Archive for December, 2009

In my public relations class this past semester, we talked a lot about writing news releases and in particular, what makes a story newsworthy. Here are six important qualities that make a story newsworthy:

1. Oddity
2. Conflict
3. Known Principle
4. Impact
5. Proximity
6. Human Interest

When writing a news release, we want to make sure many outlets are interested in our story, because this will lead to publicity. If a news release includes one of the six qualities, we can ensure our story is newsworthy.

Oddity refers to something unusual that occurs; something that doesn’t happen everyday.

An example of conflict in the news is the debate over stem cell research, or the recent debates over a health care reformation. When there is a conflict, we can guarantee that it will be all over the news.

An example of known principle is the president. His every move is newsworthy.

Impact refers to something that impacts many people, the community, or the nation. An example of this is the economy.

Proximity refers to local news. Because self-interest is often high, if you can find a local angle in your story, it will make news.

An example of the human-interest component is ‘cute, nice, light-hearted stories’. If someone overcomes a controversy, or turns something negative into positive, the public will be interested.

*The most important news value is where you will distribute your release. It is crucial to know your audience and which media outlets meet the needs of your target audience.

So I’ve been meaning to blog about PR tips for months, and on this snowy December day I am FINALLY doing it. I usually make everything I want to do happen..sometimes it just takes me a little longer to get started. So here I am, and here’s my useful PR tip of the week: “How using both Facebook group and fan pages can help you spread the word.” I’ve been asked by two of my clients, Philly2Philly.com & Lifepages.com in the past week about the difference between the two, and decided that there’s no better time than now to explain to you how they both can help in the social media world. Yes, that’s right- don’t use one over the other. Both can help you get what you want in terms of outreach to the relevant group you’re trying to target. Facebook fan pages are the most popular right now because they work just like your own wall in terms of when you update your status it goes in everyone’s news feeds. That’s a benefit because you can get all of your “fans” to see your latest news. Also, when you create your fan page, you can set the page to automatically tweet your updates on your twitter account. That’s a double benefit for you and your message. The more followers that follow you = the more people who will see your news! I also recommend uploading your company’s logo or photo of what you’re promoting within the fan page itself. A catchy image can get you far. Remember the old saying that a picture is worth a 1000 words!

Now for all of you active facebookers, you should now know what a group page is.. or at least have heard of them, or joined groups yourself. My clients have asked me if they should get rid of their group pages, and I tell them NO! Group pages are good to directly send your followers a message to their inbox. You can’t do that with fan pages. Fan pages just send updates to their members that users never really click on in my opinion. SO that is the main reason why I suggest that you have and keep both a group & fan page. Both are important to target your followers.

So in a nutshell, the main difference is that a group page allows you to send your followers direct messages while the fan page allows you to post updates that your followers will receive in their news feeds.

Please check out this useful list from TheCommsCorner for all of your social media/PR needs:

My picks for the 99 most useful Social Media (and PR) Blog posts of 2009

http://thecommscorner.blogspot.com/2009/12/99-most-useful-social-media-pr-posts-of.html

If you have any questions please email me at jsherlock@jennacommunications.com.

Jenna Comunications presents McFadden’s Ballpark goes Hollywood. Party like a **ROCKSTAR** this New Year’s Eve!!

Get your tickets now! There is a limited number of tickets for sale for this intimate upscale event. Come party with us as we transform McFadden’s into a red carpet, VIP, celebrity style event.

Go to Hollywood without paying the price.

http://mcfaddenshollywoodnye.eventbrite.com/

Join us as we take over the ballpark:

*5 hour open bar
*Buffet + carving stations
*DJ’s spinning house, hip hop, mash-ups and more
*Celebrity look-a-likes
*Free parking
*Party favors
*Champaign toast at Midnight
*Professional coat check services
*Stunning décor

We’re bringing Hollywood with Philly’s sexiest crowd, so dress to impress!

We’re offering a limited number of specially priced advance tickets for $100 until December 25th.

General Admission tickets include:

General Admission tickets will be sold, and they are going fast! Buy now to get the Early Bird Discount rate of $100, which will only be available until December 25th.

Purchase your tickets early and save money; prices increase as New Year’s Eve approaches and this event WILL sell out.

Visit www.mcfaddensballpark.com or call 215.952.0300 for more details

*Jacket or Tie Required

Discounted rooms available at the Holiday Inn!

The Holiday Inn Stadium has offered a special room rate for the guest of Mcfadden’s on New Year’s Eve.

You can book your rooms by calling Tara Salerno @ (215)218-1432

Be sure to mention Mcfadden’s to receive the discounted rate of $119.00+ taxes