By Lisa Manyon, Copywriting Strategist

As a professional speaker, you wouldn’t show up to a speaking venue without preparation. It’s much the same with publicity. When you decide you want to get more exposure for your speaking career, you’ll want to make sure you have a solid foundation or that you’re regularly reviewing your current foundation and making changes or updates as you gain more and more experience.

Regardless of your reason for wanting publicity, there are three foundations you’ll need to have in place before you issue your press release – no matter what your strategy.

1) Web site: Your website needs to be clear, concise and portray your business in the best way possible. Think of your website as your welcome mat for clients, customers and the media. Is it inviting? Do you make a clear offer to show visitors what their next step is? If you’re not sure, you might consider investing in a Manyon Marketing Web Makeover. Or, if you need to create the content for your site, a 5 Page Web Package is perfect.

2) Online Media Kit: The Online Media Kit is the new industry standard, especially if you’re interested in Internet Publicity. Online media kits saves time, money and hold all of your important information and qualifications that the media, event promoters/coordinators and anyone wanting to do business with you might need. You can have your web person create a media page for you but I recommend Instant Media Kit.

3) Bio: Your bio is an important tool for your publicity efforts. In fact, it’s important to have several options available depending on your needs. If you’re being considered for a television host position, you might need a long bio that tells all about your journey. If you have a speaking engagement booked you may need a short bio that gives a highlight of your qualifications. If you’re a guest on a teleseminar a mini bio is all that’s needed. So, I recommend that you craft a long, short and mini bio.

To recap, when you’ve decided you want publicity, you need to have a strategy and a solid website, an online media kit and a professional bio. Once you have all of these items in place, you’re ready to get the publicity you deserve.