Reading marketing strategy books can be time consuming and daunting. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of 100 Referral Marketing Ideas so you can get some invaluable information in just a 5 minute read.
Some of these ideas will be applicable to your tutor business and some will not. When you see a point that will help your business grow, make sure to think about and expand that point. Sometimes the thoughts that stem from a specific point can be more valuable than the point itself.
Strategy # 1 – “Publicity from a neutral third party is more credible and carries more weight about the benefits of your business than regular advertising.
Strategy # 2 – “A big benefit of publicity it that it’s free. Advertising space costs money, so your publicity space stretches your advertising dollar by reinforcing the ad message.”
Strategy # 3 – “Maintain a contact list for local tv, radio and newspaper editors. You never know when a publicity opportunity may arise and the opportunity may be lost if you don’t know who to contact.”
Strategy # 4 – “If you or an employee invent or create some amazing new widget, offer to be a guest on a local talk show.”
Strategy # 5 – “You can hand out fliers for publicity, or give them to a complementary business to hand out to their customers.”
Strategy # 6 – “It is in your best interest to always have ongoing publicity efforts so if you have an ‘unhappy event’ occur (product recall, theft etc.) You can respond quickly and effectively to the event.”
Strategy # 7 – “Consumers tune out regular advertising because they’re overloaded at every turn. The thing that will get their attention is an article that offers them valuable information.”
Strategy # 8 – “To begin a great publicity effort you need to identify what makes your company stand out from all the rest. Do you stand out because of: a product, unique service, techniques or procedures?”
Strategy # 9 – “Create a press release that addresses a current problem that the community would be interested in reading about and be looking for a solution.”
Strategy # 10 – “Press releases are commonly done for new products or store openings. Create unique opportunities for a press release such as holding a class, demonstration, contest or sponsor a celebrity visit.”
Strategy # 11 – “A press release is a type of news story, written in third person, that tries to show an editor the newsworthiness of a certain person, event, service or product.”
Strategy # 12 – “Use the ‘community bulletin board’ section of local newspapers, radio or tv stations to publicize classes or seminars that you provide.”
Strategy # 13 – “When you promote a press release, you can send it as a stand alone, part of a press kit, or with a pitch letter.”
Strategy # 14 – “A good way to begin one of your press releases is to address something that is controversial or provocative about your field or niche.”
Strategy # 15 – “Use a press release to highlight your involvement in a general, or preferably unique, charity or philanthropic effort.”
Strategy # 16 – “The best way to write a really good press release is to spend a large amount of time reading and analyzing good press releases.”
Strategy # 17 – “Good press releases pique your interest, get right to the point, and are clear about what they are announcing.”
Strategy # 18 – “Just like in regular advertising, your news release needs to have a powerful headline. It should be your most exciting news finding or announcement and you should use as few words as possible.”
Strategy # 19 – “The lead paragraph of a press release states the who, what, where, when and how of your story. It should contain just the facts, and not a bunch of hype. Remember, it’s not advertising.”
Strategy # 20 – “Following the lead paragraph of a news release, create two or three paragraphs to back up the claims you have made in your headline and lead paragraph.”
Strategy # 21 – “The body of your press release should include quotes that help put your information into perspective. If you name the author of the quote, be sure to obtain their permission.”
Strategy # 22 – “Your press release needs to have enough quality information to show it is of value to the reporter, not just thrown together as an advertising effort.”
Strategy # 23 – “At the end of your press release, use a couple of sentences to describe your company and what you do. This same ‘boiler plate’ should be used at the end of all of your press releases to help consistently identify your company.”
Strategy # 24 – “At the end of your press release, center three pound symbols, ‘###’, to indicate it is the end of the press release. Then include a contact information.”
Strategy # 25 – “When writing news releases, don’t use the ‘power words’ that are typically used in advertising, just give your readers the compelling facts.”
Strategy # 26 – “Write a press release from a journalist’s perspective, never using ‘i’ or ‘we.”
Strategy # 27 – “To improve your press release writing skills, read a lot of the new york times or washington post and try to copy their writing styles.”
Strategy # 28 – “Most press releases should only be one page long. There are occasions when you will need two pages, but be careful not to start throwing in advertising hype instead of real news.”
Strategy # 29 – “It will take practice to develop your press writing skills to a level that enables you to deliver an angel in a professional and courteous way. You will be amazed at the benefits of press releases once you master these skills.”
Strategy # 30 – “Reports really don’t care about your angle, your product or you, unless you give them a press release that is really a good story. Always ask yourself, ‘what can i do to make this press release more useful to a report?”
Strategy # 31 – “Do not attempt to contact a reporter regarding your press release during the crunch of their deadline. The best time to call a morning release newspaper would be between 10 a.m. And noon.”
Strategy # 32 – “Be sure to have your press kit ready before you call the reporter about your press release. Then you can send it out immediately with priority mail.”
Strategy # 33 – “Basic etiquette to follow when talking with a report is to first ask if they have time to hear an idea about an article. If they don’t have time, ask when is a good time to call back.”
Strategy # 34 – “When sending your press release to a reporter, below the address write ‘requested information’, it will get opened much quicker and not accidentally thrown out.”
Strategy # 35 – “Make your pitch to the reporter full of news, excitement and relevance to the issue you are addressing. Don’t advertise and never read your pitch. Practice your pitch so that it’s spontaneous and very sincere.”
Strategy # 36 – “If you get a reporters voice mail, it’s okay to give a condensed pitch about your article. Leave your phone number and if you don’t hear back, keep calling until you get the reporter or his editor. ”
Strategy # 37 – “Your media kit should include the background information on your company, biographies of the owners and managers, press releases, photos and reprints of articles that were previously published in a newspaper or magazine.”
Strategy # 38 – “Make recordings of any interviews you’ve received on radio or tv and include them as sound audio on your web site.”
Strategy # 39 – “Post reprints of your published articles on your web site and send e-mails to business associates and customers with a link to the article.”
Strategy # 40 – “Hanging signs are an inexpensive way to get people to notice you at trade shows, your place of business or locations where you are promoting an event.”
Strategy # 41 – “When you host an event, invite local clubs that are related to your event topic to participate. Their involvement will also bring additional publicity opportunities.”
Strategy # 42 – “If you sponsor an event, have promotion sheets for your sales staff to pass out to customers and prospects.”
Strategy # 43 – “Take pictures of events you sponsor, then make posters out of them to permanently display in your business.”
Strategy # 44 – “Anytime someone at your company gives a speech, send a news release announcing the upcoming presentation and invite the media to attend.”
Strategy # 45 – “Anytime someone at your company gives a speech, send a news release announcing the upcoming presentation and invite the media to attend.”
Strategy # 46 – “When you are a guest on a radio or tv talk show, always be sure to mention other times you’ve been published or have given an interview. ”
Strategy # 47 – “You can get a lot of free publicity by joining organizations and associations that benefit your business.”
Strategy # 48 – “Always duplicate a successful press release. Send reprints of your articles to other magazines and newspapers and you’ll be amazed at what is picked up and used by them.”
Strategy # 49 – “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth and complain to a reporter if he gives you free publicity in an article and left out a contact name or number.”
Strategy # 50 – “Be sure that you are comfortable giving interviews before you solicit an interview with a reporter. If you change your mind, that reporter will never call you again.”
Strategy # 51 – “When you are interviewed, be sure to provide accurate information and don’t expect to be able to review the story prior to it’s printing.”
Strategy # 52 – “When you provide a news release as an e-mail, send it in the body of the e-mail, not as an attachment. Reporters won’t even bother with an attachment.”
Strategy # 53 – “When a reporter requests an e-mail news release, give a brief explanation of what the release is about in the subject line. That way the reporter can pull your article out quickly from the e-mail articles that he didn’t request.”
Strategy # 54 – “Remember to include a press release in any newsletter you publish when you have an upcoming event.”
Strategy # 55 – “Never assume that a newspaper where you have spent a lot of advertising dollars on ‘owes’ you a story. They ran your ad didn’t they? Don’t be pushy, instead make their day with a quality news release.”
Strategy # 56 – “During election years, write an article to the editor regarding how a candidate’s view on vouchers, taxes etc. Benefits or hurts your business and what your business is about.”
Strategy # 57 – “Have confidence. If you are not confident in yourself and your business, it will be harder to get publicity.”
Strategy # 58 – “If you or one of your employees develops a ‘brilliant’ approach or program, apply for recognition awards. If your application wins, you can get a great deal of free publicity.”
Strategy # 59 – “Many things are online now, even contact information for your press releases. Before you go to the library to find the editor of a newspaper, first try online search engines.”
Strategy # 60 – “Be sure your press release is complete and accurate. Wronging information, especially phone numbers, can be real show stoppers.”
Strategy # 61 – “If your press release is about an upcoming event, be sure to have enough lead-time to allow it to be included in the publication. Usually lead-time of 3 to 4 weeks prior to the publication will be sufficient time.”
Strategy # 62 – “If you’re sending a news release to a national or major publication, you’ll need 4 to 6 months lead-time.”
Strategy # 63 – “Be sure to include your contact information on your press release so editors can reach you with any questions. The top, left corner of the first page is the best place for contact information to be placed.”
Strategy # 64 – “When trying to think of ideas for your press release, consider using things related to the holidays. A car detailing company can offer tips on how to make valentines special for someone, including a newly detailed car.”
Strategy # 65 – “Request the editorial calendar from the advertising department of any newspaper or magazine you want to send a press release. It’s a free listing of all their topics and special sections for the coming year. This will provide you with hundreds of story ideas.”
Strategy # 66 – “Invite a business report to lunch and offer yourself as a resource to him in the area of your expertise.”
Strategy # 67 – “To receive free airtime on cable, you can produce a ‘how to’ show on the public access channel. You will have to pay a nominal fee for camera equipment use, but your airtime is free.”
Strategy # 68 – “Create a publicity file for ideas that pop into your head, or pieces you see in the paper that others have done. Then figure out ways you could use these ideas for your business.”
Strategy # 69 – “If you are a member of a trade association, let them know you would like reporters referred to you. Many reporters that need information start with trade associations.”
Strategy # 70 – “Always be ready at a moments notice to give a brief, intriguing presentation to a reporter or anyone else interested in publicizing your business.
Strategy # 71 – “Visit the web sites of newspapers and magazines you want to send press releases. Often times there are article guidelines, online story submission forms or instant e-mail to the editor.”
Strategy # 72 – “Include college newspapers when you are sending out news releases so that you will get some free publicity on the college campus.”
Strategy # 73 – “Use your web site for free publicity and capture e-mail information at the same time by requiring an e-mail address to gain free access. More people will come to your site if you have a discussion board, an ‘ask the expert’ section, plus loads of articles and news.”
Strategy # 74 – “Post articles all over the internet and encourage it’s use in reprints. Just request that you are given credit and your web site url is included, it will drive people to your site.”
Strategy # 75 – “It’s important to prepare in advance for any interview. Rehearse three or four main points; gather helpful background information for the reporter to take with him following the interview; speak slowly and don’t make long dissertations.”
Strategy # 76 – “When you are interviewed, never talk ‘off the record’ because it’s never really off the record.”
Strategy # 77 – “Include smaller media outlets with your news release or letters to the editor efforts. Include the weeklies that cover arts, entertainment, current events, chamber of commerce newsletters, and cable tv calendars.”
Strategy # 78 – “Offer your testimonial with any company whose products and services you like. As you discuss their many virtues, your company receives free publicity as well.”
Strategy # 79 – “Create a ‘media room’ on your web site with the information in your media kit.”
Strategy # 80 – “If your product coincides with a minority group or opinion, consider researching to see if there is a publication that targets that group. It may be a small group, but it will be very well targeted and ideal for you to write a letter to the editor or provide a press release.”
Strategy # 81 – “Look for articles that are related to your product or business. Then write a letter to the editor of that publication on how you agree or disagree; you could also add information to what was reported.”
Strategy # 82 – ” When you write a letter to the editor, ‘qualify’ yourself as you write about your opinion. “as a brake repair specialist, I think that your article on ….”
Strategy # 83 – “If you want to be contacted by reporters when they’re looking for an expert in your field, make it easy to find contact information on the home page of your web site.”
Strategy # 84 – “Include the home page of your web site when you send invitations to reports to contact you if they need information in the area of your expertise.”
Strategy # 85 – “If you have written a book, don’t pitch your book to radio and tv stations, pitch the issue of your book. Then suggest a couple of other experts in the field with opposing opinions that could be included in the show.”
Strategy # 86 – “When trying to come up with ideas for press releases, consider a profile story on one of your employees who has a unique hobby or is deeply involved in a community volunteer effort.”
Strategy # 87 – “Consider writing an article for the business section of a paper regarding a business mistake you have learned from that could benefit other businesses.”
Strategy # 88 – “A good idea to pitch for a press release would be a trend you have spotted in your industry and how you are a part of that trend.”
Strategy # 89 – “Another good press release would be to highlight one of your most unusual marketing strategies that your competitors are not doing.”
Strategy # 90 – “Successful publicity efforts can increase your advertising response rate by 200% or more because you have had objective, third party endorsements.”
Strategy # 91 – “Have a monthly competition for employees to come up with the most unique idea about your company. Award the participants with tickets to the movies or bowling alley etc. If any of the press releases are picked up by the media, award that employee with a dinner.”
Strategy # 92 – “Publicity about a new product or a unique old one reminds past customers that you are still there and have something new to show them.”
Strategy # 93 – “Many companies are eliminating their holiday parties and donating that money to a local charity. If your company does that too, it would be a great thing to let the media know about.”
Strategy # 94 – “If you run your own business, you are an expert in that field or you would have never opened your doors. It’s important to position yourself as an expert so reporters will contact you when they need your expertise.”
Strategy # 95 – “Important tip…you cannot give gifts to the media due to their ethics policies. If they print your story, a sincere ‘thank you’ note is the best way to acknowledge their assistance.”
Strategy # 96 – “Be sure to include freelance writers in your press release promotions. Approach them the same as you would reporters or editors and you will find another avenue to help you push your press release.”
Strategy # 97 – “December is a good month to be writing letters to the editor or sending press releases. During December submissions of these things drop off so you’ll have a better chance of being published.”
Strategy # 98 – “Never send a media kit as a ‘carrot’ to solicit an article from an editor. Media kits are meant to be used as follow-up information to go with your requested press release.”
Strategy # 99 – “Networking may be one of your best ways to get help in getting your publicity going well. As you network, you will develop invaluable contact that can help you in your publicity efforts.”
Strategy # 100 – “A fun way to get publicity is to print up custom t-shirts with your latest project or unique effort and have you and your employees wear them to an event.”
[divider top=”1″]
