Seven Publicity Activities That Bring Results

Publicity Ideas

At times, publicising your theatre can be a discouraging task. Although you are working hard, some of the things you don don't seem to have much result. It may seem as though you've been wasting your time.

In this situation the logical thing would be to stop doing these things. However, here are seven seeming time-wasters that can pay off:

• Sending a publicity notice when you think it's too late.
  
  Send it anyway, and don't apologize. (At least, don't apologize too much.) Sure, it's better to get your information in on time, but perhaps you didn't know when the deadline was, or perhaps unforeseen events intervened. This way, even if the deadline is past, your press release, article, or announcement at least will be there if suddenly a hole needs to be filled. And at worst, you still have reminded someone at your local newspaper, radio, or TV station that your company exists and does interesting and worthwhile things. That will help next time. (And next time, make sure you do get it out on time.)
• Sending news releases to TV stations, even if they never seem to respond.
  
  Local TV stations are extremely busy places. When they put their broadcast together, they never know ahead of time exactly what will happen that day. they have to choose just a few from a multitude of good stories. [Don't try too hard] to court television stations. But keep sending them your news. While you shouldn't expect them to cover everything you do, you never know when you may be their perfect local tie-in to a story on "Arts Funding Cut Everywhere" or "The Magic of Make-believe." Even if you don't hear from them, they do read what you send them. They're looking for news. Give them your best.
• Taking and sending good photos, even if they don't always get used. Remember that all media, including print media, are visually oriented these days. Sending good photos with your releases gets your people's faces known in the community, and shows (better than telling) that you're out there doing interesting things. Even if they can't use your photos every time, the reporters and editors see them, and believe, me, they notice good photography when they see it.
  
  If you can't pay for photography, perhaps you can strike a deal with a professional photographer for volunteer services in return for cost of materials and a little free advertising. Developing a reputation for providing sharp, clear, and witty photos is worth the time you put into it.