PR and SEO Research Saves Time and Money

It’s early in the morning, and I’m responding to an e-mail from a new entrepreneur who wants to know how much I charge to send out a press release. Now, I respond to many of these messages and don’t mind helping out new entrepreneurs. But it always makes me wonder. How much research have these people done prior to contacting me? After all, I post information about all of my services, samples, articles, etc. on my website. I write three different blogs about online copywriting and small business public relations. Plus, I provide current information in numerous articles and newsletter entries. But many of these new entrepreneurs want me to explain the entire publicity process to them. They tell me all about their great products and how they are ready to send out a press release. Then they want me to tell them exactly what they need to do to get more customers – for free!

Well, I don’t mind helping out and answering questions whenever I can. But come on. If you are starting a new business, it’s important to have your plan in place and know what you are doing. Even if you are clueless and have zero budget, in addition to this site, there are many resources available to help you such as: 
StartupNation, Small Biz America, 
Entrepreneur, 
Inc., Fortune Small Business, AWAI. The point is that as a small business owner, you need to prepare yourself and do some work. Of course others can do it for you, but that’s a good way to lose money…and control of your business. It’s like buying a car. If you do your research and know how much a car is worth, you can work with the salesperson and get a good deal. But if you go in “with blinders on,” you may make a purchase you’ll be sorry about later.

Now, there are many businesses out there that will be more than happy to take your money and promise big results. Unfortunately, I’ve had to rescue many entrepreneurs after they dealt with bad publicists and agencies in the past. And I don’t want this to happen to you. Please take a little time to plan ahead and conduct the appropriate research before hiring any kind of service or buying a product to “do the work for you.” I really don’t want you to get a “lemon.” Do you?

By Melanie Rembrandt