Article Marketing Resources

How can I get a magazine to write an article about my wonderful product?

I sell backsplashes with gorgeous art on them (gallery artists are signed with my company!) How do I get some excellent kitchen designer magazines to feature my product in an article? I'm doing REALLY well on the web...but still don't have a huge marketing budget.

Public Comments

1. hire a good public relations firm
2. There are several ways to go about it: 1. Find out the writers or editors of publications you are interested in. Magazine and newspapers phone numbers and emails are often listed in their websites. Contact them, say via email, pitching your story, making sure that you leave your number where they can reach you. Your pitch should be written from the perspective of "why is this newsworthy and interesting." 2. Hire a public relations specialist. Choose one with extensive knowledge and contact with your industry. It may be a more expensive route, though. Here are some articles you may want to read: How to Increase Your Chances to Get Publicity http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol151/publicity.htm Learn The Five Key Steps To Getting Free Publicity http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol152/publicity.htm Ultimate PR Edge: Get Reporters To Open Your Email http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol139/pr.htm
3. You should get someone who does public or media relations to help you. They will have greater success with national magazines, newspapers, etc. because they know how to convince media to write stories. But if you choose to do it yourself, you have to write a persuasive press release, disseminate it to journalists and editors (you'll need to research who they are), and include samples or pictures. That's a rough start - PR's not like brain surgery, but it does take some skill and it's not as easy as non-practitioners think it is. I'd find someone in your area who you can hire to do it for you. Good luck - sounds like a lovely product!
4. You can send query letters to the editor or make an appointment with the publication's writers to pitch your product. You can also make your own publicity by doing something good for your community. These things are usually free or inexpensive and do not require the expense of a PR firm, all of whom are not effective. The other way to skin this cat is the puff piece. This is usually a medium length article run by the publication because you purchased ad space from them. It will not be quite as impressive as a piece written for merit, but it is still therein black and white in front of your audience. Some publications will run the puff piece just for a fee. Beware of this, because it can potentially come back to haunt you.
5. I am a freelance writer always looking for a new story angle to pitch to magazines. Let me know where to get in touch with you, and maybe we can work something out. Exposure for you and a little $ from the magazine for me for writing the article.
6. What you really need are some press releases to the appropriate magazines and newspapers. As long as they are done correctly (lots of information and only a small amount of self promotion), many magazines will print them as is.