by
Paula Gardner
Do Your Own PR
The
season may have only begun, but already I can sense people winding down
for summer.
People are telling me that
they are feeling tired, struggling to get through their normal work, let
alone do any PR. They are eagerly awaiting their summer break or just in a
whole different state of mind.
And yet, leave a glaring hole in your PR activities for the next two
months and it's just like starting all over again come the Autumn.
So, what do I think you should at least be doing over the season's slump
...?
1. Tip Sheets
Write a "7 ways to" or "The Top 5 Myths about" article. Break up those 7,
5 or whatever number of points into separate emails and schedule one tip
or piece of advice to go out each week as a series over the summer months.
Even if you have no press releases going out and are making no follow up
calls, the press are still getting regular contact from you and you are
continuing to build your brand.
2. Schedule in some Networking Events
You might think that it's not worth it as there will be fewer attendees,
but the reality is that you are more likely to strike up a quality
conversation when people are relaxed and there's less of a crowd competing
for your attention.
3. Use an Intern
If you're anything like me you may well have projects that you just never
seem to have to finish, or ideas that you haven't got around to
implementing. Using an intern, whether it's a student or a keen teenager,
for the summer, might be one way of getting them off your to-do list.
4. Boost Your Blog
Many of my clients know that doing a blog would be a wise move, and many
of those actually enjoy writing so it won't be too much of a chore. What
they haven't yet got is the habit of writing their blog. Why not use these
quieter summer months as a time to create that habit by blogging first
thing every morning. It doesn't have to be a full scale article, just a
comment on what's in the news or even a think piece will do, and think how
much juicy search engine friendly content you will have by the end of the
summer.
5. Learn About The Press
Take advantage of the summer sun to sit in pavement cafes, sip a smoothie
or cappuccino and really get to grips with the difference between media
outlets, or just immerse yourself in the trade mags and the language they
use, ready for a fresh approach in the Autumn.
6. Take a Day Off
Book out some time to plan your campaign for the Autumn so that everything
- your press releases, Twitter, Facebook, article writing, tips, product
shots - works together to promote the brand.
7. Look Out for Media Requests
These are requests put out by journalists who are looking for case
studies, experts and products for review or goodie bags. You can sometimes
spot them on business forums or get sent them by trade associations.
Paula Gardner is the founder of
Do Your Own PR - a company which helps businesses boost their profiles
with the press and stand out in a crowd.
Paula is also the author of Do Your Own PR and Get Noticed.
Email: Paula@doyourownpr.com
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