Hostetler Public Relations

Be ready for the interview

Many company leaders want to be a source for reporters. They want a voice and to be part of a story. Reporters today are on tight deadlines. Staff in a newsroom is smaller and many writers have several things they’re working on all at the same time. When you become a source, consider the reporter’s needs. Give them want they want and you’ll become part of the contact list for future stories.

Most reporters are working on deadline. Ask the deadline and the story run date upfront to know the time frame. Ask the angle of the story and who else is (more...)

Feed the beast… Google that is.

I’ve recently found my practice focused on several client projects that involve website development. As I work with clients to design their communications plan, company story and budgets for these projects I get the opportunity to partner with talented Indianapolis graphic designers. These designers all have some great web folks.

Together we all continue living and learning about social media, SEO and Google. And yes we’re talking a lot about Google the ever changing breathing search engine. And as we work to educate clients, I keep using the phrase… “Feed the beast.”

The reality of website work today is that it is (more...)

Who are you marketing to–yourself or your prospects?

A client wants a new brand/image/facelift. They hire professionals (either employees or consultants) to give them an honest opinion and guide them so they look great with a solid message—the foundation of their marketing program. Once they see and read the brand graphics and message, respectively, they want to go back to where they were. They resist the advice they’re paying to hear. The reason: they say people recognize their colors, fonts, logos and more. But do they?

Change is hard, but the fact is company owners that want to build a brand might be missing their target market. They might (more...)

Ya never know where a media hit will lead you

It’s true as much as I hate to admit it–sometimes clients don’t truly understand public relations and why professionals recommend taking action as part of a larger strategy. Some clients end up bumping heads with the PR professional while others (some of my best and most loved clients) jump on and hang on for the ride wondering where we’re going–but trusting it’ll be a great place.

Here’s a recent example.

A couple of months ago I read a reporter’s request on HARO (Help a Reporter Online). The reporter needed sources for a Mashable.com story about companies that use iPads for work. She (more...)

Public Relations isn’t just about talking to reporters…

I posted this blog several months ago. This week I heard several people working outside the field of public relations refer to the profession as a job that simply scores press for clients. If it were only so simple! I thought I’d pull this blog out… dust it off and hopefully change a few perceptions.

I’ve worked in the public relations business for more than 15 years providing local, regional and national services. Before that I was a journalist working in radio/television news. When I made the leap to pr, I came to learn that (more...)

Airplane Communications; Reach me on the beach

Just back from a week on the beach. Sun, sand and old fashion advertising via airplanes.

There’s so much hype these days about social media and the Internet. I thought it was great to see bi-planes with slogans and ads trailing behind for restaurants and attractions throughout the day. It was a great reminder as I sat in my beach chair, toes in the sand, soaking up some much needed sun—don’t forget traditional marketing methods!

There are great companies specializing in website design and management, social media gurus (An associate here in Indianapolis chuckles at that phrase since social media is so (more...)

The more things change… the more they stay the same

Social media is changing the way we communicate. That’s a fact.

News releases are dead. That’s an opinion.

After reading pr and press pundits thoughts on this statement over the last year, I decided it was time to ask my reporter friends here in Indianapolis. I really want to know so I can give advice to clients that’s sound and based on what people working in newsrooms want. So in December I created a poll that I sent out to them. Among the questions , “When you read this statement, what do you think: News Releases Are Dead.” The answer option was (more...)

Days like this make me wonder…

In public relations we recommend our clients have a crisis plan in place. Often they wonder why?

Days like this in the Midwest should be the obvious reason why. Just in case you’re reading this from a sunny and warm part of the country–today Indianapolis is the center of an ice-tastrophy. We already have about an inch of ice on the ground and we’re now hearing the tap-tap-tapping of more hitting our windows. If that’s not enough–when the ice is done about 4 a.m. this morning, we’re expecting snow to land softly atop the largest skating rink created in decades.

So how (more...)

Words make your brand

I confess! I’m a geek. I read promotional materials, FAQs, website copy and more. I like to see how people write and couple words together for maximum effect and impact for their brand. Do they really say who they are or do they use buzz words? Alliteration is one of my favorite devices to use in writing… for those scratching their heads that’s when you put words together that start or end with the same letters. It makes an elegant effect.

Anyway… because I like reading various words and copy, I tend to notice words and phrases that are overused. One (more...)

Make sure you can fulfill your marketing…

I’ve seen it happen too many times. Companies and business owners want more business. So they embark on a marketing/communications program BUT they aren’t prepared for what happens next. Customers!

Hopefully by now you’ve heard of Groupon. It’s a simple social media marketing idea that’s taken off. Business owners partner with Groupon. Groupon sends out a daily email with the business offer specific to your region. If so many people buy, “the deal is on!” Last week a local restaurant was featured on Groupon. A group of friends bought and went to dinner. The restaurant wasn’t ready. Bottom line, after sitting (more...)