Why You Need to be Creating Press Right Now--15 Reasons

As your firm enters 2007, do you struggle with this problem and other major business decisions?

How can I be creative with my marketing budget? What if I don't have the resources to advertise? How can I attract new clients and customers? Frequent recognition of your business through press releases can be the answer.

Here are the top 15 reasons you need to be creating press right now.

1. To attract and retain top staffing talent
2. To attract and retain high quality clients
3. To grow your firm strategically
4. To enter new geographic or other markets
5. To differentiate your firm and beat competitors
6. To build equity in your firm - for selling, or planning your ultimate exit strategy
7. To dramatically increase search engine placement and create internet presence
8. To create interest for feature stories on your firm, projects, products and services
9. To create direct mail inserts to send to clients and potential clients
10. To use as brochures or brochure content
11. To build dynamic website content for your site and on the internet
12. To use as case studies and content for internal and external newsletters
13. To assemble as presentation packets, project information and leave-behind pieces
14. To use in marketing campaigns, press packets and as marketing material
15. To use as teaming packets, and as examples of credentials and project experience

While 62% of firms have a mailing list, only 26% send out press releases at least quarterly. Is this you? You have no idea what is newsworthy or what will attract the attention of your clients, customers or the media. You are so busy working in the firm you are spending no time working on it.

Lack of recognition is costly.
Remember these rules:
Establish a regular marketing program and stick to it. 95% of marketing is pulling the trigger on a regular basis, watching what works and repeating it.
Recognize when you do not have the in-house time or talent to issue regular releases. Issuing two press releases a year is not a media campaign, it is a media void.
Outsource to a professional who knows your industry, demonstrates compelling content and headlines, has excellent relationships with the media and contacts in the publications your audience reads.

McKerns Development, PR, Marketing, Business Development, works with professional firms and small business owners to increase visibility, promote their projects and services, reach the right customers and build business. For unique service packages, free resources and information about building your business visit http://www.freewebs.com/mckernsdevelopment

Leslie McKerns, BA, BS, AIA Allied, FL Licensed Designer, Professional Member Gold Coast Public Relations Council, Board Member of American Lung Association, is a publicist and business development specialist, a consistent contributor to major magazines and newspapers, and the Real Estate Editor of CitySmart magazine.