Ministry Marketing Solutions | Pam Perry - PR Coach » Platform Building

How to get Publicity…with Monique Caradine

Pam Perry — Wed, 12 Oct 2011 15:44:10 +0000

If a producer called you today for a TV interview would you be ready?

Would you be able to turn a brief conversation with a newspaper or magazine editor into a free publicity opportunity?
Upon their request, would you be able to send a reporter all the information they needed about you in a professionally branded electronic media kit INSTANTLY?
For most people, the answer to all these questions is a resounding NO! However, there is no reason that a lack of media preparedness should be a barrier to your media success!

FOR A LIMITED TIME

Momentum Media Group is offering a special rate on one of our newest and most exclusive service offerings:
HIGH-POWERED PRESS KITS – For authors, experts and executives. Visit our website today today to get your custom High-Powered Press Kit.

Hear her on the Synergy Energy Show: http://tobtr.com/s/2428485. #BlogTalkRadio #pr

Social Media Swag with Pam Perry in 7 Steps

Pam Perry — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:08:02 +0000

Social Media Marketing is the NEW and NOW method for generating buzz (and more business) through social networking and Web 2.0 websites.

Do you feel confident in doing it?

Do you have the “Swagger” to Attract a Tribe, Build a Brand, Close the Deal and Get The Money?

It’s not rocket science – but it does take someone to show you how to do it RIGHT. Without the hype. Without the Techy Talk and Geek Speak. Just someone to break it down for you so you can actually GET THIS THING moving - so YOU CAN

build your online brand to bring in business,

get some videos up that will go viral,

attract “raving fans” on Facebook and Twitter and

harness the secret power of Linkedin!

For the past 5 years I spent thousands of dollars and thousands of hours figuring out the perfect social media system that I could use that would:
Not require me to spend countless hours online

Build a loyal email database and social media following

Market my business and my brand to attract influential clients

Create and market information products that sell very well on my website

Use email and internet marketing techniques to bring in thousands of dollars per month
And finally, get hundreds of thousands of monthly visitors to my websites and blogs who have interest in my services and products and ready to do business!

Now, I’ve got it! I’ve got this all down to a complete set of strategies that work – and I want to share this information with you so you can be confident and get your social media SWAG on!

You are invited to my Social Media Swag Seminar where you can learn my time-tested and proven Social Media System that I have used for many years.

So get clicking. You are one click away from awesome.

12 Simple Ways to Sell More Books (guest post)

Pam Perry — Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:40:18 +0000

Most authors want to sell books, but many never will. At least not more than a handful.

The #1 way to sell books is to get yours to stand out from the millions of others that are out there.

Below are 12 very easy to implement “stand out” ideas.

1. Article marketing

One of the oldest online marketing strategies is still one of the most effective. Writing articles that tie into the theme of your book should be very easy. After all, you are a writer.

Even if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands you can take portions of a chapter and create several articles.

At the end of the article add in something that drives readers back to your blog, website or landing page to opt in for something of value. Yes, ethical bribes still work.

2. Tell people

You need to let your friends, family, colleagues, clients, peers and just about anybody you know that your book was published. After all, if you’re not willing to talk about your book others may not be either.

3. Reviews from happy readers

Third party endorsements (verbal or written) are a great way to have your book stand out. Just today I began reading a book my nutritionist recommended.

Recently Sandi hosted a workshop on food cravings. During her presentation she recommended the audience read two books. I wrote both down and upon returning home immediately ordered the Kindle version of the one that most caught my attention.

Once I’m done with the book I will write an Amazon review. It’s likely I will even blog about the book. Viral marketing at its best.

4. Facebook

Start a page for your book. I have done that for the last two books I was the marketing director for. The strategy worked well in that we created interest in the book before it was published.

Once you start the page you need to let everyone know about it. Be actively involved with those who “liked” the page. Otherwise the page is a stagnant piece and does you no good.

5. LinkedIn groups

A fantastic way to build a loyal following of potential buyers of your book(s) is to start a LinkedIn group that is specific to the theme or genre of your book.

Does a group take work? Yes. But so do all the other methods outlined in this article.

The fact is, anything you do is going to take effort.

6. Blogging

By far one of the best things you can do to build visibility, credibility, market reach and SEO is blogging.

Here are only a handful of ideas for what you can blog about regarding your book.

7. FAQ’s

Frequently asked questions as they pertain to the theme of your book. If you’re not sure what the main questions your potential readers have, ask. Even if you have a pretty good idea, ask.

One way to do this is with Survey Monkey. When someone completes your survey give them a gift for doing so without requiring any opt in. This creates a win/win.

Try the survey method. Not only can you post results on your blog, you can write articles and develop products based on the answers.

8. Tips

Based on the theme of your book you can write tips that are specific to the interests of your market.

Just like I did with this posting, you can do so with your book.

9. Interviews with other authors in the same genre

Why not find other authors who have a following and interview them? Not only will you have great information for your blog, you will build credibility by association.

10. Case studies

If your book is a how to, you can profile those who got specific results based on the information your book outlines. This not only increases potential reader interest, it substantiates the value of your book’s information.

11. Guest Blogging

One of the fastest and most effective ways to increase market reach and visibility for you and your book is to be a featured blogger on other high traffic blogs.

12. Videos

Without a doubt video is one of the most powerful marketing tools you can use to promote your book. You can do book trailers, short readings, or simply share stories as they relate to your book. Be sure to be animated during your shooting and use keywords both in the spoken part of the video and the title and description.

So there you have it… 12 simple ways to gain visibility for your book(s).

3 Simple Steps to Begin Making Money Online Right Now! FREE online course from Kathleen Gage. Kathleen works with spiritually aware speakers, authors, coaches and consultants who are ready to turn their knowledge into money making products and services. http://www.streetsmartsmarketing.com/3simple.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6010505

Shine online and brand like a superstar!

Pam Perry — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 03:51:26 +0000

Online event registration for Social Media Marketing 101: How to Shine Online

BLOGGING Secrets Revealed: Exposing “light” on the internet! PLR

Content is king on the internet. But you don’t have time to create it? Watch or read about ways to use Easy PLR in your business, on your blog or website. PLR is a tip from Pam Perry, YOUR PR Coach.

Go to EasyPLR.com to make your life easier!

http://easyplr.com

Content is always in high demand. Right now the focus seems to be on Private Label Rights (or PLR) articles. PLR articles are pre-written and sold in packages to online businesses looking for content. The big selling points of PLR articles are that you may edit the articles and that there is no author bio required (so they don’t have any outbound links).

Compare PLR articles to free reprint articles. Free reprint articles from places like EzineArticles.com or freeaffiliatearticles.com are written by people who have something they’d like to share. (Or, they are sometimes written by people just publishing junk, in the hopes that they’ll get some incoming links. But, good article directories will delete those, so we’ll focus on the good ones here.)

So, which is better? Honestly, each has its place. Sometimes you’ll find an excellent free reprint article that you’ll want to share with your readers and you won’t mind a bit having an outbound link, especially if there is an affiliate program associated with it. The free reprint article added value to your readers, and you didn’t have to write the article. That’s what free reprint articles are all about.

Other times you’ll already have an idea in mind for a topic and you’ll just want a boost getting that section of your website done. If you run across a high quality PLR package on that niche, you’re set to go.

So, how do you know which PLR service or membership to choose?

Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Some PLR sites offer a monthly membership where you receive a grab-bag of articles – on any topic. If you already know what you need, this may be a waste of money. Other PLR sites will list topics and you can buy the articles in a shopping cart. That ensures you receive the articles you need when you need them.

2. Are the articles written by professional writers with experience? Or are they outsourced to the cheapest overseas help they can find – no matter the quality? If the articles are going to be a reflection of your business, you’ll want to ensure that the articles are well-written.

3. Who’s running this thing? Is the PLR site run by someone who knows about content or someone who thinks they can ride the content wave and make a quick buck? Make sure you’re hitching your wagon to someone who knows what they’re doing.

Those are just a few tips to keep you from wasting money on a PLR site that you can’t use. Continue to use free reprint articles, but look into PLR articles as well. They can both benefit your website and your business.

Nicole Dean is the co-owner of http://www.EasyPLR.com – where you’ll find high-quality PLR articles sold in very limited quantities.

Here’s a free PLR Ebook: Click here

Ministry Marketing Solutions voted as “Savviest in Social Media” from StartUp Nation

Pam Perry — Thu, 02 Dec 2010 19:56:12 +0000

Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.
Wins the 2010 Savviest in Social Media in the
StartUp Nation Home Based-100

Thank you for your prayers, your votes and your virtual friendship.

It’s a digital world and I’m glad to be connected, linked,

tweeting or facebooking with you!

This is an honor and I am humbled to win this prestigious

award out of the thousands that entered!

Now on to really MARKET THE MESSAGE! Are you ready to “crush it” too?

Pam Perry, YOUR PR Coach & Social Media Strategist
Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.

Click to Connect, Learn and Earn

Contestant’s Case to Win

Ten-Year-Old Public Relations Firm Reinvents
Delivering Online Branding, Viral Videos,

Digital Marketing, Virtual Assistance and

More to Authors, Nonprofits and Entrepreneurs

Detroit – Reinvention. Reposition. Rebranding.

This is what Pam Perry, the chief visionary of the

10-year-old Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc has done.

The award-winning PR coach has kicked the company into

another gear by developing a full selection of social

media services for authors, organizations and small businesses.
“I want to position my clients to superstar success – like a rock star!

The way to help them achieve major visibility,

more credibility and high marketability is to leverage

the internet and ‘crush it’ with social media marketing,” said Perry.

“We have kicked it up a notch – and ready to rock and roll.”

The Detroit Free Press called her “a marketing whiz on an

almost immortal mission.” Publishers Weekly called her a “PR Guru.”

Hear her latest podcast with social media superstar,

Shama Kababi of “The Zen of Social Media” here: www.blogtalkradio.com/ministrymarketingsolutions

The Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. team provides

clients with overall branding which includes blog site

development, email marketing, article marketing,

online videos, podcasting, social media management,

PR coaching, virtual assistance, keyword research and

other traffic building techniques.

Ministry Marketing Solutions, founded in 2000,

is an online branding and social media agency

that provides services for best-selling authors,

nonprofit organizations and entrepreneurs.

Visit the website and read all the free articles on

book marketing and social media.
Pam Perry and the team have a book coming out next year:

The Swagger of Social Media and a TV show: Synergy Energy

Thanks again. I appreciate you – now let’s get YOUR Social Media Program going!!

Pam Perry, PR Coach & Social Media Strategist
Ministry Marketing Solutions, Inc.

How to get Buzz for YOUR Christian Book

Pam Perry — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 03:18:09 +0000

Make Free Radio Publicity Your Marketing Centerpiece and Watch the Sales Roll In

Pam Perry — Sat, 16 Oct 2010 06:22:58 +0000

Guest post

As a veteran guest of hundreds of talk radio shows, I can tell you that radio is one of the best free promotional tools available to virtually anyone selling a product or service. I discovered the magic of free radio marketing in the 1990s after writing my first book. Looking for an inexpensive way to get publicity and sales I sort of stumbled into a goldmine – and a free publicity course I purchased served as an excellent pick and shovel to mine the gold.

Talk radio is still very popular today. Radio hosts are always looking for interesting guests. If you offer something that would be of interest or benefit a large audience, you’re probably a first-rate candidate as a guest. And you don’t have to be plugging a book to make it on talk radio. Sure, you’ll often hear authors talking about their books, but any topic with wide appeal can get you bookings if you’re smart about how you present yourself.

The formula is easy. If you’re promoting something to a local market you’ll need a list of local radio stations. If you’re looking for a national audience you’ll be looking for a national database. From here, it’s really simple. You or someone acting on your behalf simply calls the station seeking the producer or host of the show where you’d like to appear. Explain what you have to offer in the way of a good show. Some people are shy talking about themselves in this way. No problem. Simply call as a representative of yourself. Yep. Speak about you in third person. And keep this in mind, the show needs you as much as you need the show.

I learned something interesting in the early going and it paid off in thousands of sales when I needed them most. It was my sole job in any radio interview to make the host look as brilliant as possible in the eyes of his listeners. When you go a great show you make the host and producer look like geniuses. And there’s an obvious benefit to you. When you do a great show everyone benefits. The listeners get great information. You sell your products. And the host looks good in the eyes, or ears if you will, of the listeners. And you’ll often get invited back.

So how can you accomplish all of these things? Practice getting good at delivering excellent information. I’ve found the story format is best. When I was describing the methods in my first book, one devoted to showing people how to get a great deal when buying a home, I’d use real examples. People like true stories, especially where the underdog wins. I was able to illustrate the fact that regular people could use my techniques to buy property way under market. Since many folks don’t see themselves as being able to pull something like this off, they are intrigued when they hear stories of others who actually have. In other words, if one regular person can do it, they can.

Along those lines, gather stories of people you’ve helped. It doesn’t matter if you’re an accountant, personal coach, the pastor of a church, dog groomer, or marshal arts instructor. I’d be willing to bet you’ve made a difference in someone’s life, and that’s your angle. Before you approach the talk show circuit, map out your unique approach, gather your stories, and practice. This isn’t hard but it does take some preparation – unless, of course, you’re already a natural storyteller.

If you plan on using this method of free publicity you might want to set up a little sales system because many talk show hosts are more than willing to help you plug your product or service. So having a toll-free number to call or a Website where they can buy is a must. One more thing, make up a list of questions you want the interviewer to ask you. That makes things easy for the both of you. And by all means, don’t be nervous. Most interviews are done by phone so you’ll be able to have a cheat sheet close by. Keep it conversational as though you’re talking to a friend. After all, you are.

The article you’ve just read is little more than a brief outline of the entire story. Yes, getting free radio publicity to promote your products is simple and you can easily use it too. To get the rest of the story and discover how to entirely avoid the trial and error process, visit: http://www.freepromostory.com

How to use blogs to build your brand and promote your book

Pam Perry — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 23:00:04 +0000

Blogalicious presentation notes: From blog to book with Pam Perry, PR coach

View more presentations from Pam Perry.

Steps to Positioning/Branding yourself in the African American Christian Market

Pam Perry — Sat, 14 Aug 2010 01:33:02 +0000

Step 1: Define your target audience.

Who is your main customer? What do they look like? What do they watch? Listen to? What other media do they consume? The more research you do the more you can identify and target your ideal customer to BUY YOUR BOOK!

Step 2: What’s your PLATFORM? Find your “book hook.” What message are you marketing?

Get your message “out there!” But what do you want to say? Are you an expert? An evangelist? Do you want to position yourself as a “brain” or a “creative” – or do you have endorsements that will speak volumes for you? Who you have endorse you will “pin point” how you will be perceived/branded in the market. Make sure your message that you communicates makes the media say “wow” and not yawn. Examine yourself and find your unique selling position. Why is your book worthy of media attention?

Step 3: Build a media “wish list”

We would all love to be on Oprah, Tom Joyner and Steve Harvey and TBN…that’s a for sure best-seller status. But starting out, get a focused, realistic media database that reaches the core target audience. What do you read, watch and listen to? Do you really know the media? Google the media you know matches your platform. Look up other authors in your genre and Google them to see where they have had media hits. Put those on your “wish list” and go and find those same reporters/stations. No need buy expensive media lists and doing mass mailings – that is old school and doesn’t work.

Here are some Eblast services/media to look at:
(targeting the African-American and faith-based African-American markets)
BlackGospelPromo.com
DetroitGospel.com
GoodGirlBookClubOnline.com
UrbanGospelPromo.com
GospelCity.com
BlackBookPromo.com
UrbanRoundUp.com
GospelEblast.com
GospelEFlyer.com
TheLoopOnline.com
MIProductions.org
GospelTruthMagazine.com
CushCity.com
UrbanGospelPromo.com
GospelFlava.com
Rawsistaz.com
MosaicBooks.com (300 BookClubs)
FriendshipProductions
GospelFruits.com
Izania.com
BlackChristianbookpromo.com
Gospeltube.com
Blacknews.com
Christianbookbuzzonline.com

Step 4: Create dazzling press materials

If you’re trying to pitch Essence, “O” magazine or your local weekly neighborhood newspaper, you better come correct. You only have one chance to make a first impression. Get customized press kit folders if doing mailing. Or get graphics help to design your EPK (electronic press kit). But whatever you do, get great author photos. A picture is worth a thousand words – and a “glamour” shot will get you noticed. Even in the Christian market, sex appeal sells. Make sure your press releases, fact sheets, articles and pitch letters stand out from the crowd and “position” yourself. BRAND!
Great error-free press material is the foundation to a good campaign.

Step 5: Media contact – they are your friends.

How do you meet the media? Go where they go. Go to conferences where you know media will be there like the Gospel Heritage Conference, The PowerNetworking Conference, The Stellar Awards, ICRS (formerly CBA) and even the regional/local National Black Association of Black Journalists. Not a bad idea to even join as an associate member. You’re a writer, right? Networking and building relationships is critical. If you can meet them, keep in contact by commenting on their work – so they know you’re just not “begging” allllllll the time – but really are an educated media consumer. (Also get their name right!)

When you prove yourself as an “expert” and dependable source of information, you get reporters to contact you over and over. And they will tell their friends about you because you will become known as a good source.

But never brow beat and badger a reporter/producer with unwanted phone calls, faxes or E-mails – that’s a quick way to make an enemy with the whole industry. If they don’t respond, ask them why and then move on. There are tons of other media that will reach your target market. Use your time and energy wisely and don’t be a pain – and when you really have something to contact them about – just a quick email is all that is needed.

For more info go to: www.pamperryonlinepr.com

See youtube.com/pamperry1 too for videos

Nine Tips For Using Twitter to Create a Buzz For Your Business (or book)

Pam Perry — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 17:02:47 +0000

I am often asked by small business owners and entrepreneurs if they should be using Twitter for their business. They seldom like my answer, mainly because I respond with a series of questions.

www.twitter.com/smsperrypr

“What is your goal for using social media?”
“Who are you trying to reach?”
“How much time are you willing to spend each day on social media?”
“Do you want to use Twitter, or feel like you ‘should’ use Twitter?”
“Are you willing to get out of your comfort zone and make a commitment?”

Until these questions can be answered, Twitter and other social media sites would be a waste of time. Chances are, the business owner would get frustrated with the results because of unrealistic expectations, and give up, but not after spending countless hours online without a clear voice or message to promote about themselves or their business. Sometimes sending mixed signals is worse than being silent, and the same holds true when entering the world of social media.

For businesses that are ready to make the commitment to social media, Twitter is a great tool for quickly sharing information, gathering real-time feedback and establishing relationships and building a buzz.

A recent study by Chadwick Martin Bailey and Imoderate Technologies found 67 percent of Twitter followers are more likely to buy at least one brand since becoming a follower and 79 percent of followers are more likely to recommend at least one brand since becoming a follower.

The study also found Twitter followers want to be “Brand Insiders,” with “to receive discounts and promotions” and “to be the first to know information about the brand” as the primary reasons they follow a brand on Twitter.

Followers have shown their loyalty and willingness to spread the word about your business, so it makes sense they want to be rewarded for their support. Who doesn’t want to be considered an insider, receive preferential treatment or save money?

Here are some tips for using Twitter to

create a buzz for your business (or book):

1. Offer inside scoops, special, discounts, coupons and other incentives exclusively to you followers
2. Ask for help or ideas
3. Solicit ideas or solutions to challenges
4. Publish solutions, useful tips and fun facts
5. Comment and retweet to recognize and acknowledge followers
6. Answer tweets, but resist the urge to sell
7. Participate in conversations
8. Thank people for following
9. Join Twitter chats to be seen as a leader in your field and learn from other experts

Incorporating just a few of these tips will greatly increase the amount of buzz generated about your business. Just remember to be consistent and have patience. Most of all, be yourself and have fun.

Kristina Shands is the owner of Authentic Communications, a communications and marketing firm specializing in telling stories that move people to action. Authentic Communications collaborates with small businesses and entrepreneurs to spark interest, create a buzz, build connections, increase loyalty and inspire action in order to attract new clients and increase visibility. Download a special report, “Six Questions to Develop Your Business Story (and set yourself apart from the crowd),” at http://authentic-communications.com. Contact Kristina at kristina@authentic-communications.com and follow her on Twitter (@authenticbuzz).

Hear the new radio spot: http://synergyenergy.posterous.com/

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