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15 Days of Marketing Day One: Make Your Blog or Site More PR Friendly
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5 after 3 votes
Day 1
1. 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.)
2. 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!)
3. 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).
4. 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.
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.
1. 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.)
2. 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!)
3. 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).
4. 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.
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.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pamela M. Kramer on -
Tips - Here's where I am.
1.)Contact Information - Here is my link. Feel free to comment what you think.
Skype - I haven't signed up yet. I thought it was just for video but it seems to be more than that.
2.) I haven't signed up for Help A Reporter Out. I was afraid to sign up the last time I was there. I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing so I left. This was before the homework assignment.
3.) Get Clicky - also haven't signed up for this. I have Google Analytics already. I don't know what the difference is yet between the two. I'm not really wanting to sign up for anything that costs me more money. If I had the funds available I probably wouldn't hesitate. There does seem to be a free trial offer though.
4.) So far I haven't had a problem in this area. If the product interest me I say yes and if it doesn't I pass. I'm completely ok with that and don't feel pressure to do otherwise.
Homework -
I was able to complete the 3 favorites easily and I did post them on Jessica's comment section. I believe if you are looking to do reviews for your favorites, her comment section would be the best place to put them. Side note - I named the big brands - for example I love Glade scented oil candles and I believe SC Johnson is the parent company. I made sure to list them rather than Glade. Does that make sense?
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Permalink Reply by Meredith on -
Totally make sense. Great info, I have already been getting HARO for a while and love it, have seen several different opps, and a lot for contact I know to look at a lead. I find it is good to pass a lead on to a contact, if you trust they wil not abuse it, then tell them about HARO as well, nice to pass things on to people who are not in my "niche" and make friends/conrtacts, there is something to still be said for it who you know.
Okay did the reast as well, so sittin pretty for tomorrow. Funny about the email cover b/c Pamela and I actually had a convo today before I stared about me struggling to decide on email name. She is great to bounce ideas off, heck she is responsible for this part so BRAVO, Pamela.
Pamela Kramer said:Tips - Here's where I am.
1.)Contact Information - Here is my link. Feel free to comment what you think.
Skype - I haven't signed up yet. I thought it was just for video but it seems to be more than that.
2.) I haven't signed up for Help A Reporter Out. I was afraid to sign up the last time I was there. I didn't feel like I knew what I was doing so I left. This was before the homework assignment.
3.) Get Clicky - also haven't signed up for this. I have Google Analytics already. I don't know what the difference is yet between the two. I'm not really wanting to sign up for anything that costs me more money. If I had the funds available I probably wouldn't hesitate. There does seem to be a free trial offer though.
4.) So far I haven't had a problem in this area. If the product interest me I say yes and if it doesn't I pass. I'm completely ok with that and don't feel pressure to do otherwise.
Homework -
I was able to complete the 3 favorites easily and I did post them on Jessica's comment section. I believe if you are looking to do reviews for your favorites, her comment section would be the best place to put them. Side note - I named the big brands - for example I love Glade scented oil candles and I believe SC Johnson is the parent company. I made sure to list them rather than Glade. Does that make sense?
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Permalink Reply by Meredith on
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Okay I came back to see if I miss anything, and went ahead and downloaded Skype, and really not sure about the Get Cicky I have not done went to site,did not see free trial, and am currently running the Marketing Samuri, which I am on the time getting the most out of my free 40 day trial. A friend of mine told me to run as many searches related to my "niche" as poss., save them, there is no need to buy b/c mt target is going to stay the same. I like it so much I might even condsider buying it.
Ok, going back to day 2
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Permalink Reply by Mel Bail on -
Hi All,
Just catching up on all this.
1) I signed up for a new gmail account, and now I have to reroute and update all my information and profiles. I updated my profile on WordPress to include my contact info as Jessica said. Also, I am going to update my Twitter info as such (if possible).
2) I signed up for HARO just now, but not sure how much help I can be with them.
3) I signed up with GetClicky, but it is kind of pointless as I use a free wordpress blog and they track things for you.
4) I am kind of confused on what is required at this point. Can anyone help me figure it out?
Homework:
My 3 fav brands are:
1. Dell computers (both laptop and desktop)
2. LG (do I need to explain why, well if I must...) I love their cell phones, and all the other smart appliances they create is amazing!
3. Style Network because the shows help not only with home and family issues, but also with real life situations.
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Permalink Reply by Pamela M. Kramer on
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#4 I think she is means that you should just start doing product reviews to begin establishing yourself. Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to provide feedback. Lots of people are joining but very few are providing feedback.
First I was talking to myself and then Meredith came so I had someone to talk to in here. lol Now your here and well it's just a party now!
Mel Bail said:Hi All,
Just catching up on all this.
1) I signed up for a new gmail account, and now I have to reroute and update all my information and profiles. I updated my profile on WordPress to include my contact info as Jessica said. Also, I am going to update my Twitter info as such (if possible).
2) I signed up for HARO just now, but not sure how much help I can be with them.
3) I signed up with GetClicky, but it is kind of pointless as I use a free wordpress blog and they track things for you.
4) I am kind of confused on what is required at this point. Can anyone help me figure it out?
Homework:
My 3 fav brands are:
1. Dell computers (both laptop and desktop)
2. LG (do I need to explain why, well if I must...) I love their cell phones, and all the other smart appliances they create is amazing!
3. Style Network because the shows help not only with home and family issues, but also with real life situations.
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Permalink Reply by Andrea on -
Just joining in on the discussion, but this was good stuff, so here's where I am with the homework:
1) Contact info: My direct contact info isn't that easy to find, but it is in the about us section and we do have a link at the footer for info. We're in the process of redesigning, so we'll have a spot for media/press contacts and a Contact Page
2) I have been getting the HARO emails for a few months now. So far no success, but I'll keep trying!
3) I use Google Analytics, which isn't real time, but has great information in it. I fear that real time would make me absolutely nuts - I wouldn't stop checking it and then...of course I would get fired at work for not doing my real job!
My favorite brands are:
1) Blackberry - I can't live without mine - don't know what I'd do with out it - love it love it love it!
2) Diapers.com - diaper delivery to my house at the click of a button - and virtually next day....what's not to like
3) Melissa and Doug - they have such great stuff, and my daughter is totally into their puzzles right now, so they have to be on my top 3 list!
4) I know it was 3, but I have 4 - Method Cleaning Products - GO GREEN!
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Permalink Reply by Mel Bail on
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Ah ok, I wasn't so sure. It really made no sense, because I don't think she finished her thought. LOL.
Pamela Kramer said:#4 I think she is means that you should just start doing product reviews to begin establishing yourself. Thank you sooooo much for taking the time to provide feedback. Lots of people are joining but very few are providing feedback.
First I was talking to myself and then Meredith came so I had someone to talk to in here. lol Now your here and well it's just a party now!
Mel Bail said:Hi All,
Just catching up on all this.
1) I signed up for a new gmail account, and now I have to reroute and update all my information and profiles. I updated my profile on WordPress to include my contact info as Jessica said. Also, I am going to update my Twitter info as such (if possible).
2) I signed up for HARO just now, but not sure how much help I can be with them.
3) I signed up with GetClicky, but it is kind of pointless as I use a free wordpress blog and they track things for you.
4) I am kind of confused on what is required at this point. Can anyone help me figure it out?
Homework:
My 3 fav brands are:
1. Dell computers (both laptop and desktop)
2. LG (do I need to explain why, well if I must...) I love their cell phones, and all the other smart appliances they create is amazing!
3. Style Network because the shows help not only with home and family issues, but also with real life situations.
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Permalink Reply by Sangeeth Raghunathan on -
Pam, I have a question. Is it like we need to start a product review by ourself and in future we will get paid oppotunities? Is it okay to do like that?
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Permalink Reply by Pamela M. Kramer on
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It sure as heck is ok! Lots of moms start that way. You write about what you know. We buy products all the time. We try new things all the time in our homes. What better way to tell the world about what we are using than a blog! ;)
Sangeeth Raghunathan said:Pam, I have a question. Is it like we need to start a product review by ourself and in future we will get paid oppotunities? Is it okay to do like that?
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Permalink Reply by Pamela M. Kramer on
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Andres thank you so much for your feedback. I am still reserved about joining HARO. I'm going to have to agree with you about Get Clicky. That seems pretty scary to me. I might have to check it out though. When I get around to it. Do you have a link for Melissa and Doug. I would like to know more.
Thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Jenna on -
so glad this is here! i have been meaning to follow 15 days of marketing since the #classy party 2 weeks ago. I will be updating my about me page today to include contact info, as well as profiles for the boys since i blog about how they like the new recipes all the time. it's already on the site, but may be hard to find. i will also register for skype. does skype work if you just have voice? i don't have video on my laptop. i already have three stats counters set up, so i will hold off on clickly, although i do like the idea of knowing if an organic, health food brand is checking out the site. i am off to her site now to comment on my favorite brands. thanks!
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Permalink Reply by Mel Bail on
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Well, I just got my first HARO email today, and guess what... I was able to respond to someone. It also gave me a great idea for a blog post on my own blog. I am not sure if sharing this is ok, but you guys won't tell anyone right? LOL. But so you know what was helpful to me:
11) Summary: Looking for Black Friday Suggestions
Category: Lifestyle & Entertainment
Name: Katy Tafoya
Email: katy@constantchatter.com
Title: owner/editor, blogger
Media Outlet/Publication: ConstantChatter.com
Anonymous? No
Specific Geographic Region? No
Region:
Deadline: 12:00 PM PACIFIC - November 25
Query:
"I'm working on a piece to help folks make the most of the Black
Friday shopping extravaganza. Any tips, suggestions or personal
experiences would be greatly appreciated (I'm not much of a shopper
myself, so I rarely take advantage of BF sales). Thanks"
This was #11 of 20 queries, so chances are there is something that you can help with. Or even better, the queries can give you great ideas of what to write in your own blog as well.
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