by Monika Maeckle, Vice President New Media
A well-written press release, a heartfelt story, and a timely news hook landed self-published author Jodi Bean on the Dr. Phil Show to promote her book and her cause. How much did it cost? Only $300.
Bean, of Alpine, Utah, issued a press release on Business Wire’s Utah circuit on April 14 about her challenges raising a difficult adopted child from Belarus. The story was especially compelling in the wake of the media furor over a Nashville mom who was vilified for sending her troubled adopted son back to Russia six months after his arrival because of violent behavior and psychological problems.
With help from online PR pro Janet Thaeler, Bean’s press release resulted in an April 30 story on the front page of the Salt Lake Tribune with the headline “Preventing failed adoptions: Prospective parents need more info on childhood trauma.” Bean’s book, Love Lessons and her Finding Hope Foundation, were founded specifically to address those needs.
Shortly after the front page placement, and following an email follow-up, the Dr. Phil Show called. By June 10 Jodi Bean was being interviewed on national television.
” The important thing was to link to the book, her other appearances and to her foundation. These built trust and gave her credibility,” says Thaeler, author of the book I Need a Killer Press Release, Now What??. Thaeler inserted useful, relevant links throughout the press release. She also detailed the press release case study in a recent blogpost.
Apart from great media placements, Bean relayed that she went from selling two-three books a week, to two-three books a day.
“It was my first press release and it was really successful,” says Bean. “I’m going to do another one.”
We’re glad to hear it. Do you have an impressive press release case study that involves Business Wire services? Email monika.maeckle@businesswire.com
Monika,
This was the first time I used Business Wire and found that the staff (Malcolm in particular) so helpful. We were in a rush to get this one out because the topic was so hot. I knew this was a story for the media, not just for search engines (which is typically my focus).
On my way to work I just happened to hear a talk show about the subject. I didn’t have a lot of time to get up to speed on everything. So it was helpful when Malcolm suggested I center and bold the call to action and I got pricing info quickly.
Thanks for your help and looking forward to using Business Wire for more of my clients.
-Janet
Janet, thanks for the kind words. I’d say Jodi was blessed to have you as her PR guide–beginner’s luck plus your PR smarts delivered for her big time. I’m glad we were able to help. Keep up the good work!