Getting Publicity??

[Giavera]

Would anyone have any tips for us on how to get some publicity for our Giavera Dunk design shoes, we made up a press release about the design and sent it off to about 10 different media source's with no reply (this was about a month ago). We knew it wasn't going to be easy to gain publicity as the shoes may not be everyone's cup of tea but we thought with our design being so different we would have an advantage. Suggestions???

For our next pair we are looking to do them for a well known person in the music industry, (as we want to try and get a following) we have some people in mind and some designs in our head but nothing concrete.

If you haven't seen them here they are http://www.customsneakerforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=159

Here's our Facebook page if anyone would like to join http://www.facebook.com/NikeGiavera

[Sekure D]

Ok I have a few remarks to make, please don't think I am being negative.

I would say the best way to get publicity is to have a consistent amount of good quality work come out so blogs want to post about you otherwise if you want THEM to post FOR you its going to cost you money as advertising costs, a reputation for craftsmanship and originality can't really be bought or established off the back of a couple of pairs when there is so many good guys it takes time.

I would first put together a professional press kit and send that out to blogs when you have a new release come out, you can't really make them post about you in order to make them WANT to post about you just present them with good photos, information and dates/cost so the work is done for them.

In regards to famous people I don't personally see much advantage in having someone famous wearing your shoes except for that fact they might make a good impression on your website. Celebs generally don't pay for the shoes and won't bother telling people who made their shoes if anyone points them out, I know many customizers have relationships with some famous individuals but I have had quite a few issues with stylists and so forth in the past.

If you consider me to be successful I really just followed the craftsmanship road to success, there isn't really much of a short cut, with a forum like this, blogs and FB things are easier now but it still won't happen over night.

Best of luck!!!

[Giavera]

Ok I have a few remarks to make, please don't think I am being negative.

No, that is excellent advice, it makes a lot of sense and we will be striving to get a consistent amount of work out to show everyone! At this point in time paying for publicity is not an option, lol!

Yes I think if you target the right 'famous' person it could work but we will have a deeper think about it now....

So we will just keep doing our thing and perfecting our design every time and the publicity will come!

Thanks for your response and being so open.

[Sekure D]

No problem mate if you have any questions feel free to ask.

[ChucktownCustoms]

You can also try to start with local press. Thats usually easier to get into.

[Sekure D]

Yeah I got into quite a few local mags when I was starting out thats good advise!

[//HF07]

D pretty much covered it. A few things I've learned are essential-consistency, presentation and most importantly social skills. Get a good camera and be down with your local shops and media outlets. Hit up all the local events. Publicity is 100% who you know, it's pretty craze how connected the game is. A lot of heads local and online tried to put me on over the years but I'm hella picky, inconsistent, and bad with (fake)people. Politics as usual...

forgot to add: publicity doesn't always equate to income haha

[Lo-Res]

"I would first put together a professional press kit and send that out to blogs"

What blogs/sites would you suggest hitting up D?