Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain thousands of dollars worth of free publicity by having articles published. As they are regularly looking for articles to fill space and they are often used as a forum to promote new products or services to specific audiences. In addition to this trade publications are often tailored to specific markets and widely read, offering a tailored communication channel.
Here are 8 Steps to get your articles published:
1. Research
Thoroughly research what publications are available on the market that might be interested in using your article. A media guide such as Margaret Gee's Guide to Australian Media will provide you with the relevant contact details of editors. Take into account how often the publication goes to print; it's audience and circulation. Also take note of specific journalists who cover stories similar to the one you would like printed. Some publication designate areas of expertise to journalists, by targeting to right journalist, you may have greater odds of being printed.
2. Be prepared
Prior to making contact with the publication prepare a script of what you are going to say to the editors when you call. Ask questions like what their word limit is, do they pay for contributions and do they have any specific requirements for your article? Ask for their policy on reprints for marketing purposes. It is also important to emphasise that you will tailor your article to suit their specific publication. Remember the initial phone establishes the relationship, be professional but approachable.
3. Be involved
It is often handy to read the publication that you intend to contribute articles to, so that you can assess the style and format of the publication. They may ask for a synopsis of the article so pre-prepare these and keep them short. Just a taste of what's in the full article. Being actively involved and prepared shows you are interested, often journalists work to strict deadlines and do not have time available to wait.
4. Prepare Your Article
Research and write your article so that it suits the style and format of the publication that you intend to use. Incorporate your key messages and package them well to capture the editor and readers attention.
5. Use Examples
If possible include examples or a case study that contains information relevant to the trade publication's readership. A real-life story livens up facts and makes the article more personal.
6. Check And Re-check
Give your article to a second and possibly a third party to be sub-edited. This allows for mistakes/typos to be found and changes to be made to your content. Spelling or grammatical errors show lack of attention and may be disregarded by the editor or journalist.
7. Submit and Co-operate
Submit your article to the editor of the publication with an attached note advising him/her that you are willing to make any editorial changes that they might find necessary. Remember to be flexible. Often a 500-word article may be cut to 300 words due to space concerns. It is more important to be certain your message goes out in the 300 words then be upset.
8. Follow Up and Feedback
Follow up with the editor to get their feedback on the article after it's been published. Ask what worked well and worked can be improved? What sort of response did they get from readers? Ask if you can send other articles in the future. Ask for complimentary copies of their publication to be sent to you to build your published article file. Establish a relationship for future efforts.
Thomas Murrell MBA CSP is an international business speaker, consultant and award-winning broadcaster. Media Motivators is his regular electronic magazine read by 7,000 professionals in 15 different countries. You can subscribe by visiting http://www.8mmedia.com. Thomas can be contacted directly at +6189388 6888 and is available to speak to your conference, seminar or event. Visit Tom's blog at http://www.8mmedia.com
Alexis limo rentals ..What's a Capability Statement?As the name suggests, it tells potential... Read More
As the year starts to wind down, many businesses and... Read More
Smaller companies don't always have the budget - or inclination... Read More
Ever wonder why papers devote a page or more to... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager trying to get... Read More
Dear New York Times:I'd like to be quoted in one... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, you'll know it's... Read More
It is virtually impossible to succeed professionally and personally without... Read More
Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More
Want to get radio interviews and coverage in print publications... Read More
Community relations is one of those marketing strategies that isn't... Read More
Really? You mean there are NO perceptions and behaviors peculiar... Read More
The next time a newspaper photographer takes your photo, remember... Read More
Ain't a gonna happen unless business, non-profit and association managers,... Read More
How to write a press release is a major challenge... Read More
Maybe you've seen another financial planner on TV, and thought,... Read More
When your book is mentioned on television, sales go up.... Read More
Use journalistic styleReporters are busy. Just like you.So when you... Read More
Shooting from the hip always creates anxiety.Especially when managers order... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
To survive in business, you've got to focus your attention... Read More
If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More
Because when it comes to public relations, non-believers can produce... Read More
?2004 Jeffrey DobkinSixty dollars doesn't go a long way in... Read More
Have you ever gotten one of those letters from your... Read More
car service from Midway Alsip ..FIVE WAYS TO GET ON THE RADIOHere are five basic... Read More
If you own a franchise and have company vehicles, be... Read More
Don't assume that a reporter understands financial planning. If anything,... Read More
If you're seeking to promote yourself or your new business... Read More
THE NATURE OF MEDIAThirty years ago, Marshall McCluhan, the father... Read More
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help... Read More
Redevelopment is replacing new construction throughout the Greater Boston area,... Read More
Media placement is an art. Practicing it often requires as... Read More
? Don't wear all black. You'll look as though you're... Read More
Almost every day, I hear the same question, over and... Read More
What's the real reason some managers shy away from public... Read More
Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More
Andrew Bogut, the Australian basketballer is now officially in the... Read More
It's one thing for a senior manager to approve story... Read More
Although it seems less common these days, there are still... Read More
If you're an online business using public relations (PR) to... Read More
Did you Know That Even TV Remote Control Units... Read More
Smaller companies don't always have the budget - or inclination... Read More
Is that what we are? Fanatic, over-the-top disciples of some... Read More
If you manage a department, division or subsidiary for a... Read More
In an ideal world, your business would be overflowing withnewsworthy... Read More
More than half of America skips the Super Bowl, the... Read More
Another way to really become known in your area is... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, you'll know it's... Read More
Your boss just stopped by your office. He tells you... Read More
Public Relations |