Rembrandt’s Blog

Recently, I searched for a photographer to take new publicity photos. The whole process turned into a priority since my online photos were getting older and older. Based on my experience, I want to share a few tips with you.

• Conduct the appropriate research.

Instead of just opening the local phone book and picking a photographer, do some research. You want to find someone who fits your specific needs.

Many times, wedding photographers will say they do business headshots just to get your money. But if you really want some good photos, ask co-workers, associates and friends for recommendations.

Also, look at the photographers’ Websites. Here, you can see samples of their work. And if they don’t have a Website, you’ll know it may be a good idea to go elsewhere with your business. Now some photographers in small towns may not have a Website. If that’s the case, check out their samples in person.

• Check references.

I sent out a query online for a good photographer, and did I ever get some strange responses! A lady recommended her friend who would take my photos if I traveled across the state. And one guy offered to let me change clothes in his trailer! Yeah, right. Let me jump on that opportunity.

There are some crazy people out there so be sure to check references, the Better Business Bureau and other credibility factors before choosing a photographer.

• Discover details in advance.

Before moving forward, try to meet the photographer in person. Ask if you will own the photos or if you will need to ask for permission every time you use them. Also, find out how many changes of clothes you will have, if they do your hair and make-up, how long it will take, when you will get the photos, and how much everything will cost.

Getting some good publicity photos takes time and effort. But you’ll save a lot of money and hassle if you conduct the appropriate research and find a photographer who will meet your specific needs. Plus, you’ll end up working with a photographer you like, and your photos will be that much better!

Need help with your public relations and SEO copywriting activities to boost sales, awareness and credibility? Please write to me below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you!

If you recently lost your job or investments, take heart. When I lost my job five years ago, it was one of the best things that ever happened to me. Why? It gave me that extra push to start my own business. Now, I’m in control of my destiny… and my paycheck.

If you’ve ever wanted to work for yourself, maybe it’s time to make your dreams a reality. And the good news is that you can begin many new businesses with just a phone and an Internet connection.

Plus, there are tons of free services available to help you reach your goals… so if you want to go for it, here are two, key starting-points:

1. Learn.

While you don’t need a college education to start your own business, you do need valuable skills.

Get your hands on as many books as you can about small business and your area of expertise. Find online courses, local classes and services in your area. Also, check out the Small Business Administration at http://www.sba.gov for some valuable articles and information.

2. Get advice.

There are many experts, mentors and other entrepreneurs out there willing to share their knowledge at no cost. Look for online communities like StartupNation, Entrepreneur, Inc., Pink, and others to find answers to your questions.

Also, network at local business events and seek out people in your area who can help you succeed. Another great resource is SCORE®.

A Turning Point for Success.

Once you have the appropriate skills and support network, you will feel more confident and ready to open for business. While you may be dealing with tough times right now, try to stay positive.

After all, this may be a turning point in your life to take the time to pursue your business dreams. And who knows? Your new business may provide the services another struggling entrepreneur, business or organization needs to succeed!

Do you need help with your PR or SEO copywriting needs? Check out my free newsletter at www.rembrandtwrites.com or my blog at http://www.rembrandtwrites.com/blog/. I also have a new PR Program, “Secrets of Becoming a Publicist,” available at http://bit.ly/BecomeaPublicist.
Feel free to contact me below, on Twitter at http://twitter.com/RembrandtWrites or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help! Thanks!

The world of traditional media is changing, and if you want to use the full power of public relations to boost sales, awareness and credibility, you need to change with it.

But where do you start?

With all of the news about Twitter, Facebook and other social-media technologies, it can be overwhelming. But if you start with a few changes to your traditional press releases, you can significantly increase buzz online.

Here are three quick tips to get started:

1. Use a Service.

After writing your traditional press release, use one of the numerous services available to add appropriate keywords and make it “search friendly.” Try www.prnewswire.com, www.prweb.com, or www.businesswire.com.

2. Do it Yourself.

Search for keywords using free tools like www.wordtracker.com, www.google.com and www.keyworddiscovery.com. Then, insert the words into your release. You can use a tool like Hubspot, http://pressrelease.grader.com/, to check your work.

3. Hire a Professional, SEO Copywriter.

It takes time and effort to write a press release that will be picked up by the search engines using the appropriate keywords for your target market. While the services mentioned in step one will optimize a release for you, it’s better to have your own SEO copywriter working for you.

Then, you can use the keyword research for your other online copy and marketing materials. And more important, your copywriter can track the process and let you know which keywords are working and which aren’t. This allows you to make quick changes to your copy for the best results.

And although hiring a freelancer may be expensive, you get what you pay for. In the long run, you’ll save time, effort and money. Plus, the results will generate new sales that surpass the cost of hiring a professional.

A Few Simple Changes Can Bring Big Results

Jumping into new PR processes doesn’t need to be difficult. Start by optimizing your press releases for the search engines and tracking the results. And these few simple changes can help you increase site traffic and the bottom line.

Do you need help managing all of your SEO copywriting efforts in blogs, newsletters, Web sites and more? Please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help!