Write Perceptions is a boutique public relations firm that specializes in writing and media relations. The company is led by Louderback, a former reporter and editor for newspapers and magazines who served as a public relations director for a county economic development agency and director of media relations for a restaurant marketing business before launching Write Perceptions four years ago.
Before the Internet age, it was difficult for an Ohio-based firm to implement public relations campaigns for clients in another part of the United States, or in another country. Today, though, distance is not an issue thanks to online tools such as media databases and e-mail. When an account begins, Louderback visits the client in person or via video teleconference to conduct initial interviews, experience the company first-hand and interview the key contacts. Then, in the following weeks and months, the writing and media relations tasks are performed from Write Perceptions’
The key to effective public relations is not about location. Instead, it’s about having the right ideas and tools. With these essential elements, a public relations firm can effectively perform its job – even if it is located in Ohio and the client is located in Hawaii.
Comprehensive Media Database
Write Perceptions subscribes to Cision, which is one of the largest media databases in North America. Cision provides public relations professionals with details, editorial calendars, e-mails and phone numbers among other information for every print, broadcast and online print and broadcast media member in the United States, Mexico and Canada. This vital tool allows publicists to pitch stories and communicate with the media from wherever they are located. Newspapers, magazines, radio stations, television stations, and online publications are among the outlets. The database also includes a detailed listing of freelance writers and syndicates.
An Arsenal of Media Contacts
The 41-year-old Louderback is a dynamic and creative writer and publicist with 16-plus years of professional experience in journalism and public relations. He has a vast network of media lists and established contacts with reporters and editors at local, regional and national newspapers, and consumer and trade publications. His clients have been published in outlets like the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune Small Business, USA Today, Real Simple, Family Circle, Southern Living, Washington Post, Miami Herald, Inc., Entrepreneur, Smart Money and Money among other print, online and broadcast outlets.
For a business, local and regional coverage is especially important. Write Perceptions recognizes this and has strong relationships with major metropolitan newspapers, solid regional lifestyle magazines and city magazines, and local and regional business, senior living, women’s, men’s and entertainment publications.
Before implementing a public relations campaign for a client in a certain city, Louderback conducts extensive research about the media market and the publications and broadcast outlets the firm believes are most ideal to target.
Story Ideas That Attract Media Attention
Reporters, editors and producers do not care about the location of the publicists who are pitching story ideas. They are interested in the story angle itself, though. Jeff understands how to create story ideas that interest the media. Many members of its public relations staff have worked as reporters and editors. A key element to executing a successful public relations campaign is providing the media with stories that it wants to write about or broadcast.
A public relations campaign does not involve writing one press release and then sending it to media outlets around the country. Securing consistent coverage in the media requires a variety of story angles and several press releases that are specifically targeted to certain newspapers, magazines and broadcast outlets. For example, a business journal would likely not be interested in a press release about a real estate developer’s interesting hobbies. It would more likely be captivated by an entrepreneur profile idea on how he built his company. This further illustrates why, in public relations, distance is not an issue, but the right ideas and tools are.