Sometimes companies jump the gun on press releases and sometimes they wait too long. Other times, they might not even send a press release. How do you decide if and when you should write one? Ask yourself these 3 questions.

Is it newsworthy? Consider the timing, significance, and human interest of the information. In short, will people outside of your company care?

Does it fit your brand message? Staying on brand and consistent in your messaging is critically important for your online and offline image. This press release will live on the internet — forever — so make sure you really want it out there.

And lastly, do you have the talent and experience to write a professional press release? If not, are you willing to pay someone who does? We can’t all be content superheroes. Me included. Sending something out that has improper grammar or even just a bad flow might get ignored, shoved to the bottom of the pile, or worse, published as-is.

If you answered yes to all of these questions, then do it. Write and send that press release and do it with gusto.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Follow me on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @RobinSamoraPR. Learn the marketing shortcuts to make your brand rock n’ roll. Talk tomorrow!

The post 3 Questions to Ask Before Writing a Press Release appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Let’s talk about the 4 different types of media you need to know about and include in your marketing plan. The first is traditional media. That would be print, TV, radio – and include newspapers, magazine articles, and so on. 

The second, is your own media. That’s media you create that’s yours, it’s original content, your own media channels. You own it. That could mean your website, blogs, white papers, videos, articles, infographics, branded graphics, and more. That’s content you create and no one can take from you.

Then there’s social media. Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, Instagram – and other micro or niche platforms. At any time, one of these networks can take you down or lock you out, so it’s important that you have backup your information and don’t put all your eggs in one basket.

And finally, earned media. Earned media or media mention is when you’re published or someone mentions you, unpaid third-party endorsement. You’ve been featured in a blog, a magazine, received coverage on TV, or been interviewed. This is the greatest kind of media, because other people are talking about you, not just you ‘talking about you.’

That’s it. 4 Different Types of Media. Use them all or just a few in your marketing mix to build your brand, visibility, and let’s never forget – increase sales. 

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. If you’d like to get media attention and grow sales, let’s have a conversation. Contact me at RobinSamora.com.  Talk tomorrow! 

The post 4 Types of Media Every Marketer Needs appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

So you’re media ready. You want to pitch the press. You know you’re onto something hot and want the world to know – but what the heck do you say? What do you write about? What is really press worthy?

Every week, I’m scouring the internet looking for new tools, strategies and tactics, to improve my game and be able to share with you – experts, small business owners, speakers and professionals alike, how to get a bigger bang for your buck with marketing and PR. And, as you may have remembered, my favorite two words are marketing and free.

Enter PressFarm.com. It’s a totally cool site and an amazing resource for ideas on what to pitch – with 10 cold email pitch-to-journalist templates to choose from. A few sample templates are: how to share a personal story, a company milestone or a new ground-breaking product – or just how to connect with a journalist as a resource or subject matter expert. Plus, what I love is that there are explanations, on why each paragraph is part of the pitch and why it’s important. How good is that!

When I speak around the world about marketing and free publicity, I always use PressFarm.com as an example, plus of course Buzzsumo, another favorite.  We’ll talk about that later.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Let me show you how to get media attention and position yourself as a leading authority in your field. Reach out to me personally by email at [email protected] or and let’s set up a call. Talk tomorrow!

The post 10 Must-Have Free PR Templates to Pitch the Press appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Newsjacking is a PR technique that aligns a brand with what’s going on in the news or a current event to generate media attention and boost the brand’s exposure. David Meerman Scott coined the phrase and it’s fairly simple to do, once you get the hang of it. The most important think you need to know, is that with newsjacking, you have to jump in early on the curve, while news is breaking because interest dies fast, and once news is old, no one cares, and you lose your opportunity to make a splash.

Start small and local. Say you test water and there’s a scare in your town, contact the press and be a resource. What should people know? Is it dangerous? What steps should be taken? Newsjacking is really a technique, that you can master into an art.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Do you want to get more press? Let me help you.  Contact me at RobinSamora.com and let’s get your press party started!  Talk tomorrow!

The post How to Get Attention with Newsjacking appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

One way to get more free publicity is when you repurpose blogs into industry articles or customize them for LinkedIn, Medium, even Google My Business with a different title. Switch up the copy in at least three spots: the beginning, middle and end. You can also use excerpts from your blog for social media posts, guest blogs, sound bites, branded quotes and special reports. This is your ‘owned’ content, so use it to the max. You’ll build credibility plus expert status, and Google loves that.

When you build a digital library with your “owned” content, you’ve got content that is exclusively yours. So share it. You don’t have to invest in content syndication yet, but remember that the more places you have your content, with a call to action and a link back to your site, the better opportunity for prospects and customers to find you – whatever your business.

Your content – what’s in your head – makes you an expert. Your thoughts on paper, online, on video, even here on Alexa. Repurpose for sure, but back up what you repurpose – and keep up the great work.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. If you’re ready for a jolt of marketing energy and PR power for your business, let’s connect on LinkedIn @RobinSamora. Just mention Fast Marketing Minute so I know who you are. Talk tomorrow!

The post Ways to Get Even More Free Publicity with Medium appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Want to be recognized as a credible expert? Be a resource to the media. It takes time and trust to build a relationship with the press, but it’s worth it. Follow the rules and offer interesting content, insider tips and news leads that aren’t always about you. Reporters are under tight deadlines and appreciate having a list of go-to sources. Be available 24/7 for a comment or interview, give your cell phone number, and never ask to see a story before it’s published – unless they offer for a fact check.

So, how do you become a resource? Craft a brand and brand personality that stands out. Promote your expertise. Create compelling, consistent content. Be an influencer or thought leader in your industry. Speak in front of your target audience. Be active on social media and share articles, videos, posts that align with your message. Contribute in a way that gets attention. And of course, have a website that tells the world what you do – and the problems you solve and what you believe in.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. I’m a new marketing expert on WiseHER.com, a platform that helps entrepreneurs with advice.  You can check me out there or reach me at RobinSamora.com. Talk tomorrow!

The post How to Be a Resource to the Media appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

So, you pitched the media and the editor says no. Big deal. Don’t cry. If you’re in sales, and we all are in some way, no often means “not now.” Don’t get flustered. Stay calm and keep writing. If your pitch is well crafted, it typically goes in a folder to be checked out later. Maybe the timing is off or someone is on paternity leave. You never know what’s going on in the office. Also, a major story might have come in and bumped you last minute, or there was a change in the direction of the story. This happens all the time, in magazines, newspapers, TV and it’s definitely happened to me and my clients.

Here’s my advice. Reboot your mindset and think of the journalist’s or editor’s folder as your personal waiting room for media attention. Check back later to get a pulse.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. If you’re looking for new marketing ideas and an action plan to grow your business and brand, let’s have a conversation. I’m at [email protected]. It’s my treat! Talk tomorrow!

The post Is the press ignoring you? appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

In order for you get press, free publicity, or be seen, heard and remembered, you have to decide what media — journals, magazines and industry publications you (or your company) would like to be featured in. That includes blogs too.  Google is a great tool for researching and I’m sure you have your own resources too.

After you’ve done your research, the next step is to send a short and concise pitch with several story ideas to the editor’s ‘name,’ not ‘dear editor.’ Feel free to reach out on social media too.  Please, just don’t blast the entire staff you find listed.

If there’s an editorial calendar, a listing of what’s coming up, be sure to check that out first to see what content ideas they have planned. You always want to stay 3 – 6 months ahead of what’s going on now and not pitch a topic they just covered. When you take the time to do your homework, it shows you know the protocol, and it will impress an editor. And an impressed editor will typically remember you.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Check out my blog, Robin’s Rainmakers for more tips and articles on how to pitch the press. It’s at RobinSamora.com/blog. Subscribe to my weekly tips for marketing and PR insight. Talk tomorrow!

The post Find publications where you want to get press appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

Have you just written a book and need reviews? Here’s an idea. Send copies of your book to industry leaders and ask for their comments. To speed up the process, create a few sample reviews as an example, but suggest they customize it, so it feels like their own.

How will this help get free publicity? Influencers will be saying good things about you and aligning with your brand. It’s a win-win for both parties. And everybody loves free publicity.

So how do you find influencers in your industry? Check out Buzzsumo.com, do a search on Google, and don’t forget about micro-influencers. Depending on the genre of your book, you can also get reviews on sites like GoodReads, Book Riot and Kirkus Reviews – and I didn’t even mention Amazon. Plus, you can tap your list, social media fans, clients, and PWLY – that’s people who love you.

I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Reviews are important if you’re writing a book or running a business. Creating a review strategy is one of 20 different marketing and PR strategies I develop in a customized marketing plan. Reach out to me at [email protected] if you’d like to hear more. Talk tomorrow!

The post Need reviews on your new book? appeared first on Fast Marketing Minute.

I’m your marketing and PR expert on Alexa, here to help you grow your business and brand. There’s never a been a better time to outsmart your competition than now. And a great way to do that is with Free PR.

Start tooting your own horn.

It’s not obnoxious or evil to be smart, talented, or an expert. Promote yourself in an authentic way, even if it feels uncomfortable. Get over being uncomfortable fast, and share content, events, and posts on your website, blog, social media, and articles. And don’t forget to use relevant hashtags, especially on Instagram. There’s so much going on with Instagram right now. HubSpot has a great publication that you’ll want to download. It’s their Instagram Engagement report and you can find it on HubSpot.com.  

Be sought out as an expert on a certain topic.

If you do just one thing, sign up for HARO Alerts.  HARO stands for “Help A Reporter Out,” and it does just that. Helpareporter.com is essentially a database connecting journalists and bloggers with expert sources, like you, allowing brands to tell their stories. Reporters may need help with content, a quote about a trending topic, or hey, even tips on “How to Get Free Press.” Sign up for HARO and respond to the query in a way that’s short, sweet, and on point. You may just get published!

Talk about what’s going on in your company.

Discuss industry news, breakthrough products or tricks of the trade. Use a tool like Buzzsumo to see what’s trending and tie your product and service to popular topics, and share content that’s hot. I’m Robin Samora, host of Fast Marketing Minute. Download my free guide, 52 Marketing and PR Tips to Grow Your Business and Promote Your Brand at RobinSamora.com/52tips. Check out a year’s worth of free marketing ideas to build visibility, credibility, and of course, profitability. Talk tomorrow!

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