Hi

I just wanted to comment on something and see what everyone thinks about it. I think we can get ahead of the game (like we always are as VAs) if we do this right.

We are seeing a few of the newspapers going to web only. Unfortunately, I believe we are going to see more and more of this. My husband works for a newspaper so obviously I'm so hoping it doesn't. However, I think it's a golden opportunity for those that send out press releases and news. I believe you are going to see a big increase in newspapers taking press releases and news online. They are going to be needing to fill their pages even more and when they receive your release and can just add it quickly, it's a win/win.

Just be aware of this. You might want to pay more attention to the newspapers that are going online and see what's happening with them.

I do plan on doing a lot more with online submissions.

Love to hear your thoughts on it too. It's such a hot topic now. Hard topic though. I'm torn ... I LOVE MY NEWSPAPER!!!

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

You're right, Diana, this is an unfortunate situation that definitely has its pros and cons. I used to work for the large daily newspaper that serves my entire state, and I just recently read that they've been experiencing layoffs and across-the-board pay cuts. Hopefully that's not a step toward becoming online-only, because I think that it's important to still have print newspapers circulating!

I've also been reading about numerous newspapers that are shutting their doors completely, so at least going online is an alternative that keeps them alive and kicking.

And yes, the whole thing presents quite the opportunity for business owners. Especially those of us who utilize press releases to spread the word about our businesses! Thanks for bringing this up, Diana. This is definitely an area to watch in the coming weeks and months!

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Tammi Metzler ~ The Write Associate
Free call: "How to Write Email Subject Lines That Grab Attention!"

There is also an overall trend for newspapers to beef up their local coverage. The idea is to supply something unique that CNN or USA Today cannot. My local paper has noticeably increased the number of local human interest stories and business profiles that they run, both online and in print.

Hi

Thanks! It's one of those areas that hopefully we can be ahead of the game on.

Isn't that great with more "local coverage." Also, I think we'll start seeing more sharing of coverage. So in your paper take note of where the articles are coming from. It's really surprising to see, but can be very beneficial when we are trying to get covered.

I do think they will be taking a lot more online submissions. When you note where they come from you can then see too where the sites they get their materials from and make sure to post your releases there. When you sign up for Google Alerts you can do this even with releases that aren't yours too that you find in papers.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

My hubby works in the print and packaging industry and so does my brother-in-law! It is very scary indeed! However, I agree that as more people flock to the web for their news, opportunities can arise from this. Additionally, I have been seeing more and more of a push for local online marketing. For example, the Chicago Tribune has Trib Local. If you put in your zip code, you get redirected to a local page about goings on in your area.

It's definitely something to keep the finger to the pulse on!

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Doreen R. Patrick, MVA, ACS, CIVA
www.virtualbusinesspartners.net

Hi Doreen

That is scary! One good thing I'm seeing though is that they are taking aggresive measures to make money and survive. Like our paper now has new advertising ways (front cover has a 1/2 page add folded onto it.). It's a hassle because you have to unfold it to get to front page, but if it allows them to continue in business, I'm all for itl

That's so cool about the local online marketing. I truly believe that now more than ever we need to get established virtually with our keywords, specialties, etc. One thing that I'm trying to do a little more of too is get my City and State out there. I let this slip for a while. I'm virtual with clients everywhere so it didn't matter, I thought However, when I started putting in Margate, Florida in some of my PR I did see more local communications. I think as the newspapers go more virtual this can be more helpful too. We'll see. It's always just fun to play with different techniques and see which ones work.

It's a whole new world out there and boy I'm so grateful to be virtual because we are already where most people want to be. Yeah us!

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Dianna - You're a wonderful positive energy!
I've been trying to find out more about local online marketing. Seems like most networking sites for local biz want to charge a lot of money. Anyone know really well done local efforts, where a biz can get significant exposure for cheap? Maybe the mentioned Chicago Trib Local is an example?

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Mary H. Ruth/Virtual Writing & Communications
http://www.writingVA.com

Thanks! Really appreciate that!

Some of the free or cheap ways to get more local online exposure is through your press releases and articles. Just mention your city and state in the release itself (not just at the beginning of the release.) Also, in your blog postings do the same.

You can also follow your local TV stations, etc on Twitter. Often times you can catch something that you can respond to or at least get to know the reporters better.

Also, if you do a Google search for your city and state, you can often come up with good sites that you can put a button or banner up or get in their directory.

Not online marketing, but with local marketing recently in our area they started a "farmer's market every weekend. It has the normal fruits and vegs, but also crafts, businesses, etc. It's really cool. I've found that I can go there and talk with the businesses and it often leads to me giving out my card. For me because I do publicity, it's as easy as saying, "how's business." When they say slow, I don't go right into a sales pitch, but talk for a while and then just mention that I do PR. So far it's working! Best part is that I get fresh fruits and veggies every week. Gotta love that!

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com

One thing I have noticed is my provincial newspaper is starting to have regular chats to get input from the readers. Now I never get a chance to participate, because I am still working full time and they seem to do it during my workday, but if your local newspaper is doing the same thing it's a good way to get to know newspaper staff & reporters.

Amanda

Hi

That's great that papers are being so interactive. There is going to be so many changes coming up I believe.

Just saw this today. Haven't checked out all the sites yet, but it clearly shows the wave of the future. It is kind-of exciting to know that as VAs we will be right there in the forefront. Just don't shut down our newspapers. My coffee would never be the same in the morning!

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/13/te...ocal.html?_r=3

Diana Ennen
Virtual Word Publishing
www.virtualwordpublishing.com