A Little Polish Goes a Long Way

Ever see a beautifully decorated home in a magazine, hear a song on the radio that makes you bob your head or catch a photo on a social media platform that is so well-composed you think to yourself "I could do that!"?

I have. Then the understanding of the knowledge and skill that the person(s) who pulled it all together has sets in - along with the realization that although I probably could do SOMEthing, my finished product wouldn't be nearly as polished.

The issue isn't just doing it - but doing it WELL.

As writing is one of the very first things we learn in school, it's not a surprise that many, many people think they can do it well. There are lots of folks who have a way with words and can compose the heck out of a letter or company report - and that's great. The problem is this: composing a bio, putting together a press release, connecting with reporters, podcasters and radio hosts or answering emails from those who reach out to connect is much more than stringing words together coherently.

How hard could it be, right? It's just a quick summary or note. If it means saving a few ducats or avoiding the hassle of finding a person to assist, it might even seem like a great idea - until the understanding of the knowledge and skill of the people who pull things like these together all the time sets in.

Like any job, publicists don't spend time doing just one thing. Most are really strong writers, but they are also good conversationalists, great researchers and excellent relationship builders. The press contacts they've developed may have taken years cultivate. And those quick phone convos and emails sent are all about polishing those efforts to make the clients that employ them shine.

That polish is how they do what they do WELL.

More than a few people I come in contact with erroneously assume that polish isn't necessary and treat it as a thing they could just do without. The details in how a thing is said, they feel, aren't nearly as important as what is said.

They are also the same folks who never get their event specifics out on time, take forever to answer email queries and drop the ball on important dates. Seriously, if you handle your marketing and publicity yourself but keep people waiting for details, have even a few emails that you haven't answered or make people chase you down via social media inbox or instant message, you might not be as up on your "I can do that" game as you think.

Think about it this way: If you needed new windows for your home, you'd probably talk to an expert who knows the nuts and bolts of window glass, locks and installation costs, I'm sure. And if you hurt your foot or eye, you'd try to find professionals who specialized in treating injuries like yours because of their knowledge of the ins and outs, right? Why should your publicity needs be any different?

While the seeds for your next book, EP or event are still taking root, why not give a person who specializes in publicity, marketing or public relations or holler? They've probably been there and done that WELL already. Let them help you figure out how to do it WELL, too.

It's Not Personal - It's Business

Have you ever scrolled through someone's IG, Twitter or Facebook business feed and enjoyed the content and the variety before stumbling upon a pic of their child's graduation from kindergarten, the results of their bowling league team tourney or a random picture of their kitchen?

I have. And even if I know the owner(s) personally, that oddly placed photo or video always gives me pause. Instantly, I think "What's THAT doing there?"

And I guarantee you that I'm not alone thinking that, either.

Call me a purist, but business pages on any social platform are for BUSINESS. And while part of your furniture making, graphic design or restaurant business involves behind-the-scenes stuff (like the playlist you listen to while working, the new color schemes you're considering for your office or even the stationery store you visit for your new menus), personal, non-business-related stuff is NOT that. It's not even close.

Now, adding an occasional business-related photo, video or event flyer to your personal pages to let your family and friends know what you're up to is fine, but dotting your business pages with heavy family-related or other personal information does not have the same effect at all. It just doesn't work the same in reverse.

Think about it this way: The purpose of social media for your business is to promote that thing you do by generating buzz about it. What exactly are you promoting when you post your breakfast sandwich, favorite flower or new shoes if you are not a deli owner, florist or clothing designer? Yup - someone else's business.

Again, don't entirely strip the personality away from your business page. Do include some semblance of info that shows your audience that you are human. But, like the rest of your feed, logic and order are important. If you have 10 posts about your new book tour, one about you should at least be sort of related. Sure, go ahead and add that photo of the cool t-shirt you saw, but perhaps it would be a better fit if it was about the town you are speaking in or the one you are traveling to next.

Why not avoid confusion by trying to make every effort to keep your personal and business pages separate?

Show and Tell

Folks looking to generate some buzz about their business or upcoming events often take to social media for a little assistance. Because the platforms can be relatively inexpensive to use, posting about an opening, new hours/menu or expanded services can be very effective and help get the word out about that thing you do without breaking the bank.

Sure, what you have to say is important, but so is how you say it. One of the best ways to get followers to do something - like head to your site, share the post, or "like" your page - is to ask them to do it. In advertising and marketing, it's referred to as a Call To Action (CTA). That "Join to our mailing list" slide-in on your website, the "Click the link in our bio for more information" line on Instagram and even the "Shop now for the best deals" link to your online store you tweeted are all perfect examples of CTAs.

Now imagine the slide-in, IG post or tweet loaded with exclamation points at the end of every line. Different feel, right?

That's because the second important part of the CTA is to make the client/customer feel good about doing what you've just asked them to do. In other words, that call has to make them feel connected to that action, usually because of the gained benefits - like inside tips, a chance to help those in need or information that's made especially for them.

It's really as simple as showing rather than telling. Think about it this way: Which would you more easily relate/respond to - A or B?

Call To Action "A"

Call To Action "B"

"A" is very, very common, but it's also simple and to the point. It's used as often as it is because it's effective and makes you want to sign up so you won't miss anything or feel left out. "B" on the other hand doesn't really get you to feel anything - other than hungry - because it demands, via its dramatic use of exclamation points, that you feel excited about the new catering feature without sharing what the benefit of that excitement will be or letting you know what's really in it for you.

In other words, if you need to use all-caps and lots of exclamation points to convey your message, you might want to think about reshaping it. You really shouldn't have to tell your audience to get excited - just excite them. Think of using more than one exclamation point as basically telling viewers what to feel instead of showing them how.

Generally speaking, if you can get viewers to feel something based on what they see (graphics) or what you say ("See how it works" and "Learn to be a better  _____" invoke curiosity, while "Get 15% off your first order" prompts a desire to not miss a good deal), the chances of them following through on that CTA usually go up.

Working effective CTAs into your social media and web pitches isn't always easy, but knowing what you're striving for can be a big chunk of the equation. You'll be surprised at how effective a few simple and well-placed words can actually be.

In the meantime, ditch the over-the-top punctuation and click here to see how other companies work their CTA magic. And if you need some assistance making your social media and website CTAs sing, let us know.

Why publicity isn't an exact science

Publicity/public relations isn't advertising, but they all have one thing in common:

They cannot guarantee that the folks you are trying to reach will actually be reached - it's just that simple.

The reasons why are complicated and varied, but a lot of it has to do with the idea that it can be harder to get attention for some things than it is for others.

For example, if you are a celebrity or public figure whose life is documented day-by-day via social platforms or traditional media, a sneeze could net coverage by every major news outlet in the world. But if you are a small or new organization, an up-and-coming artist or someone who leads a more covert existence, convincing the press to cover your grand-opening, concert or exhibit, can be a bit more difficult.

The truth is this: Media attention tends to garner more media attention. "Currency" - being seen a whole lot or everywhere - is one of the seven news values that help editors, producers and reporters determine if something is newsworthy. That being said, it stands to reason that the more media attention you already have, the more you'll get.

Yes, hiring someone to help you get your information out there - via a press release, eblast or the like - can help, but understand that it doesn't guarantee that the press will flock to cover what you have going on.

Today, with budgets being tightened and news outlets being forced to do more with less due to smaller staffs, things that use to be guaranteed for coverage - community events, feel-good award ceremonies and dinners, parades - often aren't anymore, usually because the news outlet simply might not have the manpower to send someone over.

The last medium-sized daily newspaper I worked for had a staff of just five general news reporters, two sports reporters and one photographer covering all or part of five counties. Weekends had only one general reporter and one sports reporter on the clock - and only images left over from the week for local photos. The newsroom was literally like a ghost town after 5pm on Friday until 9am Monday.

So it may not be realistic to think that your publicist or PR specialist will be able rustle up a TV, a radio and a few print outlets to cover your event. It is his/her job to be the liaison between you and the press, and generate buzz - but even the best publicist can't guarantee coverage.

It's important to remember that with publicity, you pay for the amount of time, effort and consideration the publicist makes on your behalf, not necessarily for results. Sometimes, the fruits of your publicist's efforts won't even be realized until months after the initial campaign is complete. Think about that event video that was shot, edited and posted to your FB, Twitter and Vimeo pages. Not everyone will see it the day it was posted.

Although coverage guarantees aren't possible, you can help your publicity team a great deal by giving them as much lead-time for your event as possible. For example, monthly magazines work about two-to three months out (national magazines have lead times of at least three months). If your event is in January and you want to get it into an area monthly magazine, you need to have the information ready to send shortly after Halloween, no joke. Weekly and daily publications have shorter lead times, but a two-week window is the absolute minimum you can comfortably give and expect a news team, reporter, photographer or blogger to be able to cover it.

So, if the website the press release bounces everyone to for details about the event needs updating, don't wait until the day before the event to get the information up. Also, make sure the person you list as a "for more information" go-to lists a number they can actually be reached at on a weekend or late in the evening. There is nothing worse for a reporter or editor on deadline to call and get a voicemail when all they want is to double check the spelling of the keynote speaker's name.

Publicity and PR specialists can be miracle workers, pulling stuff together at the last minute and making things happen that otherwise seem humanly impossible. Some of that is par for the course, but most of that is the necessitated by poor planning by the folks looking for publicity. It is also the one thing that can surely be avoided.

Be kind to your publicity team - and one of the best ways to do that is to get them the information they need in a timely manner so they can help you garner the buzz you're looking for.

What Does "Social Media Management" Mean?

The one constant always heard about real estate is "location, location, location" - which really means that even the best business will have no business if the folks who need that business can't find it.

But how do you let potential clients know where you are?

Not all that long ago, the answer was advertising in your local daily newspaper. It reached a captive audience and was relatively easy on the budget.

Now that newspapers, regional magazines and other print publications are struggling to stay afloat (and they have raised their ad rates accordingly - which is if they still exist in your area at all), and the reach of web-based advertising can help you reach more people faster with less hassle and for less money, today, people are much more likely to use other methods to get their message of an upcoming event or new location. Now more than ever, that will most likely include social media.

Social media (which includes Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Snapchat, Periscope, Vine and others) is easy to use, inexpensive and effective. That's why knowing how to use it - or knowing how to find someone who could help you use it effectively - is extremely important.

Basically, what Social Media Management entails is coordinating your social media platforms to present the same message, brand (image) or promotion to an interested audience of potential customers in a steady, consistent manner. It's truly modern-day advertising, hanging your "We're open!" sign and waving hello to anyone who happens by all in one.

Truthfully, the "social" part is the bit of the equation that is most important. Think of it as the virtual equivalent to a networking function. Just as you wouldn't stand in the corner munching on celery all by your lonesome an event, you've gotta actually engage to get the ball rolling online, too. Those business cards and brochures will not just hand themselves out.

On social media, that means responding to requests for information (in person, you'd hand out that business card), thanking folks for dropping by (shake some hands), and giving them opportunities to engage (ask them questions about what they do and how they do it). It takes work (you actually have to leave that comfy corner and chat people up) but it's do-able.

What too many do is set up a Facebook page or Twitter account for their venture, and never post from it or visit it more than a few times a month.

Yes, I get that it can take time to think of clever things to post and engage your audience, but that's really what it's all about.

A good way to get started is to follow other businesses or services that do what you do and see how and what they post to their followers. Do they ask questions? Show video of their new product lines? Invite followers to hit them up for more information?

Emulate that and try to do it better. Use platforms they don't use and corner the local or regional market. Offer specials to those who follow you on Twitter or Pinterest only, for example, and see what happens (nothing or something cool?). Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

But you have to venture to out of your comfort zone first. Remember, folks won't know you exist unless you let them know. So get ready to shout your location from the social media rafters.

If you need a hand, give us a call. We'd be happy to help.

A Note to My Artistic Brethren

Dear Creative Person,

I know that to you, the art is the thing and you often feel the creative process is almost sacred, but you really need to know something: If you don't take time to let people know you are an artist who creates music, pastels, novels, short films or poetry, no one but your relatives will ever know you are an artist who creates.

Promotion is not a dirty word. If you do what you do to share it with folks, promotion will help those folks know about you.

Think about it: the most amazing novel, the most poignant of sculptures, the most ethereal of music can't be enjoyed if they sit in boxes in your garage or in the corner of your studio. Art is meant to be shared. Isn't that kind of the point?

Why is garnering attention from what you do on a creative level a bad thing? Even if it is a hobby and not your livelihood (and you never hope it to be), how is having people know about that creative thing you do necessarily a bad thing?

If you want to remain obscure and known for your work only when your estate publishes your manuscripts or gets your canvases curated after your death, then by all means, don't ever update your website, use social media to self-promote or follow other artists who do. Just keep complaining about how putting together a bio for an electronic press kit or tweeting a photo of you creating just takes too much daggone time.

But haven't you done that already? And how's that working for ya?

The definition of insanity, according to Albert Einstein, is doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results. And he was a pretty astute guy.

Making art and letting the masses know about that art are not mutually exclusive. You can do both and still have time to create, have a life, sleep and do all the things "regular" people do.

If you owned a business selling widgets, wouldn't you advertise to let people in need of widgets know you're making he best daggone widgets around?

Why should your creative venture be any different?

Sincerely,
A Lover of All Things Creative

Got Social Media? USE IT!

I follow a few celebrities via Instagram and Twitter. I enjoy the behind-the-scenes stuff - you know the "This is me getting to the studio" and the "Here's the hair and makeup person making me look presentable for this photo shoot" tid-bits that give a little glimpse into the day-to-day regularity of my favorite artists, actors and performers. And I'm not gonna lie - I've unfollowed folks who only jump onto their social media accounts to remind us to buy tickets to their next concert or tune in for their 30-second appearance on an obscure award show.

See, it's not supposed to work like that.

Seriously, with social media - especially Twitter, Face Book and Instagram - consistency is key. Even if you are a huge mega-star, some of your million followers will most certainly lose interest if your only goal in using your Instagram account is to tell them when your next tour kicks off and when your new movie is available on Blue ray. Yawn...

As a publicist, I tell my clients the exact same thing: don't neglect your social media. Ever. Yes, I know you're busy, but - especially when there are so many great (and free!) programs that allow one post to hit all your accounts at once and even the convenience of scheduling posts hours, days or weeks in advance - there's really no excuse. Heck ya got me and Hootsuite, baby!

Your posts could be as relevant to the thing you do as you wish - or not at all. Your minute-long grocery store video may have nothing to do with your most recent project, but it does show you are human and relatable. Blending that on social media with "the artist at work" type of stuff can be a great mix for a fan base excited to learn more about you and your creative process. That's not to say they want to see you flossing your teeth or folding your laundry, however. There's balance to be found, for sure - but you won't find it if you post a countdown to your book tour kick-off and nothing else until the tour is almost over.

Start small if you must - posting a quick song lyric or photo of your computer keyboard or even a screen shot of the music you listen to while you sculpt once a week or so - but start and remain as consistent as you can.

Don't let weeks or months go by between posts. Yeah, stop that already.