How To Get Publicity for Your Project
The following suggestions are made to help you "get the word out" about your TWCCTW Day project. If you are doing your project on a regular basis (such as every TWCCTW Day - the first Saturday of each month) you have an edge to your publicity as the media is always looking for stories. Keep them apprised of what you are doing, your progress, special human interest stories that have happened along the way. (But always get permission from the people involved before running a story about them!)
Be sure to register your TWCCTW Day project
with us so others can easily find and connect with you.
Communicate with your local media people. Stories written about what you are doing are free and the media is always looking for attention grabbing news! As you publicize your TWCCTW Day project, you'll also be gaining coverage for your business or organization as well.
1. First make a list of your local daily and weekly newspaper reporters, editors, any local and regional magazines, and TV and radio stations. Don't forget wire and internet services as well.
2. Next make some calls. Know what you're going to say before you call.
- Make notes of the most important elements they'll be listening for -- who, what, where, when and how. Give sufficient "lead time" -- usually a minimum of two weeks for radio and newspapers.
- Keep it very short, compelling, interesting, and appropriate for the news department you're calling.
- It's also important that you are not talking about you, but rather about the people who will be reading or hearing the story.
- If possible, add a visual -- is there one house you're working on? Is there one location where you're accepting donations?
- If you don't get an interview, ask if you can send a news release. Be sure to find out their preferred method of receiving releases, i.e. e-mail, media kit, or fax.
- Don't be intimidated - just call!
3. Before you start talking - be sure to ask "Is this a good time to talk? I just need 2-3 minutes of your time." Editors, reporters, journalist, DJ's are all very busy people.
4. Now send news releases. The people you've talked to will recognize your story and are much less likely to "delete" or "trash" it. Be sure to send it in the format they requested. Here is a template to use when writing a press release (MS Word format).
- Make the release personal -- reporters need to tell stories.
- Tie-in your story with an event that typically generates interest -- Super Bowl, Academy Awards, start of school, World Series, Thanksgiving, etc.
- Invite the media to your project -- list times when cameras would be appropriate.
- Here is a sample PSA template.
- Direct it to the public service director at your local radio stations.
5. Write a public service announcement (PSA).
- These are free.
- This is a good way to recruit volunteers for your project -- refer them to TWCCTW Day's website to sign up.
- Be aware of lead time -- usually about two weeks -- don't wait until the last minute!
Here are 20 other ways you can "get the word out"