In this era of news-bites
so small they crawl across your screen like terrified insects, it
seems like it would be easy to ensure a Ferrum talking point could
squeeze in there. The reality is that it has gotten both easier and
harder, in a multitude of ways, to get the media’s attention
as news sources modernize and the internet expands our definition
of what is newsworthy. I felt that it would be helpful to offer a
few hints as to how we in Public Relations can get your great stories
out to external audiences. This is by no means a comprehensive list,
but just an appetizer or preparatory roll to consider before, during
or after you contact PR about your project or event.
• Quotes: You have no idea how much more potent
a press release becomes with just the addition of a one-sentence quote
from you on student involvement or the opportunities and significance
of an event. It needn’t be fancy and we can work with you on
it, but being able to have your voice interjected to break up the
release is important.
• Planning Ahead of Time: One thing we can’t
stress enough is how one inch of early planning saves you a mile of
frustration and lost opportunity later. There are many things we simply
can’t do for you if you wait until the last moments to ask us.
If you have a regular event, go ahead and touch base with us early.
Visit the F1 site and register your event or project in just moments
and voila! When we’ve been informed, we can get working and
perform our best for you. Plus, some calendars need submissions very
early. Take a look at your calendar now- it’s never too early
to let us know about an upcoming event!
• Experts: Don’t be modest- you know
that any argument about x or y gets your blood pumping, or that any
article about z gets close scrutiny from your eyes. We want to harness
that so that you can speak to reporters around the world for just
a few minutes (maybe just over email). This small amount of time can
yield huge results.
• Websites: One thing we know, word travels
fast on the web. We have to be careful not to discount what may at
first appear as a non-news opportunity. If the subject of your event
or project has any sort of following or fan base, we need to know
so we can hit those sites hard! Ferrum’s name and release will
be parroted all over the internet, arguably making a bigger impression
than several news articles in traditional newspapers! Recently we
proved this true with a story about Lana Whited’s book on Harry
Potter going into paperback that spread over dozens of Harry Potter
fan sites in mere hours!
• F1: We created the F1 site as a repository
for much of the info and tasks that are asked of us in PR. This is
where you can get the best idea about when you need to get x information
to us so we can do y service for you. We are expanding what we can
do every day! Check the site for all kinds of PR related tips, forms
and more. We’re trying to put more online all the time to make
things easier for you and help us organize what we do to serve you
better!
• Money, Money, Money: There are plenty of
free ways for us to promote your event, and of course if you pay for
printing and get us the content in time we can save you lots in design
dollars. But on top of that you may want to consider advertising and
we can help connect you with some really unique opportunities. But
before you come-a-knocking, be sure to check and consider what you
are likely to spend or can even consider spending so we can find the
advertising that has the right fit for you. Now paying for an ad doesn’t
guarantee media attention, but in this day and age it doesn’t
hurt and often turns the right heads…
• Just Ask!: When in doubt, just check the
web, give us a ring or stop by. We are happy to help you however we
can!
And more…
