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Small-town PR. Krista Petty Saline County Library Benton, AR. Publics . Who are you trying to reach and why? - niche markets Who are you already reaching and how? - demographics Issue statement: What’s the purpose or end goal of this effort?. In-house vs. External.
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Small-town PR Krista Petty Saline County Library Benton, AR
Publics • Who are you trying to reach and why? - niche markets • Who are you already reaching and how? - demographics Issue statement: What’s the purpose or end goal of this effort?
In-house vs. External • a.k.a. Controlled vs. Uncontrolled • In-house publicity - flyers, brochures, newsletter, pamphlets, signs, displays, WEBSITE, Facebook, Twitter,etc. • External - press releases, calendar items, photos, etc.
In-house Tactics • Keep it simple but eye-catching (no wordiness, jargon, or erratic color and typeface patterns). • Positive signs are a positive. • Consistency without monotony is the goal.
External Tactics • Know the Media’s Job (Play by the rules) -AP Style -tight schedule (meetings, photo opts.) -deadlines/publication schedule • Do NOT play favorites! • Please and Thank You • Offer an exchange. • Ask Questions.
Make them Believe • Make everyone believe you’re as wonderful as you are! • Don’t go overboard! -PR practitioners get a bad wrap for fluff- (the program should sell itself after you present it).
Evaluate and Escalate • Patrons are the most important measure of success. -Ask for feedback and listen (even when it’s unsolicited). -They will tell you what your next move needs to be. • Media placements are valuable tools but can be misleading.
Common Misconceptions • Media- friend or foe? • Signage- overhaul • Fancy vs. creative (money savers that move mountains) • Sticking to the formula (unique programs/unique publicity) • Failures as successes? • Warm fuzzies when talking about the library will not come to all your target audiences.