Public Relations Report
This initial report starts from most recent and spans the last quarter (will be monthly from here on). I will post links to actual publications as available, and announce not only submission but any actual publication as it happens. See Laura Lee Ellis for any questions, ideas or leads on public relations or publicity opportunities.
- December PR - PR Report from December 2008
- Sonlight to be featured in a NY newspaper as the curriculum choice for a private school opening at a time when so many private schools are closing due to economic challenges. Will update on publication.
- Query goes out Oct. 3 to feature Sonlight products on a website for stay-at-home moms (www.SAHMAnswers.com).
- Subscribed to HARO reports to get leads on potential Sonlight stories for the media.
- New basic press room is up, with room for more additions (includes manager bios, media contact info, press releases, etc.): http://www.sonlight.com/press-room.html
- Press release on scholarship program is up on our site: http://www.sonlight.com/Homeschool_Students_Win_Scholarships.html
- Press release for back to school is on our site: http://www.sonlight.com/Back_to_Home_School.html
- Submitted a back to school “feature” article press release to several Denver papers and AP newswire (Colorado and national) and 9News
- Submitted a “pitch” to editor of Homeschool Today for an article including John and Sarita and incorporating “entrepreneurship” into homeschool
- The “how to write a press release” tool for homeschool parents to publicize their homeschool is under construction on the test site
- Media list and magazine list is in the early stages, with writer's guidelines for about twelve publications. This list will be the target for byline articles by Sarita or other Sonlight writers to establish authority in the homeschool market.
- Achieved initial contact with several local education editors (progress toward the media relationships goal)
- Sonlight mentioned in Mississippi online newspaper (quoted Kelly Lutman): http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/NEWS01/80816012
- Sonlight mentioned in a French magazine that showed up on Google Alerts.
- Sarita spoke at Heart of the Matter, where they featured her bio (http://www.sonlight.com/employee-profiles.html), as well as Sonlight’s virtual booth as her background display
- Sarita’s blog (http://www.saritaatsonlight.com/) is up, as well as Judy’s.
- 16 PR strategies were laid out as a game plan for the next year and a half
- Initial idea/copy for press release tool was written and approved
- PR/ direct marketing effort to build relationships with churches (community centers, etc.) nationwide was generally approved for next spring
