Key dates in March
Use these dates to help you plan your social media or if they’re relevant use them as hooks for stories to approach the media with.
MS Awareness Month
1st - St David’s Day
4th - National Grammar Day
7th - World Book Day
7th - National Be Heard Day
8th - International Women’s Day
10th - Mother’s Day
11th - St Patrick's Day
20th - International Day of Happiness
21st - World Poetry Day
31st - Clocks Go Forward
31st - Easter Sunday
LAST MINUTE PITCHES
Although I always advise that you plan ahead there are times when you need to be reactive. For example, look at what is going on in the world and consider whether it is something related to your business. If it does do you have any expert insight on the subject that you could give to the media?
One of the ways of knowing what journalists are looking for is getting on Twitter and searching the hashtag #journorequest or signing up for a media request service such as Pressplugs or Editorielle. These services will send journalist requests directly to your inbox.
SHORT LEAD VS LONG LEAD
Understanding the difference between long and short lead media and how to pitch accordingly is a topic I’ve already covered. To keep it succinct, the key to differentiating between the two is in the name!
‘Short Lead’ has a turnaround of anything from days (think online and daily publications) to 8 weeks from pitching, editing, and publishing whereas ‘Long Lead’ follows a much longer timescale of anywhere from 3 – 6 months.
SHORT LEAD FOCUSES: MARCH
My short lead recommendation is April Fools Day. This is a bit leftfield but can be an excellent opportunity to do a stunt or something similar to raise your profile. This works especially well for consumer brands and there is still time to brainstorm some headline-making activities. If you’re a cleaning company, or even a VA who sorts out people’s inboxes and activities, now could be a good time to go in with a Spring clean hook with your local media. How to clean up your inbox, how to tidy your house, top 10 tips for getting work and home shipshape for Spring, and so on
LONG-LEAD FOCUSES: MARCH
Looking to the future Father’s Day on the 16th of June if you have a product or service that can be tailored specifically to father figures, then get planning. It might still be a bit chilly outside but if you have any summer products that you want to get featured in the monthly magazines now is your time to shine. Get your press releases, samples, and great images sent out now.
Rebecca Slater is a PR Consultant with more than 20 years of public relations experience. She is based in Staffordshire and provides support to businesses all over the country.
Find out more at www.beckandcallpr.co.uk or email sayhello@beckandcallpr.co.uk