Hi Alex

The fact that you're in business won't normally appeal to the press (they get hundreds of similar releases a day) BUT if you're doing something new or different or have a good backstory to tell then you might do better.

That's where a good PR firm or freelancer can help - in mining out that story and putting across well - they will also (hopefully) have the contacts to put the message in front of the right people. Costs can vary dramatically, from around £100 upwards depending on what you're hoping to achieve, whether it's a one-off or a series and, of course, who you're using. You might also consider using one of the online release services but results can vary. (Try www.pressdispensary.co.uk)

Having said that you can DIY and get good results, especially if you're targeting a local market. It really depends on your own ability to craft a story and willingness to followup with the media outlets you send to. But, if in doubt, get some help.

Feel free to drop me an email if you'd like to discuss it, and other low cost marketing ideas, further.

------------------------
Mark Nagurski - mark@freeformmedia.co.uk

FreeForm Media
Marketing Help for Small Business Budgets

Depends on what your offering as textstart says but doing something different to promote the service can be useful - Techniques such as Web TV content or interactive video webchats can be a very soct effective way to promote, engage and draw in potential customers.

running your own e-campaign is one method.

it needs to consist of:
1) a web site with
a) suitable landing pages for the audience
b) effctive copy/selling messages
c) immediate calls to action - eg. contact, booking, order, etc

2) bulk email campaign - to
a) current known contacts and customers
b) a well profiled email marketing list (some good candidate list brokers are listed at

www.listhead.co.uk

3) a linking strategy - to draw traffic in and get your message/buzz about
d) possible viral campaign design and viral content (that is 'viral' in a behavioral sense, NOT mal-ware)
4) parallel promotional activities - eg. press ads, work of mouth, etc

A good PR agent can work wonders, but they are generally quite expensive. Be prepared for at least a couple of man-days charge for even the simplest campaign component. Press can usually be negotiated with for 'advertorial' space, so long as you book up enough advertising space with them - generally very pricey.

Good luck. Please feel free to contact me if I can help further:

Rob
rcain@systemcore.co.uk

www.systemcore.co.uk