Letters to the Editors Work
Don't forget about this old-school marketing tactic in a social media world.
Even in today’s social media world, the letters to the editor columns are among the best-read sections of any newspaper, whether it is the Smalltown News or USA Today. It is your link to the public. But major newspapers get hundreds of letters each week and most run only a few letters a day.
The rules for getting your letter in the paper or being posted online:
- Be timely. If your letter is about news that’s three weeks old, nobody cares what you have to say
- Be brief. Keep it short, simple and to the point, under 200 words.
- Have an angle. Make sure your letter is different than the hundreds of others the newspaper receives. Have a reason for them to run it.
- Be sure it is well-written and typed.
- Try to make reference to something that has been in the newspaper, especially in another letter to the editor.
Where in the World is Anthony?
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Just gave Keynote in Wichita and headed to Nashville to watch some basketball. Go SEC and Go Gators! 🐊 Presenting tip number 1: Secret to wowing any audience is VARIETY: in voice, movement, pace, gestures, visuals, interaction, etc. Mix it up and stop being boring!
Spent the day working with remediation managers of a global chemical company. Presenting tip 72: Storytelling is a powerful tool. It helps simplify complex ideas, and provides that much needed connection to the audience.
Spent the day in northwest Ohio speaking to a large specialty contractor. Sales Tip 19: Keep Q&A responses around 30-45 seconds, if possible. Too long of an answer waters down key points. Prioritize!
Spoke at two different events today in Birmingham, Alabama. Communications tip 62: A preemptive strike is often the best move to stay ahead of negative news. Don't let others control the message.
Spoke this morning in Beckley, West Virginia. Messaging tip 12: Ask yourself the most asked questions you get at your organization and then write out your responses. Prioritize. Refine. Share. Review every six months.