Discover Marketing Magic With The Power Of Free Radio Publicity

I dont think Ive met many active people who wouldnt benefit from free publicity. Whether you operate a business or a non-profit its likely you that you can increase your influence along with your popularity and sales by using free radio publicity. As an author I found this particular method of marketing a stepping stone to great success.

Publishers these days devote the lions share of their promotional budgets to celebrity authors and other high profile clients. So when it comes to promoting titles for first timers and mid-tier authors there is often little available in the way of promotional resources. In fact, many publishers make decisions to take on a new author based on the sphere of influence that individual might have along with his ability to help with promotion. The bottom line is, unless youve got a recognizable face, youre going to need to contribute at least some time and effort promoting your book.

I learned this immediately after getting my first book in print. I soon realized that if I wanted even the smallest chance of having a successful book that Id have to become proactive and get busy with my own publicity campaign. I soon discovered that the best efforts in such a mission would be with radio, though not in the traditional sense. Id heard that other successful authors almost exclusively appeared on talk shows to promote their books. And eventually, so did I.

But free radio publicity isnt just about promoting books. The medium lends itself to all types of topics. Radio hosts and producers are almost desperate for interesting and informative guests. The guests are what makes for good talk radio. Once I understood that radio shows needed guests as much as guests seeking publicity needed radio I never looked back. And heres the secret to the whole thing. Hosts and producers are looking for guests that can keep their listeners entertained by delivering useful and interesting information. Its really that simple. Can you speak intelligently on an issue of interest to a wide audience? If so youd probably make a great guest.

Its true that talk radio uses a lot of authors to fill the airwaves, but there is plenty of room for your product or service. Below youll find just a few topics that would make for an interesting talk radio show:

Home Schooling
Money Making Opportunities (especially during a recession)
Charity
Outdoors Activities
Sports
School Organizations
Youth Groups
Hobbies
Money Saving Strategies
Artistic Endeavors
Home Improvement
Crafts
Music & Theater

Its easy to get booked on a show. All you need to do is call a station that carries a show where your topic would be a good fit for their format and ask to be a guest. Of course, youre going to need to convince the producer or host that you really would be a good fit for the show. Take a little time to listen to talk radio. Notice how the really good guests behave. In my own experience I learned early on that people love stories, especially stories where others triumph in some way. Does your product or service help people? Can you illustrate examples using stories? If so, youre more than half way to the microphone. Oh, I use the term microphone metaphorically because most shows are done from your home phone.

There are some dos and donts youll want to keep in mind when doing a show. Be upbeat and use humor where appropriate. Be devoted to doing the show for the audience and the host first. If you do the host will almost always be willing to plug your product or service. Be sure to not make your interview sound like a commercial. Self serving guests are never asked back. If you do have something to promote other than a book, perhaps you could prepare an information sheet or booklet and offer it to the guests.

This doesnt have to be elaborate, it simply needs to be an introduction to your what you offer. And if you do have something tangible for sale its always a good idea to have a Website or toll free number as a happy host is usually more than willing to mention ways the listeners can get in touch with you. When you do a good job as a guest the listeners win, your host looks great for having you on, and you just might walk away with some new business. Ah, free radio publicity, dont you just love it?