Note from Cathy: Dan Janal offers some interesting predictions about PR and publicity in the coming year. I agree with Dan’s predictions, and I believe that #2 is absolutely critical. It is no longer just about the media promoting us; we need to promote them, too.
And despite what some say, press releases are not dead. As Dan notes, some of the techniques are changing, but press releases and pitch letters are still with us.
Take a look at Dan’s predictions, and let us know what you think. What is working for you in getting publicity?
- Reporters will be judged by how widely their articles are viewed and shared. Publishers want page views and interaction. If reporters deliver, they will be hired and retained. If not, they will be replaced by more engaging writers. This leads to prediction #2.
- Reporters will want you to promote the articles so they can get more love from their editors. You will be able to curry favor with them if you tell them you will promote the article. That will put you ahead of all other sources.
- Infographics will become a standard way to tell stories; but unfortunately, people will dumb down infographics by putting in basic info. I’ve seen an infographic called “10 ways to write great blog posts,” which was really 10 basic grammar rules. It sure looked nice, though!
- Pitch letters to reporters will get shorter and shorter as reporters and editors and producers use tablets and smart phones with smaller screens.
- Google will not list press releases from “free sites.” Press releases from PR Newswire will continue to get Google love.
- Hashtags will be used in press release headlines. A few people do that now. A few more will do it in 2015. It won’t become a standard policy just yet.
What trends and predictions do you have for 2015?
Dan Janal, author of Reporters Are Looking for YOU!
