Rembrandt’s Blog

Recently, someone contacted me about sending out press releases. If you are a new entrepreneur, the first thing you probably think of when you hear “PR” is to send out a press release.

And although press releases have their place as media-relationship building tools and announcements, there is a much better way to get some great, press mentions. 

In fact, if you send out a poorly written press release to the wrong people, you can do more harm than good. Reporters receive hundreds of press releases each day, and have no problem instantly deleting or pitching the bad ones.

 What Should You Do?

 Instead, do your research first. Start with a few simple questions:

- Who do you want to talk about your business?

- Who is the appropriate media member to contact?

- What is that person going to care about?

Once you have your talking points together, pick up the phone and introduce yourself to the reporter. Give your story succinctly and with passion.

You have a 50/50 chance – The reporter will want more information or thank you for calling. Either way, you’ve started to build a valuable, media relationship.

Use PR to Your Advantage

In today’s tough economic times, public-relations activities can help your business grow quickly through credible, third-party media mentions and word-of-mouth buzz.

But if you don’t take the time to develop and practice pitching your unique story idea, or hire an experienced expert to do it for you, all of your efforts can be a complete waste of time and money.

Need help with your PR skills, SEO copywriting and marketing to boost sales and credibility? Please contact me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com.

If you are currently worried about finances, you may want to review your public-relations efforts and look into getting outside help.

Think it’s too expensive? Well, you could be wasting time and money by continuing your current, publicity activities!

By hiring a PR consultant who acts as an extension of your team and actually cares about your overall success, you can save money and experience many benefits. After all, would you like to:

1. Stop wasting time on PR and writing efforts and focus on core business strategies to bring in new customers, partners and sponsors;

2. Obtain media placements and third-party credibility that are impossible to purchase via advertising;

3. Experience a snowball effect once your story hits a major press venue. This builds more awareness and media attention that costs nothing;

4. Receive individual attention, know what is going on with publicity efforts at all times and be able to work quickly and cost-effectively; and

5. Use all of your new media-clippings in your marketing efforts to build sales?

These are just a few examples of how the right publicist can help you save time, money and effort…so if you haven’t already done so, you may want to start researching potential candidates and move your PR activities up on your business priority checklist.

Got questions about your Website copy, SEO copywriting and marketing strategies? Write to me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I can help!

Summer is almost here, but many of you may be worrying about your financial situation and revenue. Plus, the kids will be home for summer vacation soon so you have a lot on your plate. Well, instead of worrying about your business, take action. Here are three questions to ask now to get started:

 1.      What can I do to start bringing in new revenue?

If new sales have stopped coming in, it’s time to be creative. Think about new activities you can try to bring in new customers. 

• Do you need to update your website and marketing materials?
• Do you need to go back to grassroots marketing and start knocking on doors?
• Maybe it’s time to give a presentation and network in the local community? Or perhaps you need to spend some money on copywriting and list rentals to market to potential customers in new niches?

 Instead of sticking with the status quo, think differently and develop new ways to reach customers.

 2.      Who do I know who can send me referrals?

Take a look at your list of contacts and reach out to business associates, past employers, organizations, school mates, and other people who can help you.

• Perhaps you can offer products and services in exchange for free marketing?
• Maybe you can create an affiliate agreement and sell each other’s products and services?

Ask for referrals. While it may be difficult, make the effort. After all, one referral has the potential of significantly increasing your bottom line so you can focus on additional marketing efforts rather than worrying about paying the bills.

3.      What can I change to make things better now and in the future?

If you don’t have a process in place to bring in new customers, it’s definitely time to create one. Review what you are doing now and remove all of the activities that aren’t working or are wasting time. And if you’re not sure what to do, read books about obtaining leads, attend free webinars, talk to business associates, and conduct some online research.

There are plenty of proven ways to increase sales. It’s up to you to find the ones that will work for your business, implement the activities and monitor the results.

Yes, it takes work to bring in new sales and start new marketing projects – no one ever said running a business would be easy. Things are competitive in today’s economy. But if you take action, you’ll see positive results and less stress!

Do you need help with your SEO copywriting and marketing strategies to bring in new sales? Please contact me here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com.