PR Mistakes this Week….

 I know I harp on mistakes in the public relations (PR) field, but this is how we learn. I wanted to note a few PR mistakes I’ve already seen – and it is only Tuesday!

1. I’ve noticed many PR pros are forgetting the power of link building with press release wires.  There is NO difference between a $99 Google wire and a free wire. They both build organic links. For the most part, journalists are looking at direct pitches before they scan any wire- which is where you money shot is!
2. No media value. I can’t stress this enough. You have to have a true media angle to get a reporter to write about your client. If not, it doesn’t matter how connected you are- the reporters will skip your press release. The best way to find out what is newsworthy in your industry is to read as many relevant posts on high quality sites. Does your news match those other stories in quality? If not, don't waste everybody's time by sending it in.
3. Lack of follow up. Yep, not following up has been a mass mistake this week. No one likes to be seen as a jerk and most journalists will tell you that they hate follow up calls, saying that if they had been interested in the story they would have published it or asked some questions. But everybody in PR knows that if you do follow-up, you will get additional stories – so sadly it is something that must be done if you're to get the most out of your story.

So, focus on putting out a media worthy press release with organic links and then be aggressive about the follow up- or you will not get your story picked up. Yes, it is this simple!

I will not be posting again until Monday, July 7^th. Have safe rest of the week and a great 4^th of July!

Coco the CEO