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41 Replies Last post: Jul 11, 2008 2:05 PM by PR_Boston

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Event: Leverage the local media to promote your biz

Mar 12, 2009 11:13 AM

sboc

SBOCTeam 325 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

Have you ever wanted to get your business featured in the newspaper? Or wanted to attract the TV crews to your business? Learn how you can leverage the media to get free publicity and attract more customers. Matt Ellis, of Ellis Strategies, Inc. is an expert in public relations and media. He will using the username PR_Boston to answer your public relations and media questions like:

What kinds of stories get covered in daily newspapers; in weekly newspapers; on TV or; on the radio?
How do I get my story to the right person?
Can I do it myself or do I need a PR firm?

Remember in order to ask a question, you must be a member, so sign up today if you haven't already; it's free and easy.

About Matt:
Matt Ellis is the founder and principal of Ellis Strategies, Inc., a strategic communications firm in Boston, MA. Matt is an award winning journalist with 20+ years of experience in television news and an acute understanding of how the media works.

Matt was the News Director for WBZ-TV in Boston from 2003-2005 and the Head Writer for Good Morning America from 2001-2003. Prior to that Matt was the News Director for WPRI-TV in Providence and the Executive Producer for local news at WCBS-TV in New York.

He has been honored with an Emmy Award from the New England Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, a George Foster Peabody Award from the University of Georgia and he has been recognized for excellence by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences and the Associated Press.

Matt was kind enough to provide answers to some of the questions asked in advance. If you have a question for Matt, post it here. Please note, Matt will answer as many questions as possible but may not get to them all.

Tags: media, public_relations, matt_ellis, tv, television, newspaper, publicity Report as inappropriate

Mogul

NatOnline 670 posts since
Oct 10, 2007

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1. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 13, 2008 2:11 PM

Hello Matt,

I've got a question regarding promotion on targeted audience in beauty magazines on internet.

We've got an e-commerce at http://www.natural-elements-online.com/ and try to promote our website with different ways.

I recently contacted a magazine in beauty, body care, etc...with 90,000 subscribers in 30 cities via emails. The quote was estimated at $19,995, of course we can't afford that, then asked another quote for a shared newsletter via emails estimated at $2000. I could also get a Banner Ads: $1,500 per month on their site.

Well this is tough to find a media promoting our website for less than that. It seems very difficult for a small business like us to use medias without spending a lot of money.

Do you have any suggestions to promote our website in specific medias with affordable prices?

Thank you so much.

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Mogul

MetroGal 101 posts since
Oct 20, 2007

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2. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 13, 2008 5:20 PM

My friend owns a sandwich shop and does great business. He's famous for his meatball subs. It would be great if our local newspaper could do a write up on his subs in the food or weekend section. How can I help him get on the media's radar? Just down the street from his business, is a bakery that recently got featured in the paper. How did they get written up? Is it luck (e.g. did a reporter happen to go to the bakery and like it)? Or did that business aggressively reach out and pitch their story? If so - how can we do it too?

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SB.i2i 16 posts since
Feb 15, 2008

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3. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 18, 2008 9:36 AM

We have a software product designed for industrial use and looking for press coverage of its release. Any advice is appreciated.
Thanks,

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Mogul

FCPainter 83 posts since
Jan 8, 2008

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4. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 20, 2008 12:54 PM

We'd love to get more media coverage. What is your advice on use of celebrity customers. We often paint houses for celebrities. I sense there is a PR opportunity there. any ideas?

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Mogul

HumanArrow 45 posts since
May 16, 2008

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5. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 21, 2008 4:32 PM

I have a business called Human Arrow. Human Arrow provides target marketing services to a variety of businesses in Chicago and Milwaukee. Human Arrow's concept is new to these two great cities. How can I use the media and take advantage of this opportunity?

When talking about newspaper, radio and television. How do you identify the individual that will give your business that big break. Do you have to first know who the decision maker is (Name and Title) and then try to make a contact?

Are there events that cater to journalists? Would you recommend taking part in such event in form of becoming a sponsor or placing an ad?

Thanks,
Steve Rangel
Human Arrow
Directing Traffic To Your Business!
www.linkedin.com/in/humanarrow

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Professional

financialieu 2 posts since
Jun 15, 2008

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6. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 26, 2008 9:05 AM

Yeah, I would like that, how do I get there for my site?

http://www.financialieu.com

You can start here!

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Start-up

aepbiz 2 posts since
Jun 26, 2008

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7. Re: Event: How can I get the media to feature my business? Jun 26, 2008 4:12 PM

The best way to get media to feature your business is to send out a Press Release or acquire the services of a reputable PR ( Public Relations Firm). A PR person or firm will get you the exposure for your business that you need. If you want to send out a Press release I would suggest PR Web.

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sboc

CommunityTeam 132 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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8. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jun 30, 2008 5:04 PM

Mark your calendars for July 11. Learn how you can get your business featured in the media!

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djwst26 5 posts since
Jul 7, 2008

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9. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 7, 2008 6:23 AM

I own and operate an ice cream truck business. I would like more ideas about advertising my business. Thank You!!!!

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sboc

CommunityTeam 132 posts since
Jul 27, 2007

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10. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 7, 2008 9:33 AM

Don't forget to mark your calendars! Matt Ellis an expert in public relations will be on SBOC on July 11 to address your questions about how to work with the media to spotlight your business.

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mominbiz 11 posts since
May 28, 2008

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11. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 7, 2008 10:48 AM

in response to: CommunityTeam

What are some of your basic do's and don'ts for simple home-based businesses with respect to PR. My business is in dog-walking and I would like to get free PR and begin some small advertising but am not sure what to do and don't want to waste my time

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djwst26 5 posts since
Jul 7, 2008

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12. Re: July 11: Working with the media to feature your business Jul 7, 2008 12:12 PM

in response to: mominbiz

When I first started my business( Ice Cream truck) I didnt (couldnt) spend alot of money .The advertising gets expensive with very little returns. I tried the website ,I received a lot of hits to my site but my phone was not ringing off the hook, I did the word of mouth. Then I decided to just design fliers and business cards, the problem with that most of my customers are children whom are just learning to read and teenagers and some adults who prefer not to read. Some of them dont get the concept of what to do with a business card or flier with your phone number on it. My son offered to help me set up a myspace account that was no help at all, got a lot of negative responses.Then I decided the business cards and basic flier with my phone number to call for ice cream deliveries, just as you would if you ordered a pizza.The past 4 years the fliers and the business cards were the smart economical way to go. Now 4years later I'm reconsidering adding the website again but it still has to be inexpensive. Good luck!!!!

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Carexpress 4 posts since
Jul 8, 2008

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13. Re: July 11: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 10, 2008 1:48 PM

My company is called CARExpress and we are a healthcare discount program. I would love to learn and know more about getting our business out to "potential members." I want to know how to get featured on a newspaper even the newspaper that are given for Free, I know a lot of people who check out the free newspapers. How do you get featured in the news or endorsed by a celebrity without having to break the bank.

Thank you for your reply.

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Professional

patriciaprata 3 posts since
Jul 10, 2008

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14. Re: July 11: Leverage the local media to feature your business Jul 10, 2008 3:59 PM

I had my business on the papers couple of times.
http://www.sambadancesuperstar.com

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