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