New Media Mavens

How to get noticed in cyberspace

In our previous installments in our seven-part series of how to get your business noticed, we talked about traditional media -- anything pertaining to print, radio or television. In our last installment, we'll talk about how to build buzz online.

 A couple of quick tips will help:

• Become part of online communities that talk directly to your targeted customer. By becoming a thought leader in these communites you become someone respected and valued.


• If customers send you accolades via e-mail, ask for their permission and add those comments to your blog and Web site.


• Blog, blog, blog! The more you blog, the higher your ranking in Google and other search engines. Pick a targeted topic and become an online leader.


• Make sure your Web site is optimized so that the key words that customers will search for are embedded in your site.


• Get new life out of your press releases by not only sending them to traditional media outlets, post them online too. Sites such as www.i-newswire.com and www.prlog.org are free and can spread the word fast.

Need more tips? Join our newsletter by visiting www.mavensonline.com.

 Happy Tuesday!

Alison

Alison Woo

Chief Media Maven

The Difference between Advertising and PR

The main difference is that in advertising, YOU decide what you are going to say and where you are going to say it. The main drawback: cost. Advertising can be expensive.

Whereas PR, or public relations -- as in getting your name and business in the paper, on television, radio or mentioned on someone's Web site, is free. The main drawback: no control.

You can't tell someone what to say about you. Let alone when or how to say it. Because of that, one of its inherent qualities is trust. Despite all the stuff people say about 'the media' (a horrid catchall phrase which means radio, television, newspapers, etc.) if you are in the media, you and your business are seen as being an authority.

What do you need to run a succesful business? Both!

You need PR to build your reputation. But you cannot rest assured that one mention on the 11 p.m. news is enough. That's where advertisement comes in. You can control the message and how often you get to share that message with others.

Read Other Articles in this 7-Part Press Release Series:

1. Traditional Media Can Boost Your New Media Efforts


2. Attracting Media Attention: The Ultimate Press Release


3. What to Say in a Press Release


4. When to Send a Press Release


5. Five Secrets to Being Your Own PR Person


6. The Difference Between Advertising and PR

Next post, how to get noticed in cyberspace.

Alison Woo
The Media Maven

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How are You Talking to Your Customers?

In the past, communicating with customers was like a one-way street. Nowadays, via new media channels, customers are being heard, loud and clear. Companies are talking back and anyone can listen on to this conversation. With the proliferation of blogs, podcasts and social media like Twitter, MySpace and Facebook to name only a few, it's easier than ever to maintain a two-way conversation. Read more in the BusinessWeek article "It's the Conversation Economy, Stupid."

Regards,

Lena Claxton
The Marketing Maven

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