3.  Write a "Top Trends" List

"Top Trends for 2011" have started to pop up everywhere.

They make great year-end news stories and blog posts, and they position you as an expert in your field.

Press release expert Dan Janal offers these tips for writing a "Top Trends for 2011" press release:

--List 10 trends, thoughts or ideas that you think are likely to happen.

--Explain why each is important.

--Offer a short story or anecdote that illustrates that point, if you can. You don't need to do this for each tip, but it's a good way for people to follow your train of thought.

--Add a bit of humor. One humorous prediction is always relished. In fact, if you have a cool wit, the entire press release could be done with tongue in cheek. People love to pass around funny material, so this press release could go viral.

--Show why you're the expert to write this piece. Refer to your consulting, coaching or books. That way, you subtly market your services so you can attract new business.

--Keep the press release to 750 words or less.

--Use keywords in the headline and first paragraph to grab the attention of the search engines.

--Insert links to specific web pages into your press release. For example, you could lead people to your home page, your squeeze page, your blog or your sales page.

--If you don't have time to write this, find someone who can. The chance for positive exposure is well worth it.

--Post the press release to your blog. Share the link with your followers on Linked In, Facebook and Twitter.

Need help with writing and distribution? Call Dan at 952-380-1554 and tell him I sent you. He'll write your press release and send it to top news media outlets and reporters who cover specific topics. He'll even guarantee that at least 40 media websites pick up the press release.  Learn more here.
 

4.  Promoting a Heart Health Website

This week, five Publicity Hounds have tips for Teri Arnold of Norfolk, Va., who needs help pulling traffic to MyLifeCheck.org where the American Heart Association offers a self-assessment for heart health.


From Gayle Carson:

"This definitely lends itself to articles and press releases. I would also do as much talk radio as possible, as well as Internet radio and TV. I would give any speeches you can emphasizing heart health, getting in your pitch for the website. You can give away free reports and booklets if people check out your site."

(The Publicity Hound says: National Public Radio has many health-related programs where this topic would be a good fit. See "How to Get Booked on National Public Radio."


From Lorie McClory:

"Have your local chapters contact assisted living facilities, 50+ communities, fitness centers, etc. with information. I'd love to put this in our community's weekly e-newsletter."


From Daphne Gray-Grant:

"Tweet a series of factoids relating to blood pressure, BMI, weight, etc. and then publish the link. That should get you some traffic!"


The Publicity Hound says:

I suggested Teri go to Search.Twitter.com and search for "#heart" or "#hearthealth" or "#heartdisease" and she'll find a lot of people to follow. Many of them will follow her, too, and see her tweets about the assessment.

Read all the responses to this "Help This Hound" question.

Email me your own Help this Hound question and include your city and state.
 

5.  Help this Hound

Bonnie Boots of Tampa Bay, Fla., writes:

"I'm working with a client who offers training for business consultants through a membership site, Consultants Gold.

"The faculty of Consultants Gold is made up of top-shelf experts who've successfully transitioned from business executive to independent business consultant. The ideal member for Consultants Gold is a business executive close to retirement age who wants to transition to a second career as a self-employed consultant.

"I'm finding it a real challenge to locate this target market. Extensive keyword research has turned up very little. Can your readers suggest some ways we can connect with age 50+ executives?"


The Publicity Hound says:

LinkedIn seems like the obvious solution, Bonnie. OK, LinkedIn experts. How can Bonnie best use that site to connect with her target market? Any other ideas on what she can do to reach older execs who might want to be consultants? Post your ideas to my blog.
 

6.  Hound Video of the Week

Dread trimming the tree this year?

You'll find some inspiration in this video, courtesy of Publicity Hound Kathleen Mahan of San Juan Capistrano, CA. Watch how these clever four-legged Hounds trim their own tree. One even climbs up on a ladder. If they can do it, we can do it.


DOG JOKES & QUOTES EBOOK: 170+ G-rated dog jokes and quotes, perfect for a dog-lover, your favorite vet, or just for a few good laughs.

BONUS: Buy the ebook and you also get a compilation of the 50 best websites for dog humor.



7.  And at My Blogs & Mobile Site...

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Here's my one post from this past week:


Does your "Contact Me" page say "Go Away"?
 

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See you next week! Joan Stewart The Publicity Hound