Froogle PR's Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why can’t you work for free?
The answer: Can you spell “m-o-r-t-g-a-g-e?”
Q: Why another PR agency? There are a million of them. I can’t swing a dead cat without hitting one.
A: Here’s a secret. There are some publicists who may, shall we say, embellish their background and expertise. In the Madison Ave. milieu, they are termed “BS artists.” Hard to believe this industry struggles with that image. Who knew? Consider yourself warned.
Q: I’ve used the same marketing expert for 20 years, why should I change now?
A: What’s happening today with PR, marketing, advertising and journalism is similar to the movie, Singing in the Rain. Everyone thinks of the dancing, but the film was really about how silent film stars couldn’t hack it once movies got soundtracks. Even beautiful ingenues sounded like screech owls once they opened their mouths.
Gloria Swanson made the transition. But can you think of anyone else? (And look at the delusional, fading star Gloria portrayed later on Sunset Boulevard.)
The web is changing our world as much as the Gutenberg Press did hundreds of years ago. Maybe more. By now, everyone knows they need to get with the program. Yet not everyone is flexible enough, or willing, or capable, to change with the times. Or knows how much hard work and preparation it takes.
Q: I’m not interested in traditional media. But I don’t trust blogs. What should I do?
A: Sounds like you need a custom plan. Contact us.
Q: My board of directors skews towards 60 and above, they insist on appearing in print. What do I do?
A: See above.
Q: Why can’t I just write a press release on a template, or pay someone $50 to do it, then upload it and appear all over the globe? What do I need you for?
A: If you just invented a free souirce for alternative energy, you’re right. You don’t need me. You just need a patent. And I extend my heartiest environmental congratulations, you patriot, you.
But back here on planet Earth, those one-size-fits-all, cookie cutter descriptions of your business, without the personal touch, won’t even land you in the local shopping weeklies littering the floor of Winn-Dixie. Certainly they won’t get you where you want to go. They aren’t specific and they aren’t persuasive.
The competition is stiffer than ever to get in the quality media outlets. Just sorting the good ones takes time and discernment. Let alone knowing who to contact and what buttons to push.
Remember, while technology has changed, human nature hasn’t. If you try pitching a reporter or blogger who doesn’t know you, or doesn’t think you know what’s real news, good luck.
P.S. And whatever you do, don’t ever e-mail, “Dear Editor.”
Q: I need to reach several million people throughout Florida. Why can’t you run a statewide press campaign with a single press release?
A: See above.
Q: My website looks like garbage, the search engines couldn’t find it with a klieg light and the guy who originally put it together left town. What can I do?
A: Happens more often than you think. All is not lost. Contact us.
Q: I’ve launched a new business, but money is tight. Can I justify spending anything to promote my product?
A: If you still want to have a business this time next year, yes. No one can buy from you if they don’t know you exist.
