An absolutely terrific way of getting public relations is by using print. The biggest misconception is that a simple press release will get you guaranteed exposure in print. The problem is that if the publication has no interest in your subject, then you are out of luck! There are other ways to get in print aside from the traditional press release.



1. Author a Tips Article. One of the easiest ways to get free PR in newspapers and magazines, says Marsha Friedman. Dont forget to pack it with oodles of useful information and make sure that you take your time and make it as professional as possible. That way they can publish it immediately without editing. To a busy journalist this is an absolute godsend. Many publications dont have large staffs and so they depend on articles of freelance writers to fill their pages.

Now lets think about it. If you are a lawyer write and article about 5 tips to getting the best representation available , adds Marsha Friedman. Keep every useful tip under 3 sentences, you dont want to be so long winded. Why? The media loves these tips because they can reprint them as an article or as a side-bar to a longer story.

Writing not a strong point? Marsha Friedman says, If writing isnt one of your talents - hire a professional writer to write your article in the same journalistic style used in newspapers and magazines. Published articles help to establish you as an expert, so make sure to include your credentials and other boastful information to support your position as an expert. Marsha Friedman adds, Most publications will let you write something generous about yourself, what you do and how to contact you, in exchange for your free article.

2. Write an Opinion Letter. Marsha Friedman says, Find a hot topic and write an article based on what your stand is on it. Then email it to your local newspaper Editor. . Dont forget to put your credentials at the bottom of the letter so you get the recognition of being a published expert.

3.Create Photo Opportunities On average, almost all local pint publications are interested in finding great images to add to their pages. Make an event - an art show, a local or national contest, says Marsha Friedman. Then get the press interested and attending. Dont worry if they blow you off, you can still send them through any photos you took. Just make sure to do it while it can still be considered a hot news story.

4.Recycle Your Coverage. Turn one media hit into multiple hits by sending a reprint of a weekly newspaper story about you or your company to an editor at a daily newspaper, along with a pitch letter offering an angle different from the angle the weekly pursued. Send reprints from dailies to national publications. Send articles in trade publications to editors anywhere. Submit your article to an article bank. Every story should be submitted numerous times in order to get the most bang out of it as possible says Marsha Friedman.

Hopefully these tips will help you drop the press release and start being creative!