Where can I submit a press release about a new product developed for children with autism?

Question

I would like to find websites/companies that I can submit press releases to about a new product that the owner of the company I work for has developed. Any ideas?

Answer 1

It depends on the product and the target customer. It is not any type of local press that needs to be targeted to get the word out about a new product for autistic children. If you actually have a viable product, a good start to get the word out would be at the many autism conferences around the country. The products that have the most success are those that can be seen at these venues that serve a wide audience (professionals ,educators and parents). Even better is if the maker of the product has a connection to autism and can become a speaker.  

From that springboard word of mouth, articles through autism society publications, direct contact to the many autism centers that have been created all over the nation, etc... If your product is normally only used by professionals in certain fields (education, speech, physical therapy, occupational therapy, etc...) then your employer would have to approach publications of that field to get the word out to that interest group.

If the product is that good or innovative and appeals to a wide audience, then I suggest trying to get it highlighted on Good Morning America or other morning show. Autism is the 'hot' topic lately. That would be the absolutely best way to get the word out.

Creating a separate web site showcasing the product and making sure it shows up through search engines would be an Internet way of reaching customers. There are plenty of autism web rings on which advertising can be bought. We parents are constantly searching for things for our autistic kids.

I hope it is a good, affordable product. If it is, then once word gets out, the product will sell well. If it's not, then it will take no time to fail because even though autism is nationwide, the community is rather small and word spreads quickly. So what is it?