Not a Press Release Pro? This Tutorial May Help.

Don't feel like a pro when it comes to writing press releases? Need a complete tutorial, a refresher or even just some new ideas on when to write releases? Then Joan Stewart's free tutorial, "89 Ways to Write Powerful Press Release" may be of interest.

Joan's description of the tutorial:

Every day for 89 days in a row, I'll give you one lesson, delivered via email, on how to write and distribute a press release. Each day, I'll also give you one opportunity to write a release. For example, if you're rolling out a new product, that's one opportunity. Each day's lesson will take you just a few minutes to read.

See The Publicity Hound's Blog for complete details and links to get started.

I've signed up and am on day three of the tutorial. A refresher never hurts and I'm bound to gain a new idea or two. Those without training in public relations will definitely find this course helpful.

Tip: Get More Mileage from Your Swag

Chris Olson sent out a good tip on the AcademicPR list today about how to get extra mileage from your promotion swag:

You can get extra promotion and visibility mileage out of your giveaway. Tell everyone that you'll be holding a contest over the next 2-3 months. Anyone spotted wearing the bracelet/shirt/hat/ or using the cup/pen/whatever in the library at random, unannounced times, will get a special reward and their names entered into a larger drawing for a larger prize. This gives you several visibility opportunities for announcing the winners, reminding people about the random sightings, and building up for the grand prize drawing.

Another option is to doing the "spotting" in a public venues, like a football game. Then you'll be encouraging everyone to wear something that advertises the library (walking billboards) and the winners can be announced during the half-time on the loudspeaker (free PR broadcast).

So don't just give something away. Make it count towards your overall marketing and communications strategy. It doesn't take much more effort and you'll get a better ROI.

This is a great tip and radio stations do this all the time with great success. Has anyone actually executed this idea? How'd it go?

See the original question about ideas of promotions items to give away at orientations at the Academic PR Forum.