Purpose Publishing
  • About
    • Why Choose Us
  • Pricing
    • Black and White Packages
    • Color Book Packages
    • Additional Services
    • Compare Us
  • Products
  • Books
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Blog
  • Author Book Orders
  • Schedule A Meeting
  • AUTHORity Acdemy

No Free Press

9/26/2019

0 Comments

 
How Much Should A PR Campaign Cost?

Good PR isn’t cheap. Nor is it free. If you can’t afford a legit PR campaign, then chances are you might not be ready for it… but at the same time, it’s also extremely difficult to elevate yourself or your band without some good PR behind you. It’s a classic “chicken or the egg” conundrum.

Authors often ask me about how to get PR, and I often say that gigging, local buzz, and management must come first. Some balk at having to take those steps or say that they can’t afford PR, but I’ve seen many bands figure out a way to get scrimp, save, and pay for management and PR – you just have to figure out the financials. It’s another chance to get creative. I had one artist-turned-producer say this about those who balk about these elements: “If you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to get it.”

But how much you pay for PR, like many aspects of this crazy business, is not standardized nor is it subsidized. I’m also not going to share my own rates or speculate about other publicists’ rates, since most don’t, won’t, and shouldn’t publicize them. (Oh, the irony, right?) A publicist will happily discuss rates and budgets, but those are subjects for a private conversation and are a confidential matter, as they should be. So, no, I can’t really give you a pie chart or a formula about how it shakes out and breaks down, but what I can give you are some general guidelines so you can plan a budget, know what to expect when approaching a firm, and prevent you from getting rolled.

But please know this going in: each and every PR firm or rep will have their own prices and deals that they may or may not want to cut.

1. Temper your expectations. 

Unsigned bands that want PR should realize that most PR firms are not going to take $300 a month for a full campaign. (And to be clear, it’s not going to take $350, either). Servicing tour dates, music, a press release, and information to the media? Sure, that range may work. But extended blanketing and pavement-pounding follow-ups? It’s just not economically feasible. That type of campaign will be four figures, not three, and the price will be commensurate with effort and expectations. Unless you’re a celeb, it won’t mean $10,000 a month – but again, it doesn’t mean under $1,000 either. Negotiation is part of the dance.

Campaigns require elbow grease, education, and repeat follow-ups. That requires time and effort, and a PR person’s time and efforts.  If there are basic placements and some online buzz serving as the goal, then some PR people will do an intro campaign for a pretty affordable rate and see where it goes.  But nothing is dirt cheap. So know that.

2. Even label PR isn’t free.  
If you’re signed to a label or used a publishing company, you’ll have some in-house PR which appears to be “free,” but it’s really factored into your deal. However, an indie firm is often required, requested, desired, or part of the contract due to a previously existing relationship or the manager wanting a dedicated, small operation focusing on building the band’s press kit and profile. Depending on goals like TV, magazine covers, or mainstream looks, this is usually several thousands of dollars. If it’s just tour press support, it’s usually a streamlined rate. If it’s just creating a general, early buzz, it’s also streamlined. Expectations are the variables here.

3. A mutually beneficial relationship might be best for you.  
If you can’t shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars, then why not try to team up with a developing firm or publicist, so you can grow together at an affordable rate? The hunger and drive that you each have can feed one another and lead to some pretty awesome results. I’ve seen it happen.

4. Respect and understand the business behind PR.  
​
When seeking out PR representation, know going into it that it’s not going to be bargain basement or a bro deal either, unless there’s some pre-existing relationship in place. Don’t expect to be “owed” anything or be given a sweet deal unless you’ve earned that right. Don’t insult a business person with a rich and deep reserve of contacts by expecting them to just “hook you up.”

So, those are the most important things to know when it comes to budgeting for music PR for the first time. All of those points – as with every point I make in every article I write for this blog – are based on things I’ve personally seen, heard, said, and done with authors and books.
 
To Your Success,

MG
Picture
0 Comments

Creative Cards

9/19/2019

0 Comments

 
5 Creative Ways to Market With Business Cards 

Slinging business cards is simple when you’ve got networking events, trade shows, and conferences packed on your calendar. But when you’re hunkered down at your desk getting work done, it’s not as easy to share your information with colleagues and potential clients.

Don’t let that keep you from getting your name out there. Let your business card and the people around you do some of that work for you.

Just by getting a little creative — and that’s what you’re good at, right? — you can let your business card put itself in other people’s hands. Here are a few ideas to consider that will also help generate new approaches for you and your creative business card distribution.

1.) Create a referral program on your card. Leave room on the back of your card to make five to 10 lines for your clients, colleagues and friends to write their email addresses. Either include instructions on the card or explain to the first person you hand it to that your business card is a referral card; encourage them to write their info on the back and pass it along to someone else who could use your services and request that they do the same. The last person should return the card to you (or take a picture and email or text it to you) and everyone on the card gets a percentage off services (or the benefit of your choosing) when you receive it back. Bonus: You now have email addresses to add to your contact database!

2.) Make a game of business card distribution. This is similar to the referral program, but it adds in some friendly competition. See who can get the one card in the most people’s hands, or how far your card can travel from home. You can also connect the game into social media. With any game, there has to be a prize at the end, so be sure to plan for something.

3.) Partner up with complementary services. Create your own referral network with noncompeting services by offering to trade distribution of cards. Oftentimes someone who needs a graphic designer or web designer will also need a photographer and could benefit from a copywriter.
 
4.) Partner with past clients.  If you have a past client who is pleased with your service, ask if you can display your business cards at their location so they can easily refer you. It will take a little extra effort, but if you write on those cards “designed ABC company logo,” your potential clients are already exposed to some of your great work.

5.) Catch people off guard.  Just because you’re not at a networking event doesn’t mean you can’t reach out to people you come across about your service. While you’re in line at the bank, sitting at the coffee shop, or in the repair shop waiting room, be mindful of those around you and ways you may be able to connect. Hint: Well-placed and honest compliments, or finding something in common, are great ways to strike up conversations.

If you’ve done any searching online for this kind of thing, you’ve probably also come across some ideas of your own. Unfortunately, many of them are just plain absurd. (Taping my business card to a public toilet? Thanks, but I really don’t want my services being associated with … that).

Here are some of the more common but higher quality ways to get your card out there that might also spark a new idea for you:

– Include a few business cards in everything you mail out.
– Ask friends and family to carry your cards and distribute when they see fit.
– Check with your local Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Center to see if they have a place for local businesses to leave cards and brochures.
– Ask to leave cards at businesses where your service would connect with that clientele.
– Leave them on community boards around town.
– Slide a card in books and magazines related to your service.
– Give more than one business card when you hand them out, so they have one to keep and one or two to give away.

When it comes down to it, nothing beats meeting someone face-to-face for the first impression and letting your business card be the lasting impression. However, it’s just as important to keep your name and information out there— even when you’re not.
 
To Your Success,
​

MG
Picture
0 Comments

You Can Be on the Tube

9/12/2019

0 Comments

 
YOU can do it! It’s YOUTube

Social media is a fantastic tool for engaging with your customers and providing value where they’re already spending so much of their time – in their Facebook news feeds, Twitter streams, and elsewhere online.

As you’re creating your video content, be sure to focus on presenting yourself authentically and personably. If you can come across as someone your audience will connect with, you’ve already won their attention.

With that in mind, you want to do everything you can to resist the temptation of “SELL! SELL! SELL!” messaging. Don’t forget that people connect with people, not brands or companies.

Check out and try these strategies used by the experts to engage with customers and build meaningful relationships on YouTube.

1. Be Personal

People love to connect, have something in common, and acknowledge similarities with others. Don’t afraid to talk about your past mistakes and tell exciting stories.

2. Be Vulnerable

Even though it can be difficult, sharing your weaknesses and asking for feedback from your customers gets them engaged on a much deeper level. People love helping others, and most will jump at the opportunity to provide constructive feedback when they feel they’ve already gotten value from your content.
​
3. Be Responsive

Everyone seeks human connection. Make the extra effort to respond to a comment, mention someone directly in your videos, and shout out those who’ve given you feedback or content suggestions. Chances are, you’ll make someone’s day and they’ll be that much more likely to organically share your content with others.

4. Be Entertaining

Be goofy. Do something crazy. Share your outtakes. Kick back, laugh, and show your customers that you’re human too!

A high level of customer engagement will come as a reward for being yourself, showing you’re human, and delivering content to your audience in an exciting manner.
 
To you the YOUtuber in Training,


MG
Picture
0 Comments

    Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Coaching
    Creating
    Editing
    Promoting
    Tools
    Writing

    Archives

    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015

    Categories

    All
    Announcements
    Coaching
    Creating
    Editing
    Promoting
    Tools
    Writing

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.