How PR Can Help Freelancers by Beth Blair

PR: How You Can Help Us Sell or Tell a Better Story 2012 PRSA Travel & Tourism & SATW Beth Blair

Today’s freelance writers …– Are social media savvy– Own their own blogs/websites– Contribute to online and print outlets– And many take their own photos/videos

Freelancer vs. Blogger Freelance writers and bloggers have different goals, needs, markets, and numbers. Remember: Freelancers have an editor to report to, bloggers do not. Most blogging is first-person. We need the experience.

Pitches… Personalize when you can. Keep blogger and journalist/writer pitches separate. Look for writers who specialize. You’ll have better luck placing a story.

During the Trip Offer free wi-fi. Provide a short universal hashtag: #PRSATravel. Encourage live tweeting, posting photos and use of social media outlets. If hosting bloggers – cut out time for blogging. Consider using a local coffee shop or cool setting that has free wi-fi.

After the Trip… Update on events, news and other information that relates to writer’s story. Create social media lists of past/future attendees for keeping in touch. Have a nice selection in your photo gallery Never assume that one article is the end Give love! Retweet or post the produced stories.

How to Continue the Relationship with Writers Provide web addresses and client’s social media links. Don’t be afraid to follow-up. Keep in touch via social media: Retweet, repost or just say hello! Ask for trip feedback.

HARO – Help a Reporter OutHow to get included in articles: – Follow requests – if reporter asks for direct quotes, don’t send contact information or reply, “May I connect you with my client?” – Follow-up via another outlet. Tweet: Response is in your inbox! (This works!) – Always offer to assist in the future. *Be patient. Responses can reach 100-200.

Make sure you can follow thoughAim for 100% certainty when it comes to interviews and promises.

Offer your attendees as a source Ladies Home Journal Example

Pinterest Keep a Pinterest board of press trip promotions – especially if your writers have their own blogs. Beware of copyright infringement. Unless a blog/website has a “Pin It” button, ask if it’s okay to repin photos. Use Pinterest to keep up with favorite writers.

Collect Your Media Trips Coverage

And the travel blogs you love

Beth Blair Break into Travel Writing(Hodder and Stoughton, 2012) BethBlair.com TheVacationGals.com

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How PR Can Help Freelancers by Beth Blair

by Beth Blair on Jun 29, 2012

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