There is no limit to the types of stories you can pitch to the media to get free publicity, though some are easier to sell than others.

Here is a list of some of the types of stories journalists are likely to respond to. Some of these will apply to you, others won’t; but you can use them as a stepping-stone for related public relations ideas.

Do well by doing good works. For example, you can sponsor a charitable event or do volunteer work for a charity. Doing good works offers you two chances for free publicity. You can distribute a press release to announce the commitment you’ve made before the event and another one after the event detailing some of your accomplishments.

Celebrate a milestone or an anniversary. Has your business reached its 10th, 25th or 50th anniversary? Just sold your 10,000th car? Let journalists know. It’s a great time for publicity.

Write a how-to article. If you own a pastry shop, offer an article on how to get a flakier pie crust. If you own an auto repair shop, offer tips on trouble-shooting or basic maintenance.

Tie in to the news. There are many possibilities. Let’s say a celebrity couple announces that they’re getting a divorce. If you’re a psychologist or a marriage counselor, you could offer pointers on how to have a better marriage. If you’re a divorce attorney or a CPA, you might issue a press release on the financial consequences of divorce.

Create your own survey. If you sell computers, you can get some free publicity if you do a survey about the most common customer complaints and announce your findings to the press. If you operate a health spa, you could do a survey to determine whether jogging or walking is more popular. Fortune 500 Humor Consultant Malcolm Kushner is author of “Public Speaking for Dummies” and “Presentations for Dummies.” He has garnered national publicity for his annual “Cost of Humor Index.” Each year he assesses the cost of such humor-related items as rubber chickens and whoopee cushions, then he issues a press release to announce his findings. He’s been a guest on several top TV talk shows and other national venues.

Danek S. Kaus is a Silicon Valley business journalist and publicist. He is he author of “Get more Be Famous! Insider Secrets to Getting Free Publicity.” Get more Get Free Publicity Tips at his website and also learn how to Get Free Publicity on Radio Talk Shows