During this time of the year, most wedding professionals are wrapping up the end of slower season when event work eases up and the business of running a business can take priority. When you are knee-deep in busy season, it’s so easy to get excited about PR and all of the exposure you know comes with it, but then ultimately let it fall to the back burner when one of a million more pressing issues crops up.
So this is a great time to streamline your PR for the coming season and make sure it becomes part of your week-to-week workflow. Don’t miss out on opportunities to promote your business through targeted pitches to prime publishers, simply put the time in now to get your publicity act together.
The following simple steps are time-tested ways to streamline your PR and get ready for the coming wedding season:
Implement Block Scheduling
Block scheduling is a method of time management in which you evaluate your priority tasks and pre-schedule the amount of time you are going to devote to each one and how often (i.e. on daily, weekly or monthly basis). I recommend committing to at least one hour per week to engaging in PR-related activities, whether that means assembling a media list, creating pitches or submitting yourself proposals for speaking engagements. Set aside the time you plan to invest in PR and during that time focus exclusively on it. Don’t get distracted by social media, your phone or email, your children or even your cat. Make your PR time power time.
Use HARO
HARO (helpareporter.com) is the go-to site for finding matching your amazing stories and expertise with press looking for something to report about. Commit 10 minutes every business day to scanning HARO and acting on opportunities that have potential.
Preview Upcoming Weddings and Make Predictions
Look ahead at the weddings you have in the works. Which ones have publishing potential or meet editorial requests? Start gathering what you would need if you decided to submit them now. Coordinate with your photographer, get client permission, obtain and process the backstory information from your couple and their vendors. Do the tedious tasks that normally stand in the way of completing important projects while you still have the time and are focused on the benefits.
Explore Ways to Make Your Life Easier
Sounds like a pretty great step, right? Think about your pain points and then ask yourself if there are any apps, programs or changes you can make that will alleviate them. Some may take a small investment, or you may need to learn to use them, but if they perform necessary tasks and save you time that you can use to address something that really needs you, they are invaluable.
Just prior to the busy wedding season is your best opportunity to put in place the procedures and systems you need to make you a superhero of PR all year long. Follow these simple steps and focus on the desired outcome. Your efforts now will most certainly yield PR rock star-level results in the not-too-distant future.
