I have been thinking why when you speak about Public Relations, in one way or the other, you will start to speak of press releases too. I know it is not very amusing because it is expected that press releases always go with Public Relations. But then, many people always thought that there is one way to hit a good or say, better publicity, and that is to tandem your Public Relations with a knock out press release. (Buzz) Wrong. It does not always work that way. I guess part of this belief has to do with PR professionals themselves. We could not blame that PR always has a way to make things be like a Hollywood show. Everything in glitter, all things glamorous, and problems (that seem bigger than life) is one heck of a piece of cake! Just like the thing in press releases, it has become the answer to all problems concerning a companys publicity. A lot of PR professionals offer the latest ways in doing a press release in order to improve branding and promotions to the target audience. However, it should not work out that way. Press releases are just one of the many tools you could use to improve your PR. In fact, you could get with a good press release of your own without asking for any professional help. Press release, in addition, has some disadvantages too. For one, no matter how good your press release is, you could not assure that writers and editors will accept your press release. Sometimes, it is a matter of interest and not of quality. Speaking from experience, my editor seldom gets to like my works no matter how good my stories are. It had got me thinking that he hates me. But then again, as I came to read topics from his column, I realized that he has a particular interest, which is in reverse to the topics I like to write. And so, I managed to write for the interest of my editor. And to tell you frankly, it is not much of a satisfaction at my side. But it is necessary. The same goes in doing press releases. You still have to know the interests of every writer and editor you want to send your press release to. And in fact, you could only come up with selected writers and editors for your press release. And this does not resolve your problems in getting more publicity. Another thing in press releases is that it is not true that a well-written press release will solve your PR problems in an instant. In business, results are not done instantly. And when it comes to press releases, it will take you even for a month to get the amount of publicity you wanted. And take note, this is not done with a single shot of press release. And it is not an assurance too that once you send out a good press release, you could convince writers and editors to write a story for you. In the Internet environment, there are many growing trends lately and these trends have already become popular, in fact, they have become a culture. Like for example, blogging. It has become one of the fastest growing cultures online. What I am suggesting here is that become a part of whatever trend there is online. This is the point I am trying to raise with regards to the use of press releases. Do not limit yourself with press releases alone. Explore every possibility there is. Below are suggestions you could try in increasing your publicity: Learn to become a writer of your own. You could use your experiences in the industry you are in to gain popularity. People always trust writers who speak based from their experience. Advertise your site by submitting your url to all search engines and directories. Exchange links to other sites to have a broader coverage and doubles the amount of effort you exert in promoting your site. Search by all means all the growing trends on the web and think of ways on how you could use them for your advantage. I am always saying that online, all possibilities are available. And its true. You just have to be open-minded and observant to all these things. Be creative. Be witty. Explore. |
