Publicity–or–PR can be incredibly expensive–and sometimes you hit the jackpot, but other times clients can be left holding the bag wondering just where all that money they invested went and what they accomplished.
So, I’m always looking for new ideas for free or frugal PR. Here’s one I came up with for the cost of a poster board and the wear and tear on a magic marker:
I was speaking to a literary agent colleague about the book proposal of an author I’m working with and the agent asked if we can send a sample chapter and mini proposal before Book Expo America, so she can pitch the book to potential publishers.
Sure thing! Only when I got speaking to the author about her platform, she confessed that, other than speaking engagements–which is a good start–she didn’t actually have much of a platform.
Wanting her to focus on the mini book proposal and not on platform at the moment, I realized it would be great if some opportunities just magically offered themselves.
She mentioned that a couple of her clients had connections to local newspapers in a large metro area–a great start to ask for their help. And it was clear she had strong relationships with the families in her medical practice. I suggested a poster for her waiting room:
Is there a way you can get the word out to your networks?
* A poster in the office
* A note in your newsletter
* A friend who can spread the word
* A hospital or organization PR department where you work that might help you for free
Do you have any frugal PR ideas to share? Please share as a comment–Thanks!
