Recent Articles From EvanCarmichael.com http://www.evancarmichael.com/ http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-for-Business-Startups.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-for-Business-Startups.html If you are a business start-up or a potential start-up and you think PR is just for the big boys, then think again. If you are in business you have a public - in fact you have several - and you also have relationships with these publics - so, like it or not, you have public relations. It makes sense to have a plan to nurture these important relationships and create a positive story about who you are, what you do and how this benefits the people who interact with you. Do this right and they will value the relationship and they will spread the word for you - there is no better business than by recommendation. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Writing-Copy-for-the-Web.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Writing-Copy-for-the-Web.html There are many web sites that can be described as ‘brochure sites’. Literally the corporate brochure transcribed into web format. So why is this wrong? Simply, because readers approach print and web communication in different ways. If I have your brochure in my hand it is because I want to read it and have allocated time to read it. Whereas on the web I am in information hunter mode; if I don’t find what I want quickly, then in two clicks I am away. The following notes may help you craft original copy to keep the reader interested and motivated to take action. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/SWOT-as-a-Public-Relations-Planning-Tool.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/SWOT-as-a-Public-Relations-Planning-Tool.html Used properly SWOT analysis is a remarkably simple and powerful PR planning tool. Here are a few thoughts on using the technique in the analysis of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats when developing a PR campaign. Here are ten things you should do and ten things you should not do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Marketing-in-Tough-Times.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Marketing-in-Tough-Times.html Tough times present PR opportunities as well. If everyone else is cutting their public relations expenditure, then the players that remain will be heard more loudly and clearly. You will still want to be prudent and it is wise to review activities and focus on those that make the maximum impact. Here are ten things you should do and five things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Digital-Photography--Taking-Better-PR-Pictures.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Digital-Photography--Taking-Better-PR-Pictures.html Digital photography has revolutionized image making. Film and photo-chemistry has all but gone. However, a photographer – professional or amateur – still needs a good eye for a newsworthy image. Appreciation of the value of light, composition and a steady hand are as important as ever. For the times you may not be able to use a professional, here are a few tips for taking publishable pictures using digital cameras. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Evaluating-PR-Pitches--Getting-Beyond-the-Beauty-Contest.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Evaluating-PR-Pitches--Getting-Beyond-the-Beauty-Contest.html Sadly, the pitch is often the high point in the agency/client relationship. Agencies may over promise and under deliver, but equally clients may brief poorly or be seduced by showmanship or short term tactics. Objective evaluation is the answer. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Evaluation--A-Practical-Approach.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Evaluation--A-Practical-Approach.html ‘Experts’ suggest that 10 percent of the PR budget should be devoted to evaluation. That’s a lot of resources, especially for a small budget PR campaign. But with clear objectives it should be possible to devise common-sense measures of return on investment and the real impact of a campaign. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Branding--A-Public-Relations-Challenge.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Branding--A-Public-Relations-Challenge.html Branding started because companies wanted their products and services to be distinguishable from the generic dross of others and create an asset for the company. This is still the case today, even when brand owners don’t necessarily make the product. Communicating what a brand stands for is often integral to most public relations campaigns. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Research-Free-and-Low-Cost-Information.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/PR-Research-Free-and-Low-Cost-Information.html Spending on new products, developing markets, public relations or promotion? Then it is better to make informed decisions based on facts rather than taking a stab in the dark based on a hunch. Before commissioning research it is worthwhile getting an appreciation of the big picture by looking at all the free, in-house and low cost sources that are available. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do. http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Exhibiting-Successfully.html http://www.evancarmichael.com/Public-Relations/267/Exhibiting-Successfully.html Exhibitions can be a great way to showcase your products, meet customers, find agents and build trade relationships. They are also a great way to burn money. Adrian Maguire of online PR specialist, www.CLICKintoPR.com outlines ten things you should do and ten things not to do.