Sunday, July 31, 2005

Mastering the media relations game


Staying Ahead of the Pack

Effective media relations - whether it is for promoting publications, services or other products - requires a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary approach. A well-crafted approach incorporates strategic media planning, marketing, community relations and public engagement. When it comes to publications, expert writing and editing, attention to detail, and understanding of deadlines are critical.

Understanding that the media is an audience underlies successful promotional efforts. Webster defines audience as “a group of listeners or spectators: a reading, viewing, or listening public with a vested interest.” For this reason, it is important for you to succinctly convince editors and reporters that they have a vested interest in your product – to inform readers, listeners and viewers why your publication or service is important.

It’s your job to identify what sets your product apart from others. Be media savvy. Develop and nurture relationships with the media, as you would with any other audience. If you work those relationships just right – the payoff is HUGE!

When pitching your book, product or service to news organizations, one size does not fit all. Take time to understand the media culture. Tailor your media pieces to conform to the formats of radio, TV, print and the Internet. Stay ahead of the pack.

The author, a veteran communications consultant for Media by Sistrunk, is also a journalist.

© 2005 D. C. Sistrunk – All rights reserved

9 comments:

Rose said...

I really enjoy reading your marketing information.

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Thank you, Rose. You are very kind. Your feedback is always appreciated.

Rose said...

Thank you for visiting. Adeesha will contact you tomorrow. She haven't read your card yet> Thank you and
where are our media tips for the week?

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

One of my requests is that all posts be on topic. I also don't care for anonymous posts, but in this case I'll allow it because it's on technology.

Some readers of this blog may be interested in the interview with Jon Gruber on the MAC OS X. I love working with MACs, although I'm just as proficient with Windows.

If you want to catch GUIdebook's interview with Jon Gruber, go to http://www.guidebookgallery.org/articles/interviewwithjohngruber

For those of you interested in GUIs (Graphical User Interface Gallery), enjoy!

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

Rose, I stand convicted when it comes to those media tips. I'm working on a new post, along with a number of other deadline projects. Look for something new from me next week.

Thanks for the reminder and your continued support. I'm dancing as fast as I can!

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

OK, jazeGma2 -

You AND your partner in crime are ganging up on me - and rightfully so. I'm working on it!:-)
Seriously, I appreciate your interest. I hope that you'll find the next post worth waiting for. As for now, I'll leave you with a quote that crossed my desk today:

"To write something, you have to risk making a fool of yourself."
- Anne Rice

Deb Sistrunk Nelson said...

CONTINUE to write. You'll never regret it.

Rose said...

What! You are going to finally give us some more media tips. Wow! Can't wait.

dragonflyfilly said...

this is interesting...