Question: "Is social media replacing the celebrity publicist?" - JB

 

Of course not, on the contrary! Publicists are excited about the opportunities social media outlets such as Facebook, twitter, instagram and tumbler offer to their clients. Social media has become such a powerful tool that Publicists and apprentices alike are finding creative ways to acclimate such sites into PR campaigns. We encourage clients to be more active on them. We urge them to promote new projects, events, and increase awareness on anything that raises positive attention for the client's benefit.

 

A Great example of when social media goes right is Kanye West's tweets announcing the launch of his design company. With a couple of keys on his smart-phone West had the web abuzz. He notified millions of like-minded people of the speculated groundbreaking, available job positions, his aspirations for the company, the premise behind it and much more. Although he made theofficial announcement before his PR rep could, this does not take away or undermine their duties one bit. Publicists notify the media via an official press release or statement and the media notifies the public. These steps before social media were and in some cases still are very time consuming, taking attention away from more important duties. However, now celebrities are able to spread the word and get the ball rolling within seconds.

 

There are also examples of when Kanye needed the support of his PR team with his many "What the hell was he thinking" moments. Celebrities for the most part know what not to say in public forums. The reality is they are human. Their expertise consists of their particular talent(s) and not necessarily how to maintain their direct relationships with the public and the public's interest in their personal lives. The same social media outlets used to share great news are also used to issue apologies and thanks to the warp speed of cyber space these apologies normally come before their PR rep can issue an official statement on their behalf. This is actually perceived as more "sincere". Let's be honest who actually takes an apology from an unknown person behind the curtain seriously? Most statements issued on behalf of someone are perceived as very detached and disingenuous. Social media is removing this cold element and although this alone will raise the question, "If celebs can now directly apologize on their own, why do they need Publicists?"

 

Answer, social media will never replace the human element and physical work that goes into maintaining the lucrative brands developed around celebrities. Social media is praised for its fast delivery and ability to connect the entire world with one press of the "Enter" key. It displays the exact reasons why more then ever publicists are needed to maintain the overall stability of quality information that upholds the public's interest in the clients.

 

 

"How do I go about putting together a press release/press blast for a song for an artist I represent?" - Justin W.

 

Despite what most think press releases are quite simple to draft. Especially if you stick to one important rule "Keep it simple!"

 

Seriously, especially when it comes to announcing the release of an artist's new song, event, and things of that nature. Now, you say "Gee Arie, why must I keep it simple and as direct as possible?"

 

Fact, your press release is one of millions sent to various media outlets and daily news wires. You ONLY have 15 seconds if that to convince editors and program directors why they should cover, interview or attend what your press release is announcing. Don't lose their attention trying to sound overly professional and wordy with nonsense no one cares about. Cause, please believe, you will get passed over to the trash w/in the first 3.5 seconds if your point doesn't appear to be in the next sentence. Think I'm lying??... Try the wordy game and keep me posted on your results. [Laughing]

 

Press releases are nothing more than the 5 "W's" and 1"H" (depending on the topic): Who, What, When, Where, Why and the occasional How. [Takes you back to grade school right? Go figure.] Hell some press releases are literally in the format of:

 

 

Contact Info (Blah, Blah, Blah)

 

Title

(Sub title)

 

WHO:
WHAT:
WHEN:
WHERE
WHY:
HOW:

###

(Indicates end of release)

 

While other releases are in the invisible format, without listing each "W" factor. You may use whatever format floats your boat. Below are a few links to some very useful sites with FREE press release templates. Also, a great resource is Google. By Google-ing press releases similar to what you're trying to draft, you'll have a better idea of how such releases should look.

 

 

"Arie, is twitter an effective way to promote my music?" - No name

 

Yes and no depending on the technique and timing. [laughing] No don't worry there is no science to twitter promotion. However, the biggest complaint I hear from twits, twitheads, twiggas, twithearts and what-evers is in reference to the numerous links received from artists they don't know. It's a fact people don't like being told by total strangers to click on random links and pressured to become a co-defendant in the retweet spam train.

 

Reality check!!!! People know when they're randomly picked for "promo" based on the other "@" contacts bunched together. From personal experience I'm flattered to see my name next to @iamdiddy, @eonline, @unclerush and @barackobama. However, I don't know them..... and I'm sure as hell they don't know the person who chose to place us together in some dilapidated twitter blast. In doing this, artists are basically shooting blind, how productive is that? If you don't take what you do serious, why would anyone else???

 

So, although twitter is very convenient, like anything else it's important and most effective to do your due diligence a.k.a. homework and know exactly who you're sending your music to. You wouldn't send your hip hop track to a rock station [that would be pointless], twitter is the same way.

 

My advice, get to know who your fans and followers are and start with them. By working within your ACTUAL network, you're sharing with people who have interest in you.

 

Also, FYI for your mental Rolodex there are programs that can be linked with your social networks to send out prearranged material for distribution to YOUR followers in an organized and timely manner. Helping to avoid leaving every-one's time line looking like your personal promo page and leading to you being blocked or unfollowed.

 

 

 

"I've received responses from emails I send out saying that my approach is ghetto. Man, I'm just trying to get my music heard, what do you suggest?" - Jo Dee

 

[laughing] Ghetto may be a little harsh. However, it is very important to approach people [especially if you don't know them] in a professional manner.

 

Let's slip on our common-sense fitted caps shall we….

 

In my opinion, the best way to approach people [media etc.] is to step into their shoes. Imagine being an editor or program director who receives 100's of emails a day, from talented people such as yourself looking to have their music posted or played. Now, imagine every other email is "Yo check my new sh*t out" or my personal favorite "You might wanna f*ck with me, I'm that n*gga"...

 

 

Oh and we definitely can't forget the random single link email. You know what I'm talking about. An email with just a link and no additional information. Really??? Let's be real your email and "hot sh*t" is going straight into the trash and you may now possibly be marked as SPAM.

 

My advice… Keep it simple stupid! Sorry, I mean short and to the point. Here's a few pointers to help you look like you know what you're doing and be taken serious.

There are never any guarantees in public relations, but one thing I know for sure. Following these steps will get your foot in the "door", email acknowledged and possibly the coverage you're seeking. -- Let me know how you make out!