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 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

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