Friday: Newly published content (including gift guides!), and how an event kept ME on my toes (and what we can learn from it!)
Yes, gift guides are happening + new job leads!
Happy Friday!
This has been some week, hasn’t it been? (And next week promises to be yet crazier…)
Last night I went for a mini tasting of my Dirty Aly pizza with two close friends, and it was SO much fun.
The Dirty Aly pizza will be around for about another month and if you’ve happened to have tried it, I’d love to know what you think!
So much new content to share today, including a gift guide that is now live. New for Forbes are three new pieces: New Concierge App Promises Curated High-End Culinary Experiences, Celebrate Passover With 6 Festive Cocktails, and Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024: The Best Gifts For The Mom Who Loves To Grill.
If your clients are included in these pieces (or not!), thanks so much for pitching…and more coming very soon.
I wanted to wrap up this week by taking a second to chat a bit about keeping events fun and exciting - and unique!
I get invited to A LOT of events…in a city like New York, I could conceivably go to several a night if I chose (more if I was open to daytime events, which I rarely am), but I actually only go to one a two a week most weeks.
After doing this for decades, you’d think it’d be pretty hard to surprise and impress me at this point, but sometimes I really truly am!
This week, I attended an event related to the collab between The Great Gatsby’s new Broadway musical and STK. It was centered on trying some signature cocktails created that were inspired by the musical, and to be a sort of happy hour event with what was promised to be some ticket giveaways. Fun, right? And we know Aly Walansky enjoys an excuse to have a good martini (and STK has some pretty great ones).
But, get this: At the event, there was a pretty surprising development - every single guest was gifted tickets to see The Great Gatsby — THAT NIGHT. So, yes, every attendee of the event (well, except for those who already had post-happy hour plans, I suppose…), got to finish off their evening with…a Broadway show.
Can every brand do something quite this big? Of course not. Everyone has budgets, and this particular surprise was particularly perfect because it was directly related to the reason we were there.
But there’s a larger message in this that every brand doing events can consider as takeaway. In major cities, there’s many events every night. Yours being the one people attend is going to be about there being a fit for their potential coverage, of course…but also just it being interesting and different.
We’re all invited to tons of cocktail parties. I love cocktail parties. That’s not news to anyone. But an event is special when it’s something more than that — perhaps a really cool educational or interactive element. For example, last year, I attended a launch of a botonical-infused spirit by having a spring planting related tie-in. Another time rather than just go and try a restaurant’s oysters, we did a shucking class. I’ve been to mixology and cooking and related types of classes and it really helps you put concept to practice in a fun and interactive way.
For example: If you are launching a deep conditioning masque, don’t just invite people for wine to chat about it, invite them for blowouts to try it out in real time. It’ll also gain you some social media love, because they’ll want to show off their blowouts. If you’re hosting an event to show journalists your awesome pasture-raised turkeys for their Thanksgiving content, hold a cooking class and then all enjoy a turkey dinner together. These are not random examples, but both the types of events I have accepted and attended in months past.
The same is true for virtual events: One of the best virtual events I attended during the pandemic was to launch an air fryer. We worked with the brand’s chef to create a three-course dinner using the new air fryer, and then had a virtual dinner party together.
The takeaway is: Keep things personal, unique, interactive, interesting — and if you can, exciting. Those will be the events journalists will want to attend, and the ones that they will be talking about for days after — and the ones they will be extra inspired to write about, because it’ll be an experience with the product that stays with them.
Another way to get journalists to attend your events? Offer Uber vouchers. Thanks to new congestion pricing coming, transportation is more expensive than ever and it makes a big difference.
In exciting news, I’m doing something I’ve never done before: I’m currently offering 20% discounts on my virtual consulting/lunch & learn sessions. Times are really tough and I am hoping to make these insights as accessible as possible to any of you who are interested. If you want to schedule a session for yourself or your team, to discuss anything from pitching to followups to events or press trips or anything else…drop me an email at alywalansky@gmail.com and lets chat!
Had so much fun chatting head bands and bows with so many of you a few months back when I did my Valentine’s Day collab with RPZL that I figured we could keep the fun going in a bit of a different way.
You may have noticed that I shared some photos on my Instagram a few nights ago in a fun new bow — that’s the adorable new Clarke Pearl bow style. Right now, I am partnering with RPZL, exclusively offering 30% off either that bow — or my go-to fave hair brush (I actually own two — one at home and one that I keep in my carryon!) to anyone reading this, with code ALY30 at checkout.
This is a limited time deal good for one week only!
Reminder: I’m currently sourcing for FOUR Mother’s Day gift guides — and yes, indeed, the early bird does get the worm. Scroll down to the pending assignments section below to see that and everything else I’m working on right now (it’s actually quite a lot).
If you want to prepare to pitch for these guides, you may want to take a second to grab the recording of our Mother’s Day Gift Guide AMA Zoom Event from a few weeks ago. The video covers everything you may find helpful about pitching during any gift guide season, from helping your pitch to stand out, the importance of following directions and completing ALL deliverables, as well as better email subject lines to followups and photo submission best practices (trust me, this is one that will help A LOT of you), and SO MUCH MORE. You can catch more information on what we covered and how to access the recording here. This video is free, as a benefit to paid subscribers. Membership does indeed have its rewards.
Job Leads
Hue & Cry (one of my fave teams!) is looking for a Public Relations Account Executive in New York City.
Newly published or freshly updated
Since people are often asking about the status of stories from a while ago, and I only share stories in this newsletter that were published or updated in the current week, I have created a list of my author pages at various publications to which I contribute. Bookmark it and make your life a bit easier.
This list will live on my Substack URL and be updated as necessary. That way, you can see what I’m doing at any publication, at any time, from types of stories to general structure of stories to even volume and frequency of my content at that outlet.
This can also help you to target pitching a bit better. That makes your job easier, and mine too!
Forbes.com: New Concierge App Promises Curated High-End Culinary Experiences
Forbes.com: Celebrate Passover With 6 Festive Cocktails
Forbes.com: Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2024: The Best Gifts For The Mom Who Loves To Grill
Food Network: I Tried Cup Noodles’ Most Mind-Boggling Flavor to Date
Wine Enthusiast: 10 Passover Wines to Make Your Seder Shine
Southern Living: My Recipe for Air Fryer Green Beans (these are so good!)
Clean Plates: The Healthiest Tomato Sauces You Can Buy at the Grocery Store
RetailMeNot: How Growing My Own Herbs At Home Has Helped Me Keep Meals Creative Without Busting My Budget
Today.com: These drugstore wrinkle creams are approved by experts, and they start at just $10
Clean Plates: How to Clean and Organize Your Fridge for Spring
HerMoney: The Best Timing For Hotel Bookings - How To Save On Your Stay
Forbes.com: Boutique Spot In Tuscany Schedules Intensive Food-Centric Series Hosted By Celebrity Chefs
Forbes.com: Patrick Mahomes And Travis Kelce Partner On Upscale Kansas City Steakhouse
RetailMeNot: Savings Star Origin Story: How I Learned to Eat Well (In NY!) On a Shoestring Budget
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares! Please remember to tag @alywalansky and the outlet.
Here’s what I’m working on:
Be sure to read the below list carefully. Many are stories I posted about yesterday, but some of yesterday's stories are no longer listed and a few new ones have been added since yesterday. This (below) is everything that is still a currently open opportunity as of today.
Please remember when pitching me: Email me at alywalansky@gmail.com - do NOT just hit reply on this newsletter, or there’s a good shot your email will be lost in the heap. Give your email a subject line that makes it clear which story you are pitching me for — it’ll help you in the long run.
Please consult my industry insights guides on submitting expert commentary, sending emails that will catch a journalist’s attention, how to craft pitches journalists will say ‘yes’ to, and the right and wrong way to submit photos, if you need any extra guidance before sending your pitches.
Clean Plates
I’m working on a story pegged for July 4th/BBQ season, geared toward all my fellow Trader Joe’s lovers out there: Products at Trader Joe's RDs love for summer cookouts …I’m not going to file this story until May, so we have LOTS of time, and I’d like to focus on newer products coming out this spring that would be great for summer grilling or a summer cookout - obviously with a component that RDs are a fan, and why. So if you have a RD that will want to comment, please reach out!
RetailMeNot
Budget shopping and cooking/eating smarter: As you all know, I write a lot of content for RMN related to budget shopping and cooking/eating smarter. I’m going to be working on a monthly column on the subject of cooking/eating well on a budget, and I’d love you to pitch me products/ideas to consider for it - maybe a new meal-stretching product that is a good deal at a grocery store, an awesome product to try that may cut my meal prep time in half, other themes as far as saving money on food/cooking/eating and doing it in a way that is smarter.
For my next Saving Stars column, I am going to chat a bit about my air fryer and how it helps me do a lot more in a small space - it's one appliance that sort of does the job of a bunch (from roasting and baking and "frying" to reheating and so much more), and even share a personal recipe or two that I like to make, which are themselves examples of budget stretching and saving. But I plan on incorporating a shopping aspect with some budget-friendly air fryers but also some very useful air-friendly friendly kitchen accessories. So, pitch, pitch, away!
Forbes
I’m sourcing for FOUR Mother’s Day gift guides! Here’s what I’m currently working on:
The Best Gifts For Her Foodie She Shed: So many women love to have a private retreat away from the constant demands of the household, be it to read, craft, or to use as an office. This can be anything from garage or outdoor space to even an actual shed - but the take on this is that if a foodie was using her she shed for all things food and bev. Whether a breakfast nook to enjoy her coffee in peace, to maybe a spot to have a girlfriend or two over for wine and cheese. I’m looking for fun gift ideas to outfit her foodie-centric she shed.
The Best Complete Dinners You Can Have Shipped To Her Door: I’m looking for complete meal kits or readymade meals she just had to pull together or reheat and can have a full beautiful gourmet dinner ready without even having to leave home. Note, I’m NOT looking for restaurant takeout. This is strictly items that can be shipped/ordered online nationwide.
The Best Gifts For The Mom Who Really Loves Salad: To balance all those MEAT guides, y’all. For this one, I’m looking to be pitched along the lines of veggie boxes, salad kits (that can be ordered online/shipped), cool grow your own herb kits, salad dressing cruets, fun salad bowls and tongs, and all that.
To pitch for ANY of my gift guides I’m currently sourcing for, please include:
Name of product
Link to retailer where it’s currently in stock and available, no pre-sale links please
Description
Price
LINK to high res image (please make sure to remove restrictions so that I can access image, and also make sure the image will not expire for a few weeks, so it can be accessed when necessary. Also please try to avoid large galleries and JUST send the image being requested, no others…it’s the best way to assure the image used is the one intended!)
Counting down to Passover coming in just a few weeks, I’m looking for brands doing fun new products, spirits, wines, etc for Passover (note: They must be both Kosher and Kosher for Passover - and no, this isn’t the same thing - check out my recent post explaining how to know the difference when pitching.)
I’m rounding up Cinco de Mayo, Kentucky Derby and Mother’s Day inspired cocktails. I need name of drink, where served, a description, a quote about it, and an image of the cocktail.
Looking to up your affiliate marketing game?
Affiliate marketing is complicated, and it seems that the landscape keeps changing. If you are looking to be prepared for gift guide season and all other shopping-related content, you may want to try the Ultimate Masterclass and Introduction to Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. It's a brilliant course and it'll answer all your questions (including some you didn't know you had!)
Virtual (and now in-person!) consulting sessions...
Looking for a consult as you plan your next event or trip? Or just want someone to take a look at the pitches you’ve been sending and give some feedback? I’m available for PR team virtual meetings to answer questions about pitching, events, and trips from a media perspective. Note: I’m also available to travel for consulting sessions as long as travel expenses are covered. We can chat! This is available for entire agencies or smaller group lunch and learn type concepts.
<3
aly
that pizza looks delish! I'm not sure if you are still sourcing for the She Shed article but I just sent you a pitch.