Online Promotion Guide: Active Parenting Today Online Groups

Promoting Your Program: The Final Details

MEDIA TIPS

Seldom will a press release or public service announcement be used in its entirety or exactly as you wrote it. Instead, your release will act as a teaser to get the media's attention.

Media professionals do not have the time for long phone conversations, so keep it brief. Write down a few notes about the major points you want to discuss before you pick up the phone. Be sure to thank him/her for taking time out of their busy schedule to speak with you.

ADVERTISING

Advertising is another way to promote your Active Parenting Today Online Group program. You may not need to advertise at all if you have been able to reach your target audience through public relations (newspaper stories, public service announcement, flyers, civic club announcements, school newsletters, etc.).

Advertising may be a good investment, however, if you are trying to reach people who may not be familiar with or do not come in contact with your sponsoring organization. Print advertising is a great way to reach a large target audience. Evaluate which media outlets reach your potential audience and contact them for pricing information.

Contact APP for advertising slicks (black and white master art) that publications use as master artwork, called camera-ready art. Usually, a publication's art department will be able to add the sponsoring organization's name and phone number for a minimal charge, or for free. Ask for a 15% in-house agency discount since you have supplied camera-ready art for the ad.

Use these slicks to promote your online parenting education group in school and community newsletters, theater programs, etc. Be sure to work with a printer or advertising department to customize these slicks for your specific program. The slicks also may be scanned.