Rembrandt’s Blog

As you begin to write a press release, it can be easy to fall into the standard, template form. But before you send it out, ask yourself these questions:

• Is this newsworthy?

If you are announcing a major news event, statistic, research result, or other important activity, that’s fantastic. But many times, you will write a press release simply to announce a new staff member, upcoming event, partnership, etc. These announcements are not newsworthy to everyone so it’s usually best to send them to a limited list of pertinent investors, partners and media members.

Another idea is to simply post the release on your site. After all, you want reporters to take notice when you have a big story to report. And if you just send out press releases to everyone on your media list all the time, they may stop listening to you all together.

• Is this boring?

Are other people really going to care about what you are saying? Check to see if you are focusing on facts alone without providing any benefits. You can significantly increase the odds of your release being read if you offer unique and interesting information that is pertinent and valuable to your audience.

• Do your quotes offer value?

If the quotes in your press release include, “we are excited,” “we are thrilled” or “we are honored,” please change them. Of course you are thrilled, excited or honored with the news. Otherwise, you wouldn’t be issuing a press release!

It’s best if your quotes provide new information, a specific opinion or other, newsworthy information.

These are just three simple reminders to help you get more publicity for your business without wasting time, effort or money. If you have questions or need some free tips regarding your PR and copywriting efforts, please let me know here or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’m here to help! Thanks.

Search engine optimization (SEO) is much for than adding a few keywords to your site. SEO is a strategic process of researching competitive data, finding the right words to work with your organization’s messaging and providing valuable information.

Of course, you can research some SEO keywords through one of the many free tools like www.keyworddiscovery.com, www.wordtracker.com, or Google. But if you really want to see results from your SEO activities, hire a copywriter who specializes in:

• Finding strategic keywords.
  Discovering the right words to use is a process of studying competitors, target audiences and specific niches. Your SEO copywriter can conduct the time-consuming and appropriate research so you can concentrate on core business activities.
• Writing valuable content.
  Your keywords are not going to do any good unless they appear in appropriate copy on your site. A good SEO copywriter writes valuable content that attracts customers while inserting the right words in the right places for the search engines.
• Adding the right codes.
  In addition to finding strategic keywords and writing valuable content, a skilled SEO copywriter knows how to create “tags” for the backend of your site. These tags appear in the coding of your site. They allow you to add important keywords and control the descriptions that search engines post for your site.
• Testing results.
  If your keywords aren’t working, a good SEO copywriter knows how to test various words to see what works best. Since the Web is constantly changing, he or she can track your keywords and makes the necessary updates on a regular basis.

Search engine optimization is a cost-effective way to bring new customers to your site and boost sales. But using keywords is an art that takes experience, skill and time.

If you want results that will actually make a different to your bottom line, it’s well worth the cost to turn these activities over to an SEO expert.

Have questions about your public relations and SEO copywriting efforts? Please let me know below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com. I’d love to hear from you! Thanks!

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!