Tweet

Media Lists and How to Build a Fantastic one

Written by: Paula Gardner

Article Overview: I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the post recently and was disappointed to find out that it’s going to be the last. As well as having the good taste to run a feature on me last year (!) Internet Works has been a great source of information and ideas for me for the last couple of years and is demise will leave a gap.

Media Lists and How to Build a Fantastic one

I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the post recently and was disappointed to find out that it’s going to be the last. As well as having the good taste to run a feature on me last year (!) Internet Works has been a great source of information and ideas for me for the last couple of years and is demise will leave a gap.

But it is also just another reminder that publications come and go, and their staff do too. But, with new publications emerging, and other titles closing, how do you keep up to date with all the PR opportunities out there?

Here are our Do Your Own PR tips to help you do just that.

1. It sounds basic but do set up a separate contact system for journalists – even if you’ve only got two names for your database at the moment.

2. If you’re really organised then you can divide this into warm contacts (journalists you’d be happy to call and chat to) and cold contacts – those you haven’t built a relationship with yet. You can then gauge your success as you watch names move from the cold to the warm list.

3. Keep in touch with your media list on a regular basis. That way if emails get bounced or you receive a reply saying “Bilbo Baggins no longer works with Hobbit Publications” you can update your list immediately.

4. If someone does move don’t cancel them off with one touch of the delete button. Give their old office a call and find out where they have moved to – chances are they’ve moved onto bigger and better things and you can keep in touch. Even if they’ve suddenly moved over to Pigeon Fanciers Weekly and you know they aren’t going to be able to do anything for you at the moment a nice “wish you well” email helps keep that door open for the future.

5. Ask your existing contacts if they can recommend any other journalists that might be good contacts (and that way you can sneakily drop in the referrers name to warm up your contact).

6. Pay particular attention if journalists contact you. If someone calls from The Express don’t assume that you’ll be able to get hold of them by calling the Express. Many writers are freelancers whose contact details are guarded fiercely. If you get hold of their contact info treat it with the respect it deserves.

7. I’ve come across many clients who dealt with press in a former job but now dismiss their past contacts as being “old” or “not in the same area”. How do you know until you ask? That freelancer you used to speak to about racing cars might also write about parenting issues – or, more probably, might know someone else who does. Don’t just write off old contacts as dead ones.

Finally, a client recently told me about http://www.worldwidefreelance.com/markets.htm

Although it’s aimed a freelancers looking for outlets to sell their work, it’s also a great resource and inspiration for publications that may be PR opportunities.

Related Articles
  Best Internet Business Lesson 2 - How to Make Money
  Legal Marketing: Social Media and Law Firms
  Five Steps to More Effective Press Releases
  The PR Release Is Done - Now What?
  Internet Business Opportunities: Tips For Success

Article Tags:



Related Forum Posts
Re: Infographic: 10 Quotes on Self Awareness - Fantastic Evan it is one I would like to print out and hang on my wall above my desk. Many thanks MichelleJ
Re: Kevin needs "social glue" ideas - Hi, I like the idea of "10 items that could act as "social glue" because I am an internet marketer. But I agree with the rest that the 10 recent post is nice. Maybe we should open up a new section in the forums on Social Media...or Social Media Marketing. I will tell you that the world is about 1 1/2 behind when it comes to understanding social media. Building a section now will put EvanCarmichael.com is a great position a year down the road when people realize Social Media can produce more traffic than SEO. Jeff
Re: Get Noticed... Get Referrals by Jill Lublin - Hi Shri, Thanks for your contribution. It seems an interesting book and well worth reading and consuming. Like someone said: It is more important Who knows you than Who you know. That is exactly what Jill is writing about. I can encourage anyone to click on the bottom and read your comment. Fantastic.
Re: Patent Walk-Through - Fantastic thread! This should be a sticky with the final walk through instructions. I think these kinds of threads are integral to ensuring others' success. We need more how-to and tutorial style threads.
Re: Great start, but no finish - My advise is FOCUS on your business. Focusing is the main factor to succeed on business. If you have a great idea, then follow it only, don't look anywhere else. It is especially essential in an online business. Because there are a lot of mind blowing sales letters promising millions dolllars or overnight success, people find it difficult to concentrate on one business and they lose their energy. Concept is simple. 1- Have a good idea; 2- Build your business on it; 3- Monetize your business; 4- Promote it; 5- Build list of responsive customers; 6- Maintain You Business. Focusing and not fearing from competition (instead you can learn from competitiors) are main tips of billionaires ,BTW. Orxan


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

WHAT IS MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

Entrepreneurs and the “Oh! No!” Trap

Creating a Better Place to Work

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.