Having a website is an important element of your public relations mix but it needs to be working for you. What else can you do to get people to click on your site? Well you could incorporate some PR activities around your site. Public relations is essentially communication, letting people know what your do, why you do it and how you make a difference.
One aspect of PR is publicity. Creating word of mouth interest in your business by getting free editorial coverage of your business in the media.
Publicity stories in the media are very effective but you won't get one for your website unless you have a new idea, controversial story, sensational aspect to your website, something unusual or completely different. Get the idea? Some story ideas: are you the first to use this technology? Have you made a huge sale through your website? Does your website help or benefit people in any way? Are you running a unique online competition or survey? Have you a heart-warming personal story to tell? My point is that you need to have a point.
Let me give you an example of publicity that was designed specifically to attract people to a particular website.
There's an online travel company Zuji.com.au and what they did was implement a publicity campaign to drive traffic to their website. It was a simple idea really. They put together on online competition asking people to write in their travel secrets of their favourite destinations throughout the world and they could win a valuable travel prize. They told the media about it and although a simple idea it captured the attention of the travel media.
Consequently the media promoted the competition quite heavily resulting in heaps of visitors to the Zuji website. And of course it involved real people telling their own stories so the human interest element worked. It worked brilliantly for the company. Firstly they were successful in getting lots of free publicity from the competition and they also collected the email addresses of all of the people that visited their website. Plus they captured some really interesting stories and content to put on their site. So an online competition works well but you do need tell the media about it. Once you've developed a good newsworthy story you'll need to contact the relevant journalists who will help you reach your target market. Don't contact everyone, just the media that are appropriate to you and your product.
Contact them by sending a media release (it of course includes your website address) or just telephone them. Research your target media by checking out the newspapers, magazines and wherever else your competitors are being featured. You can buy media directories.
Don't forget to let journalists know there is a media room on your website where they can obtain further information.
Another way to publicise your website is to put your domain address everywhere. Anytime you do send out a media release or newsletter or write a letter to a potential client or sponsor an event, not only is it really important to put your name on everything but put your website address there as well. So for instance you might have some fantastic caps or t-shirts designed for your business that you want people to wear that look great and effective and but why not on the back of that cap put your domain name. Every where that you communicate, put your web address. Include on your voice mail, stickers, business cards, your car, caps, t-shirts on everything!
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
How to be a sexy male?
By: " Jen I " | 28-09-2008
How to be a sexy male. For years, I have studied myself(Knowing Myself), and have done a pretty fine job of it compared to where I came from, years ago. (I was a MESS!!!)
Now, I'm faced with Mid-Life, and still haven't attracted a woman or any women to me,for that matter, who would be intimate with me. I have studied Charisma, Charm, Positive Thinking, Self-Esteem, and How to "Get the Girls", articles and books until I'm blue in the face, yet no REAL,positive responses or results,yet. So, I'm wondering what it is that I am doing wrong, and how to correct it,NOW. How Does a man "BECOME" sexy to women?
What product can I use to shine my Konecto vinyl ...
By: Joan | 25-09-2008
What product can I use to shine my Konecto vinyl tile flooring with aluminum oxide finish? Many products including Metroflor Gloss Finish say not to use on aluminum oxide finish.
Maybe if Palin and McCain made themselves ...
By: Adam | 25-09-2008
Maybe if Palin and McCain made themselves available to questioning and interviews, we would take them seriously as candidates.
Why did Louis Young shot Darlene Young and Marissa ...
By: lilsexy | 25-09-2008
Why did Louis Young shot Darlene Young and Marissa Jasmine? They Need to get to the reason why he did that to those two women>
Old newspaper from 1898
By: mike | 25-09-2008
do you think a newspaper that is in pretty good condition is worth anything? its from 1898 verona news p.a. plese help
Hello. Can anyone advise me. I need help getting ...
By: FreeSpirit | 23-09-2008
Hello.
Can anyone advise me. I need help getting clients. I've advertised in magazines for years but it doesn't work.
I'm a Spiritual Counselor and Healer.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also, I desire to earn extra income part-time for supplementation.
Thank you.
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Business Articles
A Review of the Vemma Income Opportunity
By: Brian Garvin | 07/10/2008
UVme is an income opportunity based, from what we can tell, on the sale of subscriptions on an online gaming site. The sites are promoted through word of mouth and through the internet via social networks and the like. The sales pitch sounds very promising. It says...
A Review of the Usana Income Opportunity
By: Brian Garvin | 07/10/2008
Usana is a huge company with its headquarters in Salt Lake City, UT. They specialize in hair care, health and fitness, personal hygiene and weight management. They are doing so well that they have made a huge amphitheater in Salt Lake City that host numerous concerts with well-known...
A Review of the Uppercase Living Income Opportunity
By: Brian Garvin | 07/10/2008
If you are interested in an multilevel marketing opportunity that can fit into an otherwise busy day, or one that will allow you to get out and communicate with people, take a look at the opportunities offered by Uppercase Living! This charmingly named business offers positions as Demonstrators to...
A Review of the Univera Life Sciences Income Opportunity
By: Brian Garvin | 07/10/2008
In today's world of rushing from a meeting to softball game to a PTA meeting, people tend to forget to eat properly. Lack of proper nutrients in the diet can cause fatigue, irritability and illness. Many doctors recommend vitamin supplements to help with these conditions.
Univera Life Sciences was...
Top 5 Virginia Real Estate Counties Reviewed
By: Brian Garvin | 07/10/2008
Amherst County, VA. - The Amherst County, VA Real Estate Market has a lot of advantages for both Real Estate Buyers and Real Estate Sellers. Amherst is deeply committed to progress and growth as well as a region of people who are there for each other in the worst of...
An Introduction to Serviced Apartments
By: Andrew Doyle | 07/10/2008
Serviced Accommodation
An increasing area of the temporary accommodation market, especially within inner cities, is the use of serviced accommodation. Often hotels don't have the space required for a family to comfortably stay; often it can be difficult to live in the same room as a group of other people. The...
The Impact of the Economic Downturn on Employment in the Food Manufacturing Industry 2008
By: Louise G | 07/10/2008
The impact of the economic downturn on employment in the Food Manufacturing Industry today is worldwide. The US processed food sector had steady growth in the ten year period after 1997, with slight decline near the end. Many employed in the food manufacturing industry are multinationals.
Adsense UK
By: Phillip Booker | 07/10/2008
The United States are pioneers in many areas and we tend to follow. Okay we do have our shining moments, but to be honest us Brits need to be watching activities in America and tweak them for the UK market. In the light of this I've gathered a few Adsense Tips, tricks and secrets to offer to my colleagues here in the UK. Here are ten to help you...
More from Sue Currie
Niceties in the Noughties
By: Sue Currie | 29/05/2008 | Business
Are manners and business etiquette still relevant in the 21st Century?
A Dozen Ways to Develop Your Personal Brand
By: Sue Currie | 13/05/2008 | Business
A strong personal brand can really contribute to building your profile and business. To pick up a few ideas on how to develop your PB read further.
Shine Through Your Personal Brand
By: Sue Currie | 10/05/2008 | Branding
As a business owner you are the public face of your organisation. You represent what that company stands for. Read how your personal brand can help you to succeed with your business.
Top 10 Tips to PR Success
By: Sue Currie | 10/05/2008 | Marketing Tips
Read how you too can experience the power of the press to help your business success.
Do it yourself Marketing
By: Sue Currie | 10/05/2008 | Marketing Tips
All the world’s a stage and each man in his time plays many parts…
(To borrow loosely from Shakespeare). How’s your role-playing going?
Are you busily working “on” the business and including, sales, PR, event management, marketing and promotion into your juggling act? Well you have just added the title of Marcoms Manager to your job description. Learn more about how it can help you to succeed.
Send a Media Release to Stand Out and Shine
By: Sue Currie | 10/05/2008 | Marketing Tips
Do you want to stand out from the crowd in your business or personal life? Does the idea of free publicity appeal to you? One way to gain recognition and exposure for your business or your personal achievements is to distribute a media release. Reade more about the impact that can have on your business.
Lessons Learned From a TV Appearance
By: Sue Currie | 07/05/2008 | Business
If you have the opportunity to be interviewed on television, then grab it, as it is very worthwhile and may help promote your product or service. But if you're not sure what to do or say, then take a look at Lessons Learned from a TV Appearance.
Business Shine
By: Sue Currie | 05/05/2008 | Networking
Networking, cocktail parties and business lunches are an important part of our everyday working life. Being at ease in these situations and behaving in the most appropriate manner doesn’t always come easily to everyone. It pays to perfect some of these social skills if you’re looking to get ahead in your career.
Business 
About the Author:
