Did somebody say FREE?!

As a public relations specialist, my job is to get the most exposure for my clients as possible at ZERO (yes, absolutely nada) cost to them. I know what some of you may be thinking - and oh yes, this is possible...

Whether I was with the largest hospitality agency in Florida garnering free publicity for luxurious spas and hotels or in the Mid-South maintaining the brand of multiple health care entities, there are always initiatives out there just waiting for the right creative person to come along and scoop them up. That's where YOU come in!

Here are a few top ideas that I tailored for Lbobi - tactics that could definitely be tapped in to for all of you passionate photography professionals. These are just jumping off points; make it your baby:

Local media are always looking for story angles. You'd be surprised how little there can be to report on if the weather is behaving and crime is low for the day...

Step one: Create a "frequent media contacts" list that includes the feature editors and reporters of your local and regional newspapers. Most of these can be found on their websites; not too much digging needed. Don't feel like you have to exclude television either. Think BIG! And with your talent, why wouldn't they give you some free air time?!

A few little nuggets to chew on (YUM): Now, the fun part. Put that media contacts list into action! Ask yourself, what can I do for them? The very nature of "public relations" is defined as a "mutually beneficial relationship." Yeah, we like the sound of that! Opportunities here are endless, and when you brainstorm and come up with something you feel is a stellar idea - start pitching it to that contacts list (e-mail pitches recommended). The worst thing they can do is pass.

Does your mayor or other local city official have kids? Maybe offer to shoot some family photos for an upcoming campaign for free. All you ask is that they leave your name/logo on any products produced. You never know - he/she may decide to order the products from you rather than their usual company. And their wife would be so in love with the shots, they decide to purchase some for their personal collection too. Even if they don't place an order, think about how many people would see your name on those pics on the campaign trail. Not to mention all the word-of-mouth recognition. Next stop, The White House. Ha!

What about a local philanthropy? Non-profit organizations would love someone to offer to shoot their staff or memorable patients for free. Again, all that you ask is that your name/logo remain on the photo for any products they print or purchase. Imagine all the patients or family members that walk through the doors of a hospital or place like the American Red Cross, local Junior League, etc. Thousands of people will have the opportunity to pass by your work.

Is there a college nearby? Agree to shoot the next fraternity/sorority swap, formal or mixer for free, and then the only cost will be the photos they choose to order. I'm sure most of you have an online ordering system anyway - and college kids have gobs of their parents' hard-earned money to spend. They're making memories and are a huge target audience for photography. Didn't we all want to capture how much fun we were having in college... before the real world snatched us up?!

For FREE social media publicity, hold a contest on your Facebook page. People LOVE contests. Maybe for Mother's Day people could submit a photo and blurb talking about why their mom is so great and deserves some special recognition. The best story (or one voted on by Facebook fans) wins a free session with you... waive the sitting fee, and once they see your fabulous photos, you know that proud mommy will be eager to purchase some products! This concept could be tweaked for endless holidays, seasons or celebrations (best photo with Santa, anniversary photo, proposal story or even wedding horror stories) - you're creative, so run with these ideas and make them your own (and your Facebook fan numbers will skyrocket)!

This is just the beginning, but I wanted to share that there are many ways to get the word out about your talent without exhausting all of your profits on marketing/advertising. Dream big, and think free!

-          And don't forget to tell your "frequent media contacts" list about you helping out that local charity or the huge Facebook contest you've got going on... It's very likely they'll run it AND give you cross-promotion on their website too.

Public relations... not just spin-doctors.

Britt