how pr can help freelancers by beth blair
DESCRIPTION
Presentation for PRSA Travel and TourismTRANSCRIPT
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 Out
How 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 though
Aim for 100% certainty when it comes to
interviews and promises.
Offer your attendees as a source
Ladies Home Journal Example
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