New Week, New ThingZ, New WordZ
Vol. 28
HelloZ
So that’s it. That’s all we get for August? Poof. Gone. Into thin air. I guess it is what it is. You know what else it is? It’s CORN! Who knew veggies could be such a banger?
Yes, it seems corn is everywhere, just like my schedule. Speaking of schedules, I couldn’t be happier to add ANOTHER Holiday Gift Guide AMA with Aly and Alice — yes, our first session already SOLD OUT! I’ve posted more details below, and we are all suped for it.
🚨Also, on Holiday Gift Guides: I have my own tutorial coming out this week! In this week’s paid newsletter, I’m drafting a how-to overview for building Holiday Gift Guides, giving you the ins and outs from 3 different perspectives: journos, publicists and affiliate marketing.
Pitching journalists/editors: What they’re looking for, what they care about, what to include, how to build a pitching template that works
PR: Going beyond Cision to build media lists that will maximize coverage, high-quality exposure and revenue opportunities
Affiliate marketing: Without affiliate links, HGG just DGAF about your brand/client. Learn about the HGG dynamics and how your PR and affiliate marketing efforts fit into the puzzle.
Bottom line: HGG season is HERE, and you should already be planning for it. If you want more efficiency in your pitching and want to max out your affiliate opps this year for Holiday Gift Guides, it’s a great day to become a supporting subscriber to Zlata Thoughts — you’ll get access to my HGG guide AND ALL my other content!
As you might’ve noticed, Substack is fast becoming a primary outlet for me. But it takes time, and reader support is how it happens. I hope you can tell that I work hard to produce content that brings you value! So, if you’re loving it (and I hope you are!), please consider becoming a paid subscriber!
Thank you, as always, for being here! We’ve got a stacked read today (it has the juice), so let’s get to it. I can’t imagine a more beautiful thing.
Housekeeping
Pitching Oppz: I just accepted a bunch of new assignments for September, and I’m pitching more. See what I’m working on here and send me your pitcheZ!
Save the Date! I’m hosting an AMA with Aly & Alice! Don’t miss the exclusive Q&A with 3 great perspectives right as the Holiday Gift Guide rush sets in.
Sept. 7, 2pm (EST).UPDATE: WE SOLD OUT OUR FIRST SESSION! We’re putting together a second course, so stay tuned for date and time, but please do keep signing up!Have you visited my new website yet? Be sure to drop by zlatapr.com and pick up my free guide, ABZs to Affiliate Marketing!
Join my groupZ!
AffiliateZ from A to Z: A safe space to ask questions about all-things affiliate marketing. Come join us and bring friends!
PR and Marketing Jobs group: The latest opportunities in PR
ConnectionZ group: PR, marketing, and media professionals
ProductZ
Just found out about Blue Apron’s Tailgating Box and had to pass along. The new fork-and-spoon-optional recipes feed up to 8, perfect for parties! Runs 9/9 - 10/31. Order through Blue Apron’s website and mobile app, via the Blue Apron Market and at Walmart.com, where no subscription is required. Will def be including in my fall lineup!
Plant-based friendZ, have you tried Purple Carrot yet? These meal kits are 100% plant-based, super satisfying and priced right. They also have prepared foods!
Skinsheet: Another must-try! Made as an alternative to traditional cotton, these products use different skincare materials to cleanse and exfoliate, helping you maximize your skincare routine.
NewZ to AmuZe
A man on a mission. After a 3-day search, a man found a lost wedding ring on the beach for a stranger. Cool, I can’t even find things in my own fridge.
Team Hawai’i won its fourth Little League World Series this past weekend, outscoring opponents 60-5 (!!) in 6 games
Megan Markle has a new podcast, and word is Buckingham Palace is shaking in their wellies.
Apple’s debuting the iPhone 14 on September 7 at 10 PT. Cue my phone breaking and becoming obsolete riiiight before they invent new things to charge me for. Upgrades on upgrades. Also we’re still calling them “phones” LOL
ShowZ
More than 20 years after its debut, Curb Your Enthusiasm is back for a 12th season.
E! has canceled talk shows “Daily Pop” and “Nightly Pop” as part of a restructuring. In a bad news/good news twist, lots of these creators now host their content on independent channels via TikTok and Insta. Silver linings and all.
Netflix explores an ad-supported option. Netflix is looking at a monthly price of $7 to $9 (versus the current $15.49 rate) which would include 4 minutes of commercials per hour. So now we’re back to just paying for TV and commercials again. #innovation
Peacock launched its first-ever virtual “DocFest.” I thought this would be about physicians, but wrong again! It’s actually in celebration of the channel's collection of documentaries. Look for a new title every Wednesday between September 14 and October 19 as part of the multi-part series.
FunnieZ
Your only job for the next 2 minutes is to enjoy what you read. I’m here to help.
AND DON’T FORGET: My Holiday Gift Guide pitching and affiliate guide comes out later this week! Upgrade your subscription now to get it delivered to your inbox!