Social Media Breakthrough Interview featuring Pam Perry with Paul Lawrence Vann

Mary Mary have made it their life’s mission to connect with people all over the world. “It’s not just about musical achievements, awards, charts and sales,” say Mary Mary. “That’s not our guiding light. It’s about helping people…we’re committed to our message and purpose.”

Brand YOUR Best Life: Market The Message! BE BIG. BOLD.

Click & Listen to this one-hour Social Media PR Interview about how to have a BREAKOUT Year! 

PR Playlist at MixPod.com

Listen to internet radio with Paul Lawrence Vann on Blog Talk Radio

SEO + Publicity + Social Media = ?







See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too and join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com!

Check out my about.me profile!

Social Media has not Killed Email Marketing. Eblasts vs. PR Distribution Services

A lot of people think email marketing or "eblasts" are dead. NOT.  It's just that you have to be better at writing the copy. (That's a whole new post). Anyway, if you are targeting the African American Christian market, use an eblast service like the one's below (as well as your own list) to get the Word out - fast and efficiently.

Here are Ministry Marketing Solutions favorite "eblast" services.

E-blast Services

(targeting the African-American and/or faith-based African-American markets)

• BlackGospelPromo.com
• DetroitGospel.com
• GoodGirlBookClubOnline.com 
• AALBC.com
• UrbanGospelPromo.com
• GospelCity.com
• Sormag.com
• GospelEblast.com
• MIProductions.org
• CushCity.com
• Rawsistaz.com
• MosaicBooks.com
• GospelFruits.org
• Izania.com

 NOW the above are not "Press Release Distribution" services - but you CAN send out a press release through these services if that's your choice. I wouldn't recommend it.

What is a  press release distribution service?  It's a website that ONLY distributes MEDIA RELEASES (something news worthy) to their lists that would be picked up by the media. They do not send out flyers! A good media distribution service would be BlackPR.com or PRNewswire or ereleases. There are tons. You must know your market!  It is advised that you hire a professional publicist to write your release too! 

An "Eblast" is primarily an online advertisement.  Our company uses eblasts for books, events and other type of consumer products/services. Just like any advertisement, you have to do more than ONE AD to get some kind of result.  Typically a 2  to 4 "eblast" schedule works best. Eblasts are not FREE!


The cost for any of the above services range from $50 to $500.  The higher the cost just means more people on the list and/or the response rate of the list.

Always go for quality over quantity. Protect your brand.


Final Tips:
1. Have a budget. A realistic budget. If you want to sell 50,000 books - know you can't do that with at $500 eblast budget.  The more you want to sell - the more you should budget. KNOW your target market too and make sure it matches the audience of the eblast service you're looking to engage!
2. Ask the eblast service for references of some happy customers. They should have no problem providing a list. If they do, they run - and fast!
3. Know that with any eblast service, the copy and graphics are critical. Scout out the service and see how they design and write their current customers eblasts before you lay down your cold cash.  (Typically payments are made all online - and all the instructions are online to make it a "self serve" idiot-proof purchase). 

SEO + Publicity + Social Media = ?

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too and join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com!

Let us know what other services YOU use. Comment

BLOGGING Secrets Revealed: Exposing "light" on the internet! PLR

Content is king on the internet. But you don't have time to create it?  Watch or read about ways to use Easy PLR in your business, on your blog or website. PLR is a tip from Pam Perry, YOUR PR Coach.

Go to EasyPLR.com to make your life easier!

http://easyplr.com

Content is always in high demand. Right now the focus seems to be on Private Label Rights (or PLR) articles. PLR articles are pre-written and sold in packages to online businesses looking for content. The big selling points of PLR articles are that you may edit the articles and that there is no author bio required (so they don't have any outbound links).

Compare PLR articles to free reprint articles. Free reprint articles from places like EzineArticles.com or freeaffiliatearticles.com are written by people who have something they'd like to share. (Or, they are sometimes written by people just publishing junk, in the hopes that they'll get some incoming links. But, good article directories will delete those, so we'll focus on the good ones here.)

So, which is better? Honestly, each has its place. Sometimes you'll find an excellent free reprint article that you'll want to share with your readers and you won't mind a bit having an outbound link, especially if there is an affiliate program associated with it. The free reprint article added value to your readers, and you didn't have to write the article. That's what free reprint articles are all about.

Other times you'll already have an idea in mind for a topic and you'll just want a boost getting that section of your website done. If you run across a high quality PLR package on that niche, you're set to go.

So, how do you know which PLR service or membership to choose?  

Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Some PLR sites offer a monthly membership where you receive a grab-bag of articles - on any topic. If you already know what you need, this may be a waste of money. Other PLR sites will list topics and you can buy the articles in a shopping cart. That ensures you receive the articles you need when you need them.

2. Are the articles written by professional writers with experience? Or are they outsourced to the cheapest overseas help they can find - no matter the quality? If the articles are going to be a reflection of your business, you'll want to ensure that the articles are well-written.

3. Who's running this thing? Is the PLR site run by someone who knows about content or someone who thinks they can ride the content wave and make a quick buck? Make sure you're hitching your wagon to someone who knows what they're doing.

Those are just a few tips to keep you from wasting money on a PLR site that you can't use. Continue to use free reprint articles, but look into PLR articles as well. They can both benefit your website and your business.

Nicole Dean is the co-owner of http://www.EasyPLR.com – where you’ll find high-quality PLR articles sold in very limited quantities. 


Here's a free PLR Ebook: Click here 







Also Visit Black Business Women Online

New PR Boot Camp Online: Go Get IT! The Swag of Social Media Marketing

It's time to CRUSH IT!

The Swagger of Social Media Marketing by Pam Perry, PR Coach. 

Look for the book coming in 2011!  PR Boot Camp

HOW TO HAVE A BREAKOUT YEAR and Crush it ONLINE!


1. A picture is worth a thousand words. Face it, we live in a visual world. People judge who they will “friend” on Facebook based on their photos. So do a photo shoot. Do more than a head shot – get some personality shots. Brand yourself so that your brand is clear at first glance from a photo. You will get more editorial space and interview requests when people are attracted to your pictures. They’ll love the pictures before they read the text.

2. Hang out where reporters hang out. Online search Facebook and Twitter – but listen first before you pitch. Get a feel of their personality. “Like” and “Retweet” their comments. Be sincere though. If they have a blog, comment! Add value. Show interest in them before you talk about YOU. Then once you know them a little better, suggest stories and provide information to make their job easier.


3. Show up and be seen. Though we live in a world of social networking – nothing beats FACE TO FACE. Go to the large conferences in your field and ask the organizer where the “Press Room” is. Once you locate the media that is assigned to the conference, be helpful. Offer to take them to lunch or dinner. Have your press kit or book with you BUT don’t give it them unless you’re asked.

4. Recycle publicity. This is easy. You probably have already had some radio, print or TV interviews done on you in the past. So, pull them out and recycle them online. Take the radio interview and post it as a podcast on your blog. Take the TV interview DVD and post up a clip on Youtube. And if you’ve had print media hits, put them in your e-newsletter, blog or Facebook notes. Even though it’s old to you – it’ll be new to your online following. Don’t forget to have copies made of articles and mail them to your key prospects with a short “FYI” note.

5. Write a SEO Press Release once a month. Even if you just “refresh” your old press releases. You can also write up a Media Alert of some award you won, recognition you’ve received or new client you just nabbed. Submit some news via a media releases to the PR directories online once a month. This keeps your name out there and you never know when a reporter may do a Google check and find it. I would recommend BlackPR.com if you’re a minority, ChristianPRGroup.com if you’re in ministry and PRWeb.com if you have the big bucks. (Oh, and recyle the SEO Press Release by putting it your enewsletter). CONTENT IS KING!

6. Write a letter to the editor (or producer). If you are a faithful follower of a particular magazine, say like Essence or Black Enterprise, read the story and then comment. Write a letter to the editor expressing your opinion about what you read. Reporters live off audience feedback. You’d be surprised how few people actually take the time to write a “letter to the editor” or comment on a talk show host’s program. Write the note to the reporter/producer and include the link to your blog and website. You may be used as a source for their next story or more! I’ve had clients who did this and had feature written up on them and eventually became a columnist for the publication. Another one got their own TV show. Connections count – so start making some!

7. Go local and snowball. Don’t forget your local cable stations, newspapers and chamber of commerce newsletters. A good strategy would be to call in to your local radio talk show (if that is your target audience) – and become known as a person who adds value by giving thoughtful comments and pertinent information. Getting local press notoriety snowballs (if you recycle it) and could lead to national coverage. Keep filling the Google pipelines!


8. Have fun. We are in the era of “DIY” PR so don’t fight – have fun with it. Become a Branding Superstar! Get a Tshirt made with your company or book logo on it and wear it! If you’re brave enough, do several videos in your new garb and post on Facebook and Youtube. Get other “buzz builder” items too at CafePress.com – it’s fast and easy. See brandingsuperstar.com if you’re bashful.

See www.PamPerryPRCoach.com too for free MP3 and www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com! (FREE social network for Christian authors)
Pam Perry, is a PR coach, social media strategist, chief visionary at Ministry Marketing Solutions Inc. in Farmington, Mich.
Visit her at www.MinistryMarketingSolutions.com and get her weekly podcasts on Blogtalkradio too!

 This is YOUR BreakOut YEAR too!

Searching for Answers in Google: Solutions Driven Workshops

In 2011 MMS is rolling out Solutions Driven Workshops.

What we are going to provide is simple:
1. Quick answers to burning questions about social media
2. Easy to understand instructions
3. Practical solutions that will not require a lifestyle change or a PhD!






SEO + Publicity + Social Media = ?

Location Based Marketing Guru: Wayne Sutton, the Original Social Media Evangelist

It pays to pay attention. I love technology (in case you hadn't noticed). And what I love the most are folks who are for real and really love to help others. Wayne Sutton is one of those folks. Read about him in this month's Black Enterprise. He's is the next Bill Gates, Steve Jobs or Mark Zuckerberg - to me. Because he's got Google Juice and is Googlicious!  Check him out. He inspired me to get my QR Code. (see code below and scan it in your smart phone).

Pam Perry's Quick Response Code.  

Scan it via your Smart phone and see what you get.

It's all about Community. So join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com too!

Congrats Wayne! 

Click below and Listen to the interview 

with Wayne Sutton we did

on the Diverse Business Show.

Listen to internet radio with Diverse Business on Blog Talk Radio

Tech Talk & Internet Marketing Made Simple: How to be a Branding Superstar in 60 minutes (podcast from60 Social Media Experts)

How to be a Branding Superstar in 60 minutes

The Internet marketing landscape has TOTALLY changed over the last few years with the emergence of Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

Thousands of entrepreneurs are now leveraging these tools to pull in truckloads of business for free!

However, as with most things in life there's a right way of marketing using Social Media and a wrong way... and you don't want to learn by trial and error!

If you'd like free training on how to add these techniques to your Marketing toolkit then click on the link to get a free tips sent to you! Solutions Driven Workshops!

This training can help you if:

1. You are marketing your business on a tight budget.

2. You are already marketing successfully but would like to bring down your average lead cost.

==> http://www.brandingsuperstar.com<== To YOUR success, Pam Perry, PR coach & social media expert
P.S. Sign up and get the FREE TWITTER training too ==> http://www.brandingsuperstar.com

click here HEAR HOW TO BE A BRANDING SUPERSTAR IN 60 MINUTES FROM 60 Second Marketer. Click and listen Tech Talk & Internet Marketing Made Simple: How to be a Branding Superstar in 60 minutes (podcast from60 Social Media Experts)

Get out there! PamPerryPR.com

Hear the 60 Second Marketing on the Synergy Energy Show!
Join our page too: http://www.facebook.com/synergyenergyshow

How to use Book Reviews Sell More Books This New Year!

Book Reviews Sell Books

Picture: Marvin Winans & Pam Perry, author

Every author wants glowing book reviews with quotable sentences to use as testimonials. A good review makes readers flock to the bookstore to buy the book.
But how do authors get their books reviewed? While the process is not difficult, the book review industry is changing. Today’s authors must designate a portion of their marketing budget for book reviews, and they must know how to use those book reviews to sell books.

Why Are Book Reviews Important?
More than 200,000 books are published each year. Less than 2% of those books sell more than 500 copies. We’ve all heard the saying, “So many books. So little time.” People don’t want to waste time or money reading books they won’t enjoy, so they rely on book reviews to help them make buying decisions. Your book will stand out if it receives positive reviews from reliable reviewers.

Where Do I Get a Book Review?
There are five top book reviewers: Publishers Weekly, Kirkus, Library Journal, Midwest Book Review, and The New York Times; however, if you’re self-published, it is unlikely your book will be reviewed by any of them. Reviews from local newspapers and magazines will only help you sell books locally. Furthermore, print publications are phasing out book reviews. So where can an author still get a good book review? The Internet.

Online book reviews are becoming standard, and your book’s review will reach a wider audience on the Internet. Online reviews level the playing field for self-published authors. Today, people are less inclined to read paper magazines and newspapers. They go online for information. Reviews posted at Amazon and other online sites are more accessible than print reviews. Reader Views and RebeccasReads are examples of reliable online book reviewers of both traditional and self-published books.

Free vs. Paid Reviews
Authors generally expect free book reviews; that was standard in the twentieth century—advertisements paid for the book reviews in print media. Today, however, authors must cover the cost of book reviews. A book reviewer may spend hours reading a book and writing a review, and he deserves compensation for his work. Consequently, authors must budget for the cost of book reviews. Authors are recommended to budget for mailing out a minimum of twenty books for review.

How Do Paid Book Reviews Work?
Paid reviews have multiple advantages. Most publications that offer free reviews do not guarantee a book review because of the volume of books submitted. Only by paying for a review can one be guaranteed. Reputable book reviewers will provide a review within a specific timeline—two weeks is standard. They will also provide a review tear-sheet for your use, and give you permission to quote the review, provided you credit them. Many reviewers will also post your review online at such places as their own website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ezine Articles, Goodreads and Authors Den.

Several online book reviewers, such as Reader Views, will give you the option of a free or paid book review. Reader Views will review the book for free provided one of their reviewers is interested in it. If no one opts to review it after three months, the book is returned without a review. If authors do not want to wait three months for a review, an express review can be purchased to guarantee a review within two weeks.

Several book reviewers, including Reader Views, also offer various publicity packages ranging from a single book review, to written and podcast radio interviews, virtual book tours, and book videos. Such packages allow authors the opportunity to get book reviews and publicity within their budget.

Just because you pay for a book review does not mean a good review is guaranteed. It is better to receive an honest review than one that gives false praise. The reviewer’s reputation is at stake here; readers will not appreciate being misled to waste their time and money on a book that does not meet their expectations.

How Do I Use a Book Review to Sell Books?
Before you do anything with your book review, make sure you know what permissions the reviewer has given you for using the review. Are you allowed to use it in whole or only a certain percentage? Can you reprint it or quote from it?

Once you know your rights, some suggestions for using the review to help sell books are:

• Post it to Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Ezine Articles, Authors Den, Goodreads, Myspace etc. if the reviewer has not already done so.
• Quote from the review on your book cover and the inside end papers. (If your book is already printed, use the review when you run a second printing).
• Include the review in your press kit to gain more media attention.
• Post and distribute the review at your book signings.
• Post the review on your website.
• Send copies of the review in your email newsletters.

Final Comments
More information about book reviews will be covered in future articles. But for now, here are a couple closing points:

1. Be professional. Send the reviewer a thank you note. Whether you receive a positive or negative review, the reviewer has done you a favor. The reviewer’s comments will help you improve your next book or the next edition of your book. Even a negative review can be used to build a positive relationship with a reviewer, who will appreciate your professionalism. The book world is a small place and you do not want word to spread that you are difficult. Seek to build long-term relationships with book reviewers, and through them, with your reading audience.
2. Be prepared for the book review to increase your book sales! A good review is worthless if you do not have copies of books to sell. Be prepared to fulfill your book orders so your customers are satisfied. After all, you want your book to be a bestseller!

www.PamPerryPR.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/article-marketing-articles/book-reviews-sell-books-445267.html
About the Author

Tyler R. Tichelaar, Ph.D. is the Associate Editor at Reader Views, he has interviewed over 130 authors, written more than 50 book reviews, and edited and evaluated manuscripts for publication. Reader Views is one of the most respected and fastest growing online author publicity services today. For more information visit www.readerviews.com.
www.PamPerryOnlinePR.com



Visit www.PamPerryPRCoach.com for more book marketing tips too and join www.ChocolatePagesNetwork.com!