If you want to get free publicity, really, top-notch publicity, you should consider appearing on national TV talk shows.
National shows, especially the talk shows, will want to watch examples of you being interviewed on TV. That’s why it’s a good idea to do some interviews on TV in your hometown and in other cities, if your budget allows for travel. Being on several talk shows also increases your credibility and makes you a more likely candidate for a national show.
Local shows will probably not pay your expenses, but national ones often do, so plan accordingly.
Try to get the producers of the shows you appear on to make a copy of your interview. When you have done several local shows, copy them all to a single videotape or DVD that you can send with your media kit.
When you are trying to get booked on a national show, you will probably need to send them a complete media kit.
It is a good idea to watch several episodes of each show you want to appear on, so you know what kinds of topics they do and do not cover and how they handle them. Adapt your hook or pitch accordingly.
Many consider getting on the The Oprah Winfrey Show to be the Holy Grail of talk show appearances. A single appearance on her show can rocket your book to the top of the bestseller lists in a few days. It can do equally well for your product or service.
Approaching The Oprah Winfrey show is much different from what you would do for other shows. Oprah tends to focus on specific topics, rather than on individuals, unless they happen to be celebrities.
So the best way for you to be booked on Oprah is to create a compelling topic, suggesting yourself and some other experts you know. Be sure to get their approval first.
At this writing you can actually pitch your idea on the show’s website. It also lists upcoming topics that you might be appropriate for. It’s a great way to get free publicity.
Danek S. Kaus is the author of “You Can Be Famous! Insider tips to Getting Free Publicity.” If you want to learn more publicity tips Visit his site