TOW: 10 Blogging Tips from Me to YOU!!

The first time that it ever occurred to me to create a blog was when it was assigned to me in my intro to PR class. Before this I had occasionally dabbled in online writing but nothing serious. At one point I attempted to keep an online journal but I gradually lost interest and moved on to something more exciting. I know that the main reason that people in this class blog is because it is assigned, but through blogging I have learned so much about myself and the professional community that I am entering into.

1. The first thing to remember about blogging is to have patience. At first you will not have many visitors to you page accept you teacher and maybe a few classmates but if you continue on, the readers will come.
2. When blogging be careful with you grammar, spelling, and sentence structure. I know that blogging is a less formal style of writing but the basic rules of English still apply.
3. Be sure to read and comment on other blogs. This will not only expose you to different topics and styles of writing but also draw people to your blog.
4. Don’t talk about the same topics as everyone else. I know that some topics will be assigned but try to put your own spin on them whenever you can. Nobody wants to read the same things over and over, not even your teacher. Try to make each post your own.
5. Be courteous to all other bloggers. I know this can be especially difficult when some bloggers can be rude. But always do your best to keep the animosity to a minimum.
6. If you find a blog that you like and read on a regular basis, tell the blogger. It is always nice to hear that your work is appreciated. Who wants to write all these blog posts for nobody to read? Right?
7. Try to add several pictures and hyperlinks to your blog posts. These will make your postings more interesting and keep your readers engaged in you writing.
8. When you do use hyperlinks make sure that they open in a new tab or new window. This way your readers can enjoy the links without losing their place on your blog.
9. Remember that blogs are open to the public. Just like Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, don’t post anything that you don’t want future employers to find out about.
10. The most important thing is to get everything you can out of your blogging experience. Try not to see it as a chore but as a joy. The more you write the better you will be at it. Take advantage of every blogging opportunity.

TOW: Do Not Annoy The Journalists!!

In the field of public relations we often work with journalist and reporters. We need them to get our job done and they need us to get their job done. We are a source of information for them and they are a source of publicity for us. In this mutually beneficial relationship there can sometimes be tension because of actions that are not always appropriate. Here is a list of 10 things that PR professionals do to annoy journalist and how they can be avoided.

1. Submitting written material that is not up to standard and must be rewritten. Be sure that all materials sent to journalist adhere to AP style and is print ready.
2. Using too many “hype” words in press releases. Journalists do not respond to words like “sophisticated”, and “unique.” They just want the basic information. It is for the public to decide if it is “state of the art” not the publicist.
3. Overwhelming them with emails, phone calls, or faxes. Try to limit the amount of unsolicited communication. Too many people calling you multiple times a day can get really frustrating.
4. Too many repeat calls or follow ups. It is ok to call once to update a journalist if there is new information, but don’t continue to call simply to “check on things.”
5. Being unavailable. When you have your contact information on a press release. Make sure that you are actually available for contact. Journalists do not like being sent to voicemail any more than the rest of us.
6. Not meeting deadlines. Journalists have serious deadlines. If a journalist misses a deadline because of the actions of a PR professional, it does not have a good impact on that relationship.
7. Not being informed about the product or service in your press release. You should always be able to talk easily with a journalist about a service or product of a client. While it is possible to not have the answer to every question, doing research beforehand can ensure that you are knowledgeable enough to answer most of them.
8. No knowledge of the publications format and content. Again research will help you in this situation. You would not send a press release about a new line of stuffed animals to a magazine that is all about coin collecting.
9. Sending a press release with gimmicks like shirts, cups, or pens. Journalists see this as a trick to get you to publish your story. Most of it will end up in the trash and it will do nothing to improve your media relationship.

10.  Sending the same press release to every journalist you can find. It is always a good idea to research specific beats and target specific reporters that you think would be interested in receiving your release.

Source: Public Relations Writing and Media Techniques