Why you can't afford to sleep on TikTok
In the couple weeks since I humbled myself to 1) admit I didn’t know anything about TikTok and then 2) actually get on TikTok, I have actually found it to be… very fun. Better late than never, I’m learning a lot of essential stuff about the platform that’s rendering others ever more obsolete day by day.
Last week, Natasha Dressler gave me a little Zoom preview of what she’s ready to discuss on our upcoming TikTok AMA — and it’s so good. Consider that TikTok is increasingly the go-to search engine for Gen Z. Want to know the answer to… anything? Type it into TikTok.
So the obvious takeaway: Publicists and brands really can’t afford not to get on board with this platform, like yesterday.
Florida-based publicist Morgan Barse of Wing Woman will also join us on the session to talk about virality — she translated a vid from a media event into 10 million views and 30,000 followers.
BOTH of these pros are going to join me to spill all the TikTok tea on October 26 at 11 am PT/2 pm ET. This session is exclusively for paid subscribers, so upgrade your subscription now to join us and then register here for the TikTok October AMA! (Zoom link to come.)
Pitching media masterclass
My TV reporter and PR agency owner friend Christina Nicholson (who hosted me on her podcast recently) is hosting a 3-day program for pitching media.
She’s sharing her seven ingredients to land TV segments, online features, and podcast interviews that generate serious bank, without having to pay for ads.
Plus, it comes with some sweet bonuses:
Media Mindset masterclass to help you release five crushing “not enough” beliefs.
Personal branding workbook that hands you a method her team uses at her PR agency, Media Maven, to book clients on four podcasts each month.
“Fill-in-the-blanks” pitch template to help you lay out your first pitch and make it truly irresistible.
And for some reason, she’s offering all of this for $37?! (I’ll need to have a talk with her about pricing, but anyway.) You have just seven days left to register, so don’t let it pass you by.
Upgrade your subscription
I’m now offering my industry insights exclusively to paid subscribers. Upgrade your subscription to access the full archives as well as get future tips direct to your inbox.
Upgrade now to unlock instant access to the full recording of the recent HGG AMA, which answers 75+ of your essential questions — and it’s just about guaranteed to help you land placements this season.
Tools of the trade
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
I’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
Open press opportunities
For Good Housekeeping, I’m working on a roundup of great Hanukkah gifts. (Pro tip: Now’s a great chance to stand apart from the crowded Christmas HGG pitching market, per my hot tip here.)
For Verywell Family, I’m still looking for pediatricians (only) to weigh in on kids’ winter gloves. Where my pediatricians at? (Seriously, sourcing for peds has been a challenge.)
Recently published
What Is Hanukkah? The History and Meaning of the Festival of Lights (Woman’s Day)
The 26 Best Luggage Deals That Have Been Leaked Ahead of Amazon’s New Prime Day Sale Event (Travel + Leisure)
40 Best Sentimental Gift Ideas for Loved Ones (Woman’s Day)
20 Best Hanukkah Decorations to Make Your Celebration One to Remember (Good Housekeeping)
15 Best Hanukkah Party Ideas for a Fun and Festive Bash (Good Housekeeping)
What a Los Angeles local wants tourists to know before visiting, from weather advisories to drought warnings (all for Insider)
25 Best Nanny Gifts That Show Your Gratitude for Such an Important Job (Woman’s Day)
Shoppers Say They Can Walk All Day in These Cute, Pain-free Chelsea Boots — and They're Under $40 (Travel + Leisure)
How to Find Short Sale Homes: A Guide for Buyers (HomeLight)
28 Gifts for Men Under $50 He’s Guaranteed to Love (Prevention)
26 Best Organization Gifts So They Can Keep Everything Neat and Tidy (Woman’s Day)
50 Best Travel Gifts for Women Who Love to Explore (Woman’s Day)
14 Best Women's Bathrobes That Are Cozy and Comfortable (Woman’s Day)
9 Products That Support Social-Emotional Learning for Kids (Parents)
6 red flags that could signal trouble in a long-distance relationship (Insider)
15 cute kids’ birthday invitations to buy, email or DIY (Care.com)
7 Best Weekender Bags for Your Next Overnight Trip (Woman’s Day)
36 Unique 30th Birthday Gifts for All of Your Thriving Friends and Family Members (Good Housekeeping)
QR Codes: Your Business BFF (The Compass — travel agency B2B, print page 30)
I’ve Traveled Around the World With Amazon's Top-selling Backpack — Here’s My Review (Travel + Leisure)
Stock Up on Amazon’s Best-Selling Travel Accessories — Starting at Just $7 (Travel + Leisure)
What to Plant in Your Garden During November (Good Housekeeping)
ジューサーで作るフレッシュジュースはダイエットに効果的？ 米医師が説明 (Harper’s Bazaar Japan… no I didn’t learn Japanese but it’s a syndication badge of honor 😉)
An Airline Lost My Luggage During a Recent Trip — and This $28 Hack Helped Me Find It (Travel + Leisure)
Five Essential Exhibits Worth Traveling for This Summer and Beyond (AFAR)
How My Kids Fared in Bora Bora, A Honeymooner’s Paradise (Ultimate Family Vacations, print feature beginning on page 26)
The Best 40th Birthday Gift Ideas for Every Budget (Woman’s Day)
How to Effectively Argue About Abortion Rights With People Who Just Don't Get It (Glamour)
The 9 Wildest Perks You'll Ever Encounter at a Hotel (Best Life)
Open jobs
Job posts in this newsletter are now free!
Carma Connected is seeking a senior account executive to join the team at its Miami Beach office (hybrid schedule of remote/ in-office work). 4+ years of experience in luxury lifestyle PR required. Carma offers competitive salary, health insurance including dental and vision, 401(k) plan with profit sharing, flexible schedule, generous time-off policy and more. Please send resumes to careers@carmaconnected.com
KAYLEY Media is hiring a PR account manager in Web3 entertainment PR. Fully remote, part-time position with the intention to grow into full-time.
Rinck Advertising is actively seeking a public relations manager. “If you are passionate about growing in a high-performance culture that values respect, integrity, empathy, and courage,” apply. This is a remote, full-time, mid-level position with an opportunity for advancement.
Work with me
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged list of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
How to help
Donate to the Red Cross in support of its efforts to help Hurricane Ian victims.
Donate to the Uvalde Victims Relief Fund and to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to keep the Kyiv Independent going and keep Ukraine’s media going.
Donate to Planned Parenthood… march, fight, and VOTE!