When it comes to promoting an event or a musical entertainer, press kits are an essential part of the music promoter's bag of tricks. Press kits are designed to have all the pertinent information and materials needed to provide the media with the full story on the subject, and make it easy for them to respond with a blitz of free publicity.

The idea of the press kit is to generate excitement among a jaded and sometimes cynical press, and motivate them to pass that excitement along to the public. Radio stations, television stations, and various music industry trade publications are used to receiving press kits all the time, so making yours stand out in the crowd can be a challenge.

When a music promoter is seeking publicity for a musical event or an artist, it is common to appeal to the media with a press kit. It is also common for marketing agencies to send press kits. But, anyone can put together a press kit, as long as they remember to target media who have a real interest in music-related stories, and make sure the kit contains comprehensive information (a good press release) that helps the journalist to write the story with ease and accuracy.

A typical press kit package will include a press release, as well as background information, photographs, a CD or DVD, and complimentary tickets to the event. To get the attention of those who write music articles, a press kit will sometimes include a small gift, such as a logo tee shirt or cap. One of the most important elements is to include a contact person and several ways of gaining contact (phone numbers, address, and email addresses).

Those in the media really do appreciate receiving press kits, as they often provide useful information for writing accurate articles and music reviews. To take good advantage of this free source of publicity, be sure to send your press kit out at least two weeks before the event; this will give the reporters time to write and publish your story.

If you would like to contribute a story or article about press kits or any music-related topics, feel free to do so at Media Positive Radio today.