Any one tried a teaser campaign?

[Tara]

Hi

I am thinking of running a small teaser campaign to try and gain publicity for my new business. I will send an unusual teaser first with just a web address to journalist then follow it up with a press release, what do you think?

Any other ideas much appreciated


Thanks

[10 Yetis]

Big fan of teaser ads, but think they work most effectively on consumer facing marketing campaigns rather than with journo's.

I fear that they may well just bin the info on its own, as a web address may not create huge impact. Not saying it is a bad a idea, as always, it is how you execute it that counts.

What you could do, to ceate a bigger impact for example, would be to put the web address (I am presuming it is for longest web banner site) on a 6ft wide (but thin) piece of paper. You could then roll it up and post it in a cardboard tube to a select number of journo's.

If you followed it up with the press release in the same style it would create brand consistency and all that, making it easier to stay in the journo's mind.

If I am really honest, I cannot see much interest coming from nationals about the longest banner ad in its own right, although to be fair I could see it picking up trade marketing coverage.

For the nationals you would need a bit more of an angle... would then suggest the Guardian Media Section as a trial run... seems to be right up their street.

[Tara]

Hi Thanks for the tips, the teaser campaign is something similar to what you are suggesting, so hopefully I am on the right lines.

The Guardian media section is a good idea thanks

[Richard Glynn]

Hi Tara,

First off - Andy's right. (he usually is!)

And the website looks great.

Couple of comments.

I think, teaser campaigns aside, your real challenge from a communications perspective will be convincing people you're not just another in the long line of milliondollarhomepage.com rip offs. And journalists are amongst the most cynical group of people in business - they're paid to be!

Credibility might help. You could think about offering a few free ads to high profile brands to give your site a bit more credibility and perceived endorsement. You can always drop their ads if a paying customer wants the slot.

Also offer free space in competitions on business websites and media and use the space you achieve to promote your website's benefits.

Good Luck

Richard

[billhilton]

Agreed - Andy's right. Most hacks would just bin a teaser. They're much better for B2C.

Have you banged out a PR via the usual online suspects - PRweb, and the like?