Thread: Help from Bhuzzers with PR Experience?

I am starting a new BD fitness/workout class at one of my Park & Rec locations next month. Unfortunately, due to printing deadlines, we can't get the class in the catalog until the next one comes out at the end of December, so I'm trying to get the word out any way I can.

I've written up a press release using a template I found online, but I've never done one before. Would anyone who has done them somewhat regularly be willing to take a quick look at mine to make sure it's decent? If so, please post or PM me your email address, and I will be eternally grateful for your assistance.

Also, it it a good idea to use a press release distribution site like this Free Press Release Distribution & Free Press Release Submission, or Free Press Release - Online Press Release Distribution Service, or should I email it to the local news outlets directly?

I would put it up on a press release distribution site, even though something that local wont likely get much pick up. It never hurts to try though! I would also make a more "user friendly" release and put it up on a social media release site like Pitch Engine, IF you have some photos, logo and maybe a video to add to it (I love Pitch Engine!).

You will want to email the release (with a note that you can provide photos if they want them) in the body of an email (NOT as an attachment), to reporters that cover fitness, health and local topics. Also send the release to the calender section of your local newspapers and magazines.

I would also print up nice fliers and leave them at coffee shops, colleges, art galleries. . . pretty much anywhere that a potential dancer might be lurking!

I would probably not bother with the distribution sites--something as low on the newsworthiness scale as a fitness class is probably not going to be picked up on a whim. Your best bet would be to actually call the news outlets you're interested in and ask to speak to the appropriate section editor, then pitch the story to them *before* you send the release. It's a bit more leg work, but you'll get better results than just using a distribution site, which is pretty much throwing spaghetti at the wall. I'd be happy to take a look at your release if you'd like: genevieveraqs at comcast dot net.

And Basina's suggestion of putting up fliers all over town is a great one! Also check for local news Web sites that have events calendars you can post to.

Originally Posted by laura 2

I am starting a new BD fitness/workout class at one of my Park & Rec locations next month. Unfortunately, due to printing deadlines, we can't get the class in the catalog until the next one comes out at the end of December, so I'm trying to get the word out any way I can.

I've written up a press release using a template I found online, but I've never done one before. Would anyone who has done them somewhat regularly be willing to take a quick look at mine to make sure it's decent? If so, please post or PM me your email address, and I will be eternally grateful for your assistance.

Also, it it a good idea to use a press release distribution site like this Free Press Release Distribution & Free Press Release Submission, or Free Press Release - Online Press Release Distribution Service, or should I email it to the local news outlets directly?

I'm assuming you are hanging them at the above said Park and Rec. building.
Also, healthfood stores, vitamin shops and other places that are frequented by health focused individuals. News, free papers (in my kneck of the woods, these are the most popular) facebook ad????

Okay, I was thinking that the distribution sites would somehow send the release to my local outlets. Sounds like that's not at all the case! I've been compiling press release contacts at the local newspapers/magazines/radio stations all morning, and will definately send it direct.

We are doing flyers in town and in the rec center, I've sent out an email to my newsletter email list (nearly 200 addys, and already several interested responses), and the park & rec is sending out an email blast.

Genevieve, I will send the press release to you right now. Thanks so much!

Most free distro sites dont send them out, they just put them up on your service. (Places like PRNewswire will send them out but its not the type of thing you use for this)

Honestly, it doesnt hurt to put them on the free sites though. It still gives you a chance of getting picked up in a search engine. And I still recommend PitchEngine as that will increase visibility for social media/blog searches.

Everything above.

Plus send a simplified version (just who/what/when/where) to the calendar editor of the major papers. I'd include the sign-up date rather than the class start date or they won't run it until it's too late.

I get loads of calls from free calendar listings, when I remember to send them out in time. Your odds of the info actually getting published is much higher and it doesnt hurt your chances of appearing in the lifestyle section or wherever.

Just e-mailed you back, Galatea!

Definitely send the basics to the calendar editors for the local newspapers, entertainment tabloids (Creative Loafing!), local magazines (Towne Laker is up in the Cobb area), etc. Check out their websites for who specifically to send it to instead of sending the information to the main email address. Be very short and sweet for the calendar listing.

If you send a full-blown news be brief and succinct --- the who, what, and where. Don't use glossy adjectives because they really hate that. Just give them substantial information. (Had this discussion with a reporter last week.)

Flyers, definitely. Some restaurants have community bulletin boards. You might want to check about posting them at local dance supply stores, fitness stores, specialty shops, etc. If you are interested in bringing in college students, contact the student life/activities office first since some campuses prefer to okay flyers before posting (and some will even take care of posting the flyers for you).

As far as picking up a feature story, it's pretty random as to what reporters will latch on to. Depends on how slow the news is that day and whether they find it interesting. You never know, you might get lucky.

See ya at Shimmyathon!