speaking for Dummies” and “Presentations for Dummies.” He 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 he issues a press release to announce his findings. He’s been a guest on several top TV talk shows and other national venues.
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Certainly some good ideas here Dan.
I have some clients who I will pass this post along to read. One has a business that helps reduce the use of plastic bottles which is a “good news” environmental story that should play well.
Keep sharing those great tips!
Terry
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Terry,
Thanks for reading and thanks for passing this along to your friend.
Be well,
Dan