There is no limit to the ideas you can pitch to the media to get free publicity, though some are easier to sell.
Below is a list of some of the types of stories journalists are likely to be open to. Some of these will apply to you, others won’t; but you can use them as a springboard for related public relations ideas.
Get publicity by doing good. You can sponsor a charitable event or volunteer to help a worthy cause. If you’re a business owner or a manager, you might encourage your entire staff to get involved. Doing good works offers two chances for free publicity. You can send out a press release to announce the commitment you’ve made before the event and another one after the event detailing some of your accomplishments.
Celebrate a milestone or an anniversary. Just sold your 10,000th car? Reached a 10th, 25th or 50th anniversary? Let journalists know. It’s a great time to get free publicity.
Write a helpful how-to article. If you own an auto repair shop, offer tips on basic maintenance or trouble shooting. If you run a pastry shop, offer some tips on how to get a flakier pie crust.
Tie in to the news. There are many possibilities. Let’s say a celebrity couple announces that they’re getting a divorce. If you’re a psychologist or a marriage counselor, you could offer pointers on how to have a better marriage. If you’re a divorce attorney or a CPA, you might issue a press release on the financial consequences of divorce.
Conduct a survey. If you sell or service computers, you can get publicity if you do a survey about the most common customer complaints and announce your results to the media. If you own a health spa, you might do a survey to determine whether jogging or walking is more popular. Malcolm Kushner, humor consultant to Fortune 500 companies and author of such books as “Public Speaking for Dummies” and “Presentations for Dummies,” has gotten national publicity for his annual “Cost of Humor Index.” Each year he surveys the cost of such humor-related items as rubber chickens and whoopee cushions, then sends out a press release announcing his findings. He’s been featured on several top TV talk shows and other national venues.
Danek S. Kaus is a Silicon Valley business reporter and free publiciity expert. He is he author of “Get more Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity.” Get more Get Free Publicity Tips at his website and also learn how to Get Free Publicity on Radio Talk Shows
