Today we are going to complete our media manipulation experiment. This is a continuation from part one, so if you didn’t read part one, and would like to get your website or business mentioned in the national media… for FREE, then go and read part one first.
STEP FOUR – Write an Overview
You now should have some email replies, some will be positive and some will be negative. It is likely that they will want an overview from you.
Warning: Journalists will try to use a more complex word than “overview”, I don’t know why they do this, perhaps to seem more intelligent, but expect to be asked for:
A Capsualization
An Outline
A Précis
A Synopsis
I was personally asked for a 200 word Précis. Just remember, they want a general overview of the story.
Your goal here is to write an overview that is interesting, easy to understand, fairly well written, and has a unique aspect to it.
Note: Don’t worry about grammatical errors, but ask a friend or family member to proof read it before you send it, and use an online spell checker.
Focus on keeping it simple, and remember to include your unique angle.
STEP FIVE – Get More Coffee
They have your overview now, so grab another coffee, and perhaps an Xbox360 controller as well (contact me if you want to know my Xbox Gamertag) and wait again.
They will reply and either say:
- “We like it, can you please send me/write the full story and then I will speak with the editor and try and get it published.”
- “We don’t like it!”
If they say they don’t like it, don’t worry! There are plenty more fish in the sea, and don’t forget, there are millions of magazines as well as newspapers.
If they say they like it, then you will have to move to Step Six:
STEP SIX – Writing the full story
If you have reached this stage then give yourself a big pat on the back. You are close to becoming famous in your industry, and getting tens of thousands of dollars worth of publicity for FREE.
Note: If you are a terrible writer then you could hire one instead, or perhaps a friend could help you.
Your goal here is to write your full story, aim for around 500 words, and remember to include as many of these as possible:
- WHO
- WHAT
- WHERE
- WHEN
- WHY
Read other stories and copy their formatting style. Test your ideas and then have it proof read once you are finished.
It is also best to include your contact information at the bottom, and send 2 or 3 photos as well.
TIP: They want high quality photos, so don’t send them a crappy .GIF file. Use the originals, and in the highest possible quality.
STEP SEVEN – Making a Deal
Most newspapers are NOT going to pay you for your story. But remember, you are getting a lot of free publicity, so don’t worry.
Your goal is to try and mention your site or product without it sounding like a promotion.
My Example
I got a mention of DeanHunt.com by talking about my personal blog. It was logical to give the URL, but I didn’t promote it by saying stuff like “Best Buzz Marketing Site on the Net”.
I simply slipped it gently into the conversation.
Remember: Editors will remove anything that sounds like a promo-piece.
Summary
There we have it. Seven steps you can start using today to get yourself into national newspapers.
Since my article was published I have had over 80 emails from readers. I am meeting with people in Madrid this weekend, and I have had two job offers.
You probably won’t be the next Paris Hilton of the media, but you can get thousands of dollars of publicity for yourself, your site and your business.
I welcome your questions and feedback here at the Friday Traffic Report.
From Dean Hunt – a Newly Published Writer 😉
Christmas Goodies from Dean
The Web Traffic Orgasm FREE marketing Case Studies, Free Buzz Experiments and Free Media Tricks are still available. Download them today!
Also, if you are looking for a little more cash for the holidays, have you considered selling one of your websites or blogs?
I welcome your feedback.
Have a happy holidays and a hazy New Year 😉
Dean Hunt