3 Steps to Prep Your PR

You work hard as an actor. Years of training to learn the craft, getting decent representation, networking with industry, securing auditions, hopefully booking the job. But don’t stop there.

 

In today’s fast-paced industry, it’s important that you put effort into promoting your successes. You can be an incredibly talented actor but if no one notices, where does that leave you?

 

Instead, let’s say you grab some press attention. What if an online publication decides to write a story about you, focusing on your latest role? They interview you over the phone and ask for some photos to go with it. The article posts a few days later and it showcases you as “one to watch,” sharing details about your career from the beginning. In other words, it highlights you as a successful working actor.

 

Cool right? This article gives you something fun to share socially with friends and family. But what you might not realize is it also has the potential to become an instant career booster.

 

Suddenly, people who don’t know you are learning about your talents. They might even send it to their friends, possibly increasing your social media fans and followers. Plus, this article gives you and your reps something to share with industry insiders, which could lead to more acting opportunities in the future.

 

Right now, you may be thinking, “Terrific, but I don’t know how to do that.” Don’t worry, you’re not alone. The biggest reason most actors don’t incorporate PR into their career is simply that they don’t know how to get started.

 

That’s why I want to share with you these… 3 easy Steps to Prep Your PR:

 

1. Organize your promotional tools.

There are certain items everyone should have ready to go at a moment’s notice. Pull together a variety of images. These can include posed or headshot style photos and candid or behind-the-scenes shots from your projects. You should also have an updated bio that you love. Yes—I said love. You should want to share it, not cringe at the thought of it.

 

And you should also invest in a personal website that highlights your career. Not only can it be a valuable resource for a reporter to gather additional details about you, but it also gives them a place to steer your fans.

 

2. Build a target list.

Putting together a list of reporters to target in advance can be the secret to success. Include reporters who have covered you previously, even if they no longer work at that same outlet or cover the same beat. Many reporters have their own blogs or columns these days, giving them the freedom to write about a wide variety of topics.

 

Get specific about your list. Understand exactly who might have an interest in the type of story you’re offering. This will save you time and increase your chance for coverage. Also, get familiar with a publication you’re targeting. Grasp what and how they cover a story, so you’ll know exactly when your idea will peak their interest.

 

3. Create a strategy.

Establish a checklist that includes all the details you’ll need to gather for inclusion in a press release. It should contain the basics like project title, episode title (for TV), your role, director and producer’s names, network or studio affiliation, etc. One of the most important details is the premiere or air date. Don’t be afraid to check in with the production team later in order to find out.

 

Determine when you’re allowed to discuss this project. You don’t want to get into any trouble with the production team, so carefully read all Non-Disclosure Agreements you sign. The details outlined in this contract might specifically dictate what and when you’re allowed to share information with the press.

 

Your PR plan should also outline exactly how you’re planning to reach out to the press. Are you planning to do it yourself or will you be hiring a publicist? Will you be emailing, socially connecting or sending a hard copy to pitch your story idea? How long before the premiere date will you contact them? Do you have a reporter’s phone number for following up? The answers to these details will help you create a strategy timeline for your press outreach.

 

Overall, there are always things you can do to set yourself up for future PR success. The best campaigns don’t happen by accident or overnight. They are meticulously planned, strategized and organized—from the first press release to the last.

 

THANKS!