Friday
31Oct2008
15 Days of Marketing Day One: Make Your Blog or Site More PR Friendly
Friday, October 31, 2008 at 11:30PM
The number one question I get asked by other bloggers and entrepreneurs is,
I'll tell you. I stopped looking at all those public relations people as the enemy. Sure, some of them have not a clue about approaching me, or anyone for that matter, the right way, but I've made it a point to make PR people my friend. And you should too. My theory is I'd rather be pitched to and say no than to not be pitched to at all. In a way, a lot of what I do to promote my own brand is PR so I appreciate what these professionals are doing.
So today, on our first day of "15 Days of Marketing with Jessica Knows", I'm going to ask you all to do a few things to make your sites more PR friendly. This means more than stating the obvious so let's get started.
I know a lot of people participating in 15 Days of Marketing are here for different reasons so at the end of every post I'm going break it down for those different needs. If I don't cover yours, please feel free to ask questions in the comments.
For Bloggers: Pretty cut and dry. Follow all the points listed and you're golden.
For Entrepreneurs: Here it's a little different, instead of paying attention to what companies are looking at your site through Get Clicky, you'll want to focus more on who your incoming links are coming from. Especially, if you sell a product. So points 1, 2, and 3 are probably the ones you want to focus on. You'll want to definitely watch HARO like a hawk so you can pitch your product or service as much as possible.
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
You didn't think I'd give you all this information and not assign homework did you? For homework, I want you to think about your favorite brands, whether it's a product, a service, a social networking tool, whatever. Then I want you to share with us in the comments what your three favorite brands are and why. Who knows? Maybe a publicist for that brand will see it and reach out.
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"How do you get so much coverage of your projects and your brand?"
I'll tell you. I stopped looking at all those public relations people as the enemy. Sure, some of them have not a clue about approaching me, or anyone for that matter, the right way, but I've made it a point to make PR people my friend. And you should too. My theory is I'd rather be pitched to and say no than to not be pitched to at all. In a way, a lot of what I do to promote my own brand is PR so I appreciate what these professionals are doing.
So today, on our first day of "15 Days of Marketing with Jessica Knows", I'm going to ask you all to do a few things to make your sites more PR friendly. This means more than stating the obvious so let's get started.
- Make sure you include your contact information somewhere on your website. It doesn't necessarily have to be your phone number, but I would definitely include your email in the following format to deter spammers: jessica at jessicaknows dot com. Also, if you're not on Skype already, that's a great way to make yourself available via IM, voice, and even video chat. Oh, and it's free! (I like free.)
- Sign up for Help A Reporter Out. This handy dandy brainchild of Peter Shankman sends you three emails a day (trust me, this is not something you want to get in a daily digest) with reporters looking for authentic sources for their story (hello, that's YOU!). My tv news segment about working a part-time high level job that's already aired on different affiliates in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, and Boston over the past week? That's all thanks to HARO. So yeah, when Peter says not to abuse his system or respond to queries with irrelevant information, please heed his request. In other words, don't go making me look bad. (Also free!)
- Sign up for a service that gives you site analytics in REAL TIME. I highly recommend GetClicky.com for this. I've tried a few others but what I like about GetClicky is that I not only get to see who's visiting my site in real time, but what company they're with. So when I blog about Walmart, I can see how many people from Walmart are reading it for how long as well as any of their associated vendors. Same goes for when I post about Ford. One little trick I share with you though is also find out what other major brands are checking me out too and you guess who I blog about next based on that little tidbit of information. This is called being proactive my friends. Check it out and you'll see why I like it so much. (Free trial for GetClicky, but the cost of a cup of coffee per month and for me, so worth it).
- Now for those who are just starting out, it might seem fruitless to blog about something just because a PR agency asks you too. But this is how you establish yourself as a marketer. Think of it as a portfolio of your work. As advertising budgets get cut companies are looking for organic and authentic ways to reach their audience. And who do you think costs more: you or the ad agency? Trust me...once you establish yourself as a consistent and creative marketer, paid opportunities will open up.
I know a lot of people participating in 15 Days of Marketing are here for different reasons so at the end of every post I'm going break it down for those different needs. If I don't cover yours, please feel free to ask questions in the comments.
For Bloggers: Pretty cut and dry. Follow all the points listed and you're golden.
For Entrepreneurs: Here it's a little different, instead of paying attention to what companies are looking at your site through Get Clicky, you'll want to focus more on who your incoming links are coming from. Especially, if you sell a product. So points 1, 2, and 3 are probably the ones you want to focus on. You'll want to definitely watch HARO like a hawk so you can pitch your product or service as much as possible.
YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT
You didn't think I'd give you all this information and not assign homework did you? For homework, I want you to think about your favorite brands, whether it's a product, a service, a social networking tool, whatever. Then I want you to share with us in the comments what your three favorite brands are and why. Who knows? Maybe a publicist for that brand will see it and reach out.
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Reader Comments (19)
Starbucks - I can't afford it, but I love it. Coffee is my anti-drug.
Virgin Mobile - The most bang for my buck when it comes to prepaid cell phones. It lets me be in control and I really like that. ;)
Pampers - Keeping my kids' butts dry since 2002! Seriously the only diaper that never leaked or gave them diaper rash.
I'm so excited about this series. I'm actually just starting up a website for something I've been doing all along outside the online world. This is a perfect and very modivating series to read before my big launch. Thanks Jessica!
I loved this 15 day series... You showed just the simple marketing steps that make it all so easy!
My three favorite "blogging" products:
Aweber - What would I do without Aweber. I can market to my "peeps" so easily.
RoboForm - I save seconds every time I have to log into something - somewhere which is at least 50 times a day. Those seconds really add up!
SnagIt by TechSmith - If you blog and use graphics - (which you should) you will find so many uses for SnagIt. I know some free services do what SnagIt does... but not nearly as well or with so many options.
Okay... that's my three top favorites. :)
Debra Conrads last blog post..http://www.thoughtrocketpublishing.com/niche-hunter-volume-one-new-brandable-special-report-just-released/" rel="nofollow">Niche Hunter Volume One - New Brandable Special Report Just Released!
I'm so excited to go through this series. Thanks Jessica for sharing your wisdom! Here are my 3 favorite brands:
Melissa & Doug: I love the look of their wood toys. They stand up to the extreme play of my toddler!
Little Tykes: Their products are timeless. My daughter loves toys I loved.
FisherPrice: Great toys for imaginative play. I am always drawn to them in the toy aisles.
Ready for Day 2! Yipee!
[...] of the things I’ve stumbled upon include wisdom from other marketing blogs, some great promotional advice for the web, or the top ten social media tools for PR professionals and journalists. Hey, that’s how I [...]
Fun homework!
1.Dr.Bronners Magic All in One soaps - I have used their soaps since I was a teen & found it in some hippie shop. The bottles are fun to read (tons od Dr. Bronner's Philosophy), the soap is pure & clean (enough so you can brush your teeth with it), and it is fair trade.
2.Usborne books - some of the best living books, outside of the classics, money can buy.
3.Lego - any toy that can keep my children entertained for days, is good. Real creative play for expanding little minds. They have stood the test of time. We love Lego!
Wish I'd known about this in November. I found your site through Mrs. Fussypants. So good! Though I am 2 months late, I have decided to follow your 15 days of Marketing and have posted my homework here:
http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/following-15-days-of-marketing.html
Would love for you to come by and visit!
Deborah @ Comfort Joy Designs
comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com
comfortjoydesigns{AT}gmail{DOT}com
Deborahs last blog post..http://comfortjoydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/01/following-15-days-of-marketing.html" rel="nofollow">Following 15 Days of Marketing
[...] back, Jessica Knows did a 15 Days of Marketing to help bloggers learn various things for “growing” your blog. This is another great [...]
[...] Make Your Blog or Site More PR Friendly [...]
Hi everyone, here are 3 brands that I favor.
1.) Canon - As a Pro Photographer, I can always depend on Canon for dependable and top notch gear. When others ask for my opinion, I veer them towards Canon. Thanks Canon!
2.) Apple - It's weird to say that a product can actually change one's life but in my case it did. I've always been on a PC and at the time it took care of the job. However, when I switched to apple, my life got easier and I was able to make my work load go by so much faster. Add to that my iPhone and some of the apps I am able to use for both my mac and phone, I'm taking my photography biz to a new level. Thanks Apple!
3.) Luck Jeans - I know it's kinda of random but I love their jeans and shirts. I wear them a lot during my photo shoots and also dress em up for a night out on the town. Thanks Lucky!
Thanks for the opportunity to share. Thanks Jessica!
-AXG
I am beginning to take my blog to the next level. Thank you for all your knowledge! I am a little late, but, I figured I'd jot this down anyway.
Ford, we are HUGE Ford Fans. We are dedicated to the mustang! I love anything Ford related and stand behind this company more than any other! Not only do they sell good commuter vehicles, but, their trucks are hard to beat too!
Fisher Price is my next pick. I love their toys. I don't have to worry about my 1 and a half year old daughter getting hurt or learning a bad trait. She loves music and dancing. Fisher Price toys allow my daughter to be a child and explore!
The IPhone is unbelievable. I was skeptical at first because I thought I was in over my head. The IPhone is very user friendly and keeps me in touch with my readers with their Wordpress, Facebook and Twitter apps! The connection to the internet is great! I don't think I can live without my IPhone.
I dig the homework, who'd a thunk that? Surely not ANY of my teachers back in the day;)
Target: I'll drive out of my way to go to this retailer above any of the other retailers in their category. There is just something about how clean their stores are, the quality of the products and REAL customer service. Plus I get all that and GREAT prices too. With 4 kids, and being a SAHM the budget is tight. Target lets me get things that make everyone from my style savvy 16 year old to the frustrated interior decorator in me happy while getting good deals.
Tyson: My blog isn't called CHICKEN NUGGETS of Wisdom for nothing. Tyson chicken products save my sanity (well in as much as it can be saved). I have a picky eater. Yeah I used to sit back and pass judgement on parents of picky eaters. After all it was their fault right? NOPE! I can't get this get to eat no matter how hard I try. Well save for chicken nuggets, and Tyson is his fav. They even turn out tasty from the microwave, that's HUGE!
Barnes and Noble: This brand has it ALL! You can grab a quick read online or escape your kids for an hour or TEN, getting lost in books and sipping a Starbucks! Reading is my release, it's the one thing I know I can't survive without. Number two on that list would be COFFEE, enter the Starbucks cafe in most Barnes and Noble stores. Several years back the nearest B&N was 50 miles away. I would plan trips JUST to go there and spend the afternoon. These stores are more like a destination than a retail outlet.
Trader Joes--I get everything there! They mix affordability with healthy in such a unique way. And I love the vibe at the store..they are so hip and fun!
Tae Bo--This is my favorite workout. I'm a crazy Tae Bo enthusiast! Love Billy, Shellie, and Julieann...Tae Bo rocks baby!!
Starbucks--I live on coffee...and the best coffee is Starbucks! Nuff said...
BTW, I LOVE this series you are doing Jessica! I think it's really really needed and will benefit a grip of people.
I really should have done this the first time you offered it, but better late than never! As far as brands go, my faves would be:
-Kitchenaid - because I really couldn't live without my Kitchenaid stand mixer.
-Thirsties - their diaper covers are awesome, and have worked well for us in every situation. I can't wait to try their Duos when our newest addition arrives.
-Imagine foods - because I am living in a family where everyone except me has some degree of a dairy allergy!
I am loving this! There is so much great information in your blog! LMKIA told me about your blog and I am so glad she did! My 3 favorite products/brands:
1. Anything Swiffer!! With 3 kids under 4 I am constantly cleaning floors and dusting shelves! I love their products and they are so innovative and easy to use!
2. Glade - The Fragrance Collection products are wonderful! I love the currents and acai scent - their producs are versatile and can be coordinated with any decorating style - a great plus!
3. Lysol - I've got to say it. I love lysol products! Again, with 3 little ones, something is always needing cleaned. And I love that they put out a lot of coupons too - allowing people who may not otherwise be able to afford it to be able to buy.
Keep up the great work on this series - I'm loving it!
Finally found a site to give me jsut a few tips to really get me going. And homework might as well get ready for that since my 15 month old twins will have some soon enough My favorites:
1. Kitchenaid! - because I really couldn't live without my Kitchenaid stand mixer, all the cooking and baking I do it rocks!
2. Coffee-Mate flavored creamers - my coffee is boring without them- gives me new inspiration each day with a new flavor!
3. Vtech- they have great toys and great phones- good for occupying the boys when I need to "work"
Anyone please feel free to email me or visit my site (new to the blogging world but learning fast!)
Dawn
Dawn(at)notyouraveragemom(dot)net
www.notyouraveragemom.net
A Blog for Moms with unique families
1. Land's End - because they have good quality clothing and I can return them directly to Sears if need be instead of having to go to the post office.
2. Bernina Sewing Machines - they are high-end sewing machines that work. You have to pay for what you get. Why buy something that is inferior and just frustrates you.
3. Dunkin Donuts - Great coffee
I'm really enjoying your website. Just what I needed
Juice Beauty - Because it's organic and it works
Suki Pure - Amazing clean smell and my skin looks fantastic
Terra Plana - Beautiful eco-friendly shoes....need I say more..they are SHOES!
Veeerrry Late to this "party" but nevertheless thanks for the info. I'm going to go and join Getclicky. I have been a member of HARO and have been used once in Redbook and was told that I was going to be used again but they refuse to put in any links to me or my blog. Is that common?
Thanks so much
Jessica (love your name by the way.;)
Coming to this post a little late, I see ... and will engage in the conversation nonetheless.
Interesting... my blog started way back in 2005 as a private diary with girlfriends so I just didn't think about it this way; I've left off things like skype/flickr/twitter/facebook icons for quick contact that I put on all other the sites I build for clients and myself. Now it's developed to a point where both the blogging and entrepreneur tips help for me. Thank you.
Three favorite brands (I've never been sponsored or endorsed; these are just my real-life experiences.):
Swiss Airlines: I'm on them *all the time* and have consistently acceptable experiences (that's saying something for an airline). Plus, those little chocolate bars they hand out are just DIVINE.
Oberoi Hotels: In March 2009 I stayed at the Oberoi Grand in Kolkata. No other hotel has ever come close to their level of service and hospitality. I'm away from home about half the year, a lot of it alone. They were so nice and welcoming... it was absolutely delightful.
Ann Taylor: I have a hard time finding nice pants that fit for work... especially since I live in Europe and they don't make petite sizes here. Ann Taylor's Margo 6p pants are bomb-proof and have been ALL OVER THE WORLD with me... no ironing & they magically fit even when I gain lose weight. I LOVE Ann Taylor and go there whenever I'm in the US. BlogHer 2010 I'll be in an Ann Taylor in NYC!
Thanks for the tips and the opportunity to share.