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5 ways to be included on other people’s Twitter lists

9/1/2010 By Joan 2 Comments

Twitter lists that list Joan Stewart, The Publicity HoundWhen I hosted the recorded webinar last week on How to Use Twitter Lists & Directories to Promote Your Expertise and Build Your Brand,  I encouraged participants to get onto as many Twitter lists as possible because lists are a powerful form of free advertising. 

One of my suggestions was to write a blog post telling readers the types of lists where you’d be a perfect fit, and then suggesting that they add you to existing lists on those topics, or create new ones.

But before you do that, it’s helpful to first find out how people on Twitter perceive you.  This will give you other ideas to add to the list of topics on which you’re an expert, and some of them might surprise you. The instructions below are included on the handouts from last week’s webinar, and the entire package is available here.

To see whose lists you’re on:

  • Log into your Twitter account
      
  • Go to your Home page
      
  • Look in the upper right corner, near your gravatar, for the word “Listed.” It will tell you how many lists you’re on.
      
  • Click on it. You’ll see all the names of the lists and the gravatars of the people who created them. The names of the lists will be in bold.

Scan the list and you should start to see a pattern. The screenshot above shows some of the 668 lists I’m on. Many of the lists are devoted to PR, publicity, marketing communications, book marketing and social media.

Now that you have a good idea how you’re perceived, write a blog post like this one, suggesting that your Twitter followers add you to their lists on certain topics.
    
   
Add Me to These Lists

Here are topics for other lists you can consider adding me to, based on many of the other lists on which I appear:

Writing or Writers

Editing or Editors

Journalists or Journalism

Marketing

Authors

Business Women

Small Business

Online Marketing

Digital Marketing

Self-promotion

Shoestring Marketing

Book Publicity

Resources for Authors

Inspiring Quotes

Humor

Entrepreneurs

Advertising/Marketing

PR Pros

Press Releases

Blogging or Bloggers

Dog Jokes (I include a dog joke in each issue of The Publicity Hound’s Tips of the Week, my free weekly ezine, and often share it on Twitter)
     
     
Other Ways to be Included on Twitter Lists

1. Tweet helpful, relevant content frequently and forego the “here’s what I’m doing today” tweets. Help people solve their problems!

2. Add yourself to your own lists if you’re a perfect fit. Remember that other people will be subscribing to your lists. If you’re a small business expert, for example,  and somebody is following your list of small business experts, you want to be on it.

3. Include a short blurb in your email signature suggesting that people add you to their lists, with a link to your Twitter page.

4. Ask! Don’t be shy about suggesting that people add you to a particular list they’ve created. They might be grateful that you’ve helped them grow their lists.

Be sure to reciprocate. Welcome requests from other people who ask you to put them on your lists.

What other ways do you use Twitter lists? Is there anything about lists that you don’t understand? Sharre your own tips here on how to get onto other people’s lists.

Filed Under: Advertising, Authors & Publishers, Blogs, Business Promotion, Press Releases/News Releases, Social media marketing, Special Events, Twitter Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

How to turn a Golf Digest article into more publicity

8/22/2010 By Joan Leave a Comment

Cover of the June 2010 issue of Golf DigestWhen you land a big story in a magazine, it’s all too easy to become giddy with excitement, and miss doing the hard work necessary to “publicize the publicity” and turn one media hit into what can become multiple hits.

Larry Jacobs reminded me of that a few days ago when he participated in the teleseminar call I hosted with John Eggen on how to “Write a Client-attracting Book Fast That Makes $150,000 Before It’s Published.” (If you missed that call, you can access the replay here. It includes a killer Q&A session.)
   
Before the call began, Larry asked me how he can capitalize on a full-page article written about him in the June 2010 issue of Golf Digest. Larry is an expert on how golfers can lose weight, and the article discussed how he approached veteran NBC sports on-course reporter Roger Maltbie and, through coaching, helped him lose 35 pounds. It also appeared in the June 2010 print magazine.
  
“Since it appeared, I use the link in most of my communications with people,” Larry said. “I’d like to know how to parlay this article into PR, more articles, interviews, sales and anything else you can think of.”
 
Here are my ideas on how to do that:
  
Use the Word Expert
First, start referring to yourself everywhere as an “expert on weight loss for golfers,” or however you want to describe yourself. The media, as well as consumers, flock to experts. Use this word in your email signature, bios and at the end of articles you write. Optimize your website for the keyword phrase.
 
Email Signature
Link to the online article in your email signature. You can also use something like this just under your name:  ”See how I helped NBC sports on-course reporter Roger Maltbie shed 35 pounds, in the June 20120 issue of Golf Digest.”
  
Golf Newsletters
I don’t golf, but I’m betting there are dozens of print and electronic newsletters devoted to golf. Contact the editors and offer to write an article about how you coach the PGA golfers. Be sure to tell them about the Golf Digest article, and link to it when you pitch them. You told me your target audience is mostly Baby Boomers and seniors, so look for newsletters directed at that niche, too.
   
Press Releases
Write a press release about the article, even two months after it appeared. Remember that the article and press release will probably stay online forever.
  
Distribute the press release through a service like PR Newswire. Dan Janal has a great offer that guarantees that the article will show up on more than 50 influential, high-traffic websites including Forbes.com, Hoover.com, Reuters.com, and dozens of sites for local business journals. Those business people are a perfect match with the topic of golf.
   
In addition to pulling traffic, Larry, your website will get inbound links from those influential business websites, which means that Google will view your site as more authoritative.  The more inbound links to your site from other high-traffic sites, the higher the page rank Google grants to your own website.
   
The press release should also be sent to your professional associations, trade groups, even the magazine or newsletter published by your alumni association.   Learn how to write an online press release with my free press release tutorial.
  
Articles
Write articles about your topic for article directory sites like EzineArticles.com, plus all the high-traffic websites that appeal to golfers. Be sure to mention the Golf Digest publicity in the blurb at the end of your own articles.
   
Video
Are you creating video about how golfers can lose weight? If not,  create one that mentions the Golf Digest article, offers a few tips and leads people to your opt-in page.
  
Video is one of the most powerful ways to pull traffic and promote your business. Try to get video testimonials from all the PGA golfers and other celebrities who you’ve helped, and use those at your website and at the video-sharing sites.
  
Facebook Fan Page & Groups
Create a Facebook Fan Page for golfers who want to lose weight, and link to the article from the page. You should also search Facebook’s groups and see which ones include golfers in your target market. While participating in the groups, mention the article in Golf Digest.
  
Online Media Room
Create an online media room where you can link to the Golf Digest article and mention other publicity you’ve gotten.
  
Twitter
Larry, are you tweeting? If not, start. Your tweets should mostly be about how golfers can lose weight. Include a short blurb about the Golf Digest article in your Twitter profile. Great for your credibility!
  
Order Reprints
You never know when you might need reprints of the article.  So it would be worth your while to order as many copies of the June issue of Golf Digest as you can afford, or see if the magazine sells reprints.  Many larger magazines have reprint services.
   
Pitch the Inflight Magazines
Cover of American Wayinflight magazineThe target audience for these publications—business people and frequent travelers—is perfect for you!  How about offering the magazines a list of tips on how golfers can lose weight?  In your pitch, mention the June article.
  
Here’s a powerful tip for really catching the editor’s attention. If you helped a golfer from an area that’s served by the magazine, mention it in your pitch. For example, if you worked with an Australian golfer who’s fairly well-known, mention that when you pitch Qantas magazine, which serves Australia. 
  
A Podcast
You said you have an audio product that consists of a series of recorded teleseminars you hosted. You can excerpt short five-minute segments from the product and turn them into separate podcasts, each mentioning the article in Golf Digest.
  
Ask for Referrals to Other Golf Media
Contact Golf Digest Contributing Editor Mark Soltau who interviewed you and ask him to suggest names of journalists who work for other golf media, or golf bloggers, and might be interested in your story. He might be happy to help.  By the way, did you ever thank him for the article? If not, it isn’t too late to send a handwritten thank-you note.
    
Pitch Bloggers
Bloggers who write about golf or weight loss might love your tips, or a guest blog post. When you pitch them, be sure to mention the Golf Digest article. See How to Pitch the Best Bloggers and Create a Media Explosion.
    
Those are my tips, Larry.
  
OK, Publicity Hounds, what about yours? Let’s hear your ideas on how Larry can recycle that great publicity.

Filed Under: Blogs, Business Promotion, Facebook, Magazine Publicity, Pitching the Media, Press Releases/News Releases, Publicity for Niche Markets, Twitter, Writing Articles, YouTube Tagged With: , , , ,

21 ways to promote your webinars and teleseminars

8/12/2010 By Joan 1 Comment

online education for webinar promotion in block letters

If you’re new to hosting webinars, the team at SocialBrite.org has a very helpful summary of 10 steps for planning a successful webinar.

It includes nine ways to promote your webinar. I took their list and added to it. Most of these ideas will also work when promoting teleseminars. Here’s their list of suggestions on how to promote:

1. At your website.

2. On online event calendars such as Upcoming.com

3. Relevant listservs

4. In print and online newsletters

5. On Twitter channels

6. In Facebook groups

7. As a local event for nonprofits (SocialBrite.org specializes in teaching social media to nonprofits).

8. On Web pages that promote webinars in your industry.

9. At the end of current webinars.


Here are my own ideas

I added to their list and came up with 12 of my own ideas:

10. On Craigslist, but only on the list for the city that’s closest to where you live. (See How to Use Craigslist as a Global Publicity Tool.)

11. In the events or calendar sections in traditional media, including newspapers, magazines, trade journals and business journals.

12. In an online press release. (See Keywords: The Magic Magnets That Pull Consumers & Journalists to Your Press Releases.)

13.  On the websites of local newspapers, magazines, radio and TV stations.

14. In videos, where you can excerpt tips and lead viewers to the sign-up page. Upload the video to video sharing-sharing sites.

15. At your guest experts’ blogs, at their websites, in their newsletters, and on their social media sites.

16. Create an Event on Facebook, and share with your Friends and Fans. (See 11 Ways to Avoid Missed Opportunities on Facebook)

17. In an email blast to your opt-in list, and the lists of your guest experts.

18. In a podcast.

19. At the end of a quiz you create around the topic of the webinar.

20. In targeted ads on Facebook and LinkedIn.

21. If you have an affiliate program, encourage your affiliates to promote the event, using their affiliate links.


Add to this list

Did I miss any? How do you promote your webinars and teleseminars, and which are the most effective?

What about paid ads? Have you used them,
and are they effective?


My Next Webinar: How to Use Twitter Lists

Joan Stewart's Twitter lists of PR peopleI’m presenting “How to Use Twitter Lists to Generate Publicity & Build Your Brand” at 3 p.m. Eastern Time on Thursday, Aug. 26.   This one-hour webinar is perfect for anyone who hasn’t yet started using Twitter lists, or for Twitter users who aren’t sure how to get the most out of their lists.

Everyone who attends will also receive a bonus special report I wrote on “How to Use Twitter for Business to Network, Promote, Sell, Recruit & Profit,” a $10 value, as well as slides of the PowerPoint presentation I’m using for the video, a link for the streaming video and the video download, and the MP3 recording.  So if the time is inconvenient for you, register anyway and you can watch it afterward at a time most convenient for you.

Register here.

Filed Under: Blogs, Business Promotion, Facebook, LinkedIn, Magazine Publicity, Newspaper Publicity, Nonprofits, Press Releases/News Releases, Publicity on the Internet, Special Events, TV Publicity, Twitter, Video, YouTube Tagged With: , , , , ,

Get the monkey off your back using VAs, subcontractors

7/27/2010 By Joan Leave a Comment

sock monkeyIf you’ feel like you can’t do it all, start pushing the monkey off your back by delegating some of your work—particularly the stuff you hate doing—to an assistant.

A good virtual assistant and other subcontractors can free you up to concentrate on the strategies and tasks that bring in the money.

But knowing where to look, understanding the kinds of work you can delegate to an assistant, and working in tandem with an assistant so you aren’t stepping on each other’s toes, can be confusing.

Here are my top five tips for outsourcing:

1. Ask for referrals.

Ask business friends and your social media connections for referrals.  LinkedIn is an excellent resource. Do this before you follow Tip #2. 
    
2. Use the outsourcing sites.
  
VWorker and ODesk are great, but you have to spend a lot of time sorting through bids, portfolios and other details, then communicating back and forth via email until your project is completed. 
   
3. Check references

When you find an ideal assistant, check references!  If you’re looking for someone to help with PR or write press releases, checking refernces is imperative because those tasks require special skills. Ask to see samples of their work. When checking references, ask about the person’s weaknesses as well as strengths.
   
4. Ask your assistant for suggestions

Give your assistants the freedom to suggest other types of work they can do for you. My assistant, Christine Buffaloe of Serenity Virtual Assistant Services, often suggests that I delegate tasks she KNOWS I hate doing.  And she shares with me tasks she has done for other clients.

5. Listen to Charlie Cook’s series of interviews on hiring assistants.

If you need more guidance on hiring an assistant, take advantage of Charlie Cook’s free series of interviews with 10 of the top experts who will reveal their practical insights on how they achieved their BIGGEST dreams through outsourcing and delegation. You’ll hear hundreds of tips you can start using immediately. It starts next week. Many of these luminaries charge $30-$20K for keynote speeches, but you can listen to the entire series of interviews for free by signing up here.

What tips can you share about hiring and working with an assistant? What pitfalls should people avoid? What horrible tasks have you been able to delegate to an assistant?

Filed Under: PR Consultants/Publicists, Press Releases/News Releases, Publicity Resources

Why holding a press conference can backfire

7/13/2010 By Joan 1 Comment

empty seats in a roomYou win an industry award and you’re so tickled that you can hardly wait to call a press conference.

Problem is, you’re only one that’s excited.  Your publicist, in fact, is reluctant, because she thinks a press conference sounds, well, so old-fashioned.

That’s what happened this week to a publicist who’s one my readers. Her client, whose organization got high ratings, told her to arrange a press conference to announce the good news. She turned to me for advice.
     
    
No one will come

Here’s my response:

“I suggest you NOT hold a press conference because I can virtually guarantee you that if you do, nobody from the media will show up, and you will look bad in the client’s eyes.  (“How come you couldn’t get anyone from the media to show up?”)

“If somebody from the media DOES show up, they will be angry when they find out your client wasted their time and that they could have gotten the same information in a press release, especially if they battled rush-hour traffic to get there on time. And they could blackball you.

“Clients have huge egos, especially when they have good news to share.  You must explain to the client why useless press conferences about topics like this can damage their reputation with the media forever.”
     
    
Better ways to spread the word

I suggested that she convince her client to:

—Write a press release and distribute it through PR Web.  Dan Janal has a fabulous deal where where the client’s press release is guaranteed to make it onto more than 50 big websites like Forbes, Reuters, etc. I wrote about this in my publicity tips newsletter a few weeks ago.  The client will be much happier about achieving this kind of exposure vs. spending all the time coordinating a press conference and then delivering the news in an empty room.

—Create a video (two and a half minutes) explaining what the company did to achieve the high rating. Feature clients talking about what they like about the service they received. Upload it to YouTube and other video-sharing sites.  It will pull traffic to their website.

—Tweet about this and put this on their Facebook Fan Page.

—Take photos that illustrate why the company got the high rating and upload them to Flickr.

—Also do a special mailing to their email list sharing the good news.

—There are many creative alternatives to boring press conferences, like events that are open to the public, or even publicity stunts that are done well. A new florist association, for example, delivered 50,000 roses and carnations to new moms in area hospitals, generating fabulous media attention and word-of-mouth publicity.

The next time you or your PR is tempted to call a press conference, consider the disadvantages. Then think of a better way to spread the good news.

Filed Under: Business Promotion, Facebook, PR Consultants/Publicists, Press Releases/News Releases, Social media marketing, Twitter, Video Tagged With: , , ,
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