Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Why you don't need press kits

We often have new clients say they need a press kit.
And I often read columns by public relations professionals saying that one way to get publicity is by having a press kit.
When I read that, I wonder if they are living in the same world I am.
Perhaps we’re missing the boat here. Obviously, we could make more money—lots more money—by insisting our clients have folders with lots of written collateral such as brochures, bios of top people, recent press releases, even photographs.
We certainly wouldn’t spend as many billable hours coming up with newsworthy stories and pitching reporters—the challenging part of the process.
Don’t get me wrong. We write fact sheets and backgrounders.
We insist clients have a website Newsroom page. We also suggest having reprints of currently published articles and video clips, if it helps their marketing to potential clients.
But sending anything through the mail? Especially a glossy folder with a cover letter, a description of the company’s mission or goals and a list of tired, old questions the executives could answer?
Please, no journalist has time for that. The press kit is a major expense that would end up in the trash. Don’t bother unless someone actually asks for it.
For more information, contact Dell Richards Publicity at 916. 455.4790 or visit our website at www.dellrichards.com

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

How do you get your clients?

You know what works if you track your marketing by asking new clients where they heard of you.

Because we’ve worked hard at satisfying clients in different sectors over the years, we’ve created a network of past clients who send us referrals.

Clients also come from vendor lists and websites that have our information.

Some come from this blog or articles published years ago.

Some find us on the Google, like the look of our website and call us.

A few come from people we actively cultivate and people we have asked for referrals. When business slows, we turn to friends and colleagues.

Enough business usually comes in after making a few calls, there’s rarely time to complete this ongoing list.

Does this mean we should spend more time on growing the business?


Maybe, but not necessarily.

As long as we’re satisfying our clients and doing enough marketing to keep busy, we believe enough work will come to will keep us happy—and sane.

For more information, call us at 916. 455.4790 or contact us through our website at http://www.dellrichards.com/