Quick & Dirty PR
So, you are interested in trying to get the news to cover your event or campaign, but you’re pressed for time. Quick & Dirty PR is just for you.
Quick & Dirty PR summarizes section of CampusPRHelp into 5 steps. The blue underlined titles are hyperlinks to documents posted in CampusPRHelp.
Never forget though, that we are in a spiritual battle. Pray before you start and at every step of the way.
Step 1: Write a Press (News) Release & Talking Points
The main purpose of your release is to deliver a newsworthy story about you or your event to the reader.
Because it is a standard tool, most releases use a common format or template.
A press release grabs attention by what it says, not by a flashy appearance.
Check out all the samples in the tab Events & Campaigns. You might find a news release you can adapt and use.
Talking Points (also called Key Messages) are the main points about your event, activity or Campus Crusade that you would like every audience to understand.
Step 2: Make a Media Contact List
What media do you want to inform about or have cover your event?
Tony Arnold may be able to help you gather the contact information for outlets on your list.
You will need to email Tony.Arnold@uscm.org with the following information:
- Your City Name
- The formal name of any newspaper you need.
Examples: Wrong: The Beacon Right: The Daily Beacon - The Call Sign for any TV station you need:
Examples: Wrong: NBC 17 Right: WNBC - The Call Sign & frequency (AM or FM) for any radio station
Examples: Wrong: Oldies 100 Right: WRAL – FM
Step 4: Contact the Media
Now you’re ready to use your press release to contact the media.
Here’s a step by step description of how you distribute your release and more importantly how and when to follow up by phone and what to say to get the best response.
Step 5: Be ready on the Day of the Event
Follow the steps outlined in for the Day of the Event carefully. Plan your schedule so that you can work the telephone at the appropriate times.
Step 6: Connecting with the Media in the Future
What did you learn from this process?
How are you going to continue to relate to the media?
Don’t let it be a one time event.
Email Tony.Arnold@uscm.org with you comments and observations. Email him hyperlinks to the stories in various news media that covered your event because of your efforts.
Always remember: We are in a spiritual battle. Pray before you start and at every step of the way.
Click here to download an easily printable version of this page.