E-PR & ITS TOOLS:Immediate Points To Consider, Using Email As PR Tool

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Fundamentals of Public Relations MCM 401

Lesson 19

E-PR & ITS TOOLS

Overview

The use and benefit of Internet and Email has been greatly identified as a useful tool for public relations

practice. But how and when to use this is a question which needs to be pondered upon in the modern day

practice of public relations. This and the use of laptops or note book will also be looked at and its

advantages and disadvantages will also be compared in this lecture.

How To Develop E-PR

This is the age of electronic communication. It is therefore important to know the different aspects of

developing PR in this sector.

Immediate Points To Consider.

1. Immediate Impressions.

2. Wise use of colors & illustrations in a purposeful way.

3. Quick download of information possible from the site.

4. Use small images, storing them as highly compressed file.

5. Your site should /could include:

An overall mission statement.

Details of products or services.

Secure means of ordering.

Compact, relevant & informative material easily readable.

Information about key personnel & company locations.

Good links to other /own, and / or relevant sites.

Publicity about awards, 'good works'.

Frequently asked questions. (FAQs)

membership or registration offers.

Competitions, quizzes or other entertaining items.

Some form of feedback.

Your site should not include:

1. Unnecessary flashy & fancy graphics.

2. Curious backgrounds that render text almost impossible to read.

3. A lead page that merely shows your logo or company name.

4. Unclear and useless links or other devices that viewer may not recognize.

Using Email As PR Tool:

1. Email is addressed to individuals, who each receive a personally addressed item with no copy

marked elsewhere.

2. Email is sent to individuals on a list, so that all know who else has received it.

3. Email is posted on web so that anyone who wants to, can download it.

4. Email is available to be sent to auto responder to anyone who logs in.

E - Press Releases.

A. Start with a bold heading FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

B. Choose an eye catching headline, short, relevant, truthful & to the point.

C. Keep the size to maximum of 500 words.

D. Include your web address (URL) for future contact.

E. Use simple & readable fonts.

F. Do not have large attachments.

Signature Files The new PR Tool.

· Simple Messages that conclude all your emails.

· These are seen by every e-mail recipient.

· This keeps your names & concepts in mind.

· Useful & legitimate way of promoting your key purpose.

Fundamentals of Public Relations MCM 401

Writing An E Press Release.

Internet - a useful medium for press releases.

Special recommendations:

Start with a bold heading.

Add a date always.

Choose eye catching headline short & relevant.

Use a simple font e.g. Arial & avoid block letters.

Avoid attachments to a press release.

How To Develop E-PR Using Laptops & LCD Panels Well

The Up Side

The Down Side

Encourages a display for

Many excellent graphics

every thought.

programs available.

Requires special equipment.

Many striking visual

effects possible.

Visual parts of

Long setup / boot up times.

presentations can be

prepared quickly.

Can detract attention from

Programs can make not

presenter.

only

Electronic visuals but

Easy to overdo visual effects.

with other features.

May require dim room

Lend high tech

lighting.

credibility to presenter

May be hard to tailor.

Techniques For Using Laptops For Presentations.

· Don't overdo visual effects; don't make a visual for every single thought.

· If possible index slides for quick reference tailoring to your requirements.

· Have plan B --- a hard copy version of your slides --- as a stand by.

· Rehearse carefully & thoroughly.

· Get there early; check everything twice.

· If using a TV monitor use at least 30 inch screen. (better to use LCD data show).

· If using an LCD Panel & reflective screen, try to get a super high resolution projector.

· Allow sufficient setup / boot up time.

· Ensure image is large enough to be seen & is clearly readable.

· If presenting in a darkened room , emphasize your voice dynamics.

· If you anticipate long discussion on slides turn off screen saver.

· For commands, use a remote portable mouse as opposed to tapping the laptop.

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