How to get free PR for your business – and be paid for it: 280 ways to gain media coverage and raise your profile by Helen Dewdney
“Helen Dewdney writes with fearless clarity and she’s done it again… She’s one of my few and regular go-tos, especially for how to approach consumer issues or in the event of an urgent sense check. This book is packed full of great and creative ideas for building up excellent PR, establishing yourself as the expert and keeping the momentum going. She is – hands down – a mega star in the world of consumer affairs and in this latest book, on PR, she shares how you can do it for yourself.” – Rob Rinder, Barrister, Presenter and Columnist
“She’s not doing the devious PR stuff, but rather making wholly honest and interesting suggestions about how you reach out – I can hardly object to her suggestion that it might be a good idea to work out who you’re speaking to before you ring them; what the story is; what your expertise is. All good! There are no dark arts in here because dark arts don’t work – Jeremy Vine, Broadcaster
“Exceptional, Truly Exceptional I’ve been in business now for 20 years, and PR has been a massive vehicle for me. Helen Dewdney’s PR book is the PR Bible, I promise you. There’s no filler; it’s all thriller. No fluff, just straight talk. Succinct and comprehensive, it’s an enjoyable scannable read that gives so much value. I’ve seen PR books that are a “hoity-toity” almost costume-playing what it is to be a PR. They are not Absolutely Fabulous. This is, Helen cuts through all that, delivering pure, good stuff, zero wastage. None. It is as lean as you’re going to get. This is the book PR professionals and “agencies” really do not want you to read. PR just isn’t the dark art it’s been made out to be, and this book shines a light on everything you’ll need to know to go it alone, and get your PR working fast. Before you hire an agency for thousands of pounds, read this for just over a tenner. Exceptional. A true 10 out of 10 book. Absolute belter. Absolutely fabulous!” -Brad Burton, 4Networking Founder and Motivational Leader
“Helen’s book is full of helpful advice for businesses, big and small, looking to get some publicity. Helen is a very experienced consumer champion, adept at dealing with journalists from all walks of life. Her advice is easy to follow, practical and will get results. She knows the value of good press and her book is a great starting point for anyone wanting to promote their work and grow their business.” -Lynsey Hope, Freelance Journalist and Editor
Foreword – Jeremy Vine, Broadcaster
Description
Public Relations (PR) coverage is a key tool in demonstrating your expertise, products and services. Cheaper and more effective than paid advertising, being in the media gives you credibility. A key element of your marketing strategy, PR helps people to know, like, trust and buy from you.
Whilst you can pay a PR consultant for their skills, knowledge, expertise and contact list, you can go from no PR coverage to being paid for it by doing the work yourself.
Helen started The Complaining Cow blog in 2012 as a hobby. Since then she has developed it into a business. With two best-selling consumer advice books under her belt, she is now a well-established and trusted Consumer Champion, who also advises businesses on improving customer service to increase sales. She has appeared in/on about 200 media outlets, many of them regularly, with countless case studies and contributions, plus writing specially-commissioned pieces.
Here she shows how you can do it.
A comprehensive guide packed full of ideas, it includes many examples from Helen and others, who have used these ideas to boost their PR coverage. It will help you grow your own contact list, approach television, radio and newspaper outlets and leverage your coverage. Armed with this knowledge you can become the “go-to” media expert in your chosen subject area, with regular paid-for appearances.
