There are a lot of ways to get your business in the news. You can hold a press conference, send a press release, or hire a public relations firm. But regardless of which method you choose, some basic principles apply to all media outreach. To get the most coverage for your business, you need to make sure that your story is newsworthy, that you’re targeting the right media outlets, and that you’re pitching your story the right way. Here are six tips for getting media coverage for your business:
1. Make Sure Your Story is Newsworthy
Getting media coverage for your business can be a great way to raise awareness and build credibility. However, it’s important to ensure your story is newsworthy before pitching it to journalists. Here are a few tips to help you improve your chances of getting covered:
- Identify what makes your story unique. What sets you apart from your competitors?
- Make sure your story is timely. Is there something happening in the world that makes your story relevant?
- Focus on the human angle. How will your story impact people’s lives?
- Be prepared to answer key questions. Journalists want to know who, what, when, where, and why. Make sure you have answers to all of these questions before you start pitching.
You can hire a reputed public relations agency if you don’t have the right in-house expertise for this. PR agencies can help your brand’s story stand out amongst others. They can help identify your company’s unique selling points and blend them into your story to ensure that your brand gets the right attention.
2. Target the Right Media Outlets
With so many media outlets, knowing where to start can be difficult. The key is to target the right media outlets for your brand. To do this, consider the audience you want to reach and the type of message you want to communicate.
For example, a great option would be an online lifestyle publication if you’re trying to reach millennials. On the other hand, if you’re trying to communicate a more serious message, a business news outlet would be a better fit.
3. Pitch Your Story in the Right Way
How do you ensure that your story is pitched correctly to get coverage? Here are some tips:
First, identify the outlet you want to pitch to and research their needs. What kind of stories do they usually cover? What is their target audience? By tailoring your pitch to the outlet’s specific needs, you’re more likely to catch their attention.
Second, keep your pitch brief and to the point. Journalists are typically very busy, so you’ll want to ensure that your pitch can be easily understood and doesn’t require too much follow-up.
Third, be prepared to offer additional information or resources if needed. If a journalist wants more information about your story, be ready to provide it. This could include background materials, quotes from experts, or even access to your product or service.
4. Be Prepared to Follow Up
Simply sending a press release and hoping for the best is not enough. In today’s competitive landscape, you must be prepared to follow up with media members to ensure your story gets the attention it deserves.
Once you have sent out your pitches, it is essential to follow up. Journalists are constantly inundated with pitches, so a personal follow-up can help your story stand out from the crowd. You can also offer additional information or assets, such as photos or interviews, to make your story attractive to busy journalists.
5. Don’t Be a Pain
You may not be aware of the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the media. If you’re constantly trying to pitch your story and bombarding journalists with calls and emails, you’re likely to end up on their blocklist. On the other hand, if you take the time to develop a rapport with media members, you’ll find that they’re more receptive to your story ideas.
In addition, it’s important to remember that journalists are busy people with strict deadlines. If you respect their time and make it easy for them to cover your story, you’re more likely to get the coverage you’re looking for.
6. Track Your Results
Check to see if there’s an uptick in traffic to your website after a particularly well-publicized event or article. You can also track the number of social media interactions, such as likes, comments, and shares. Another metric to consider is sales.
Have you seen an increase in sales since you started working with a PR firm or outlet? Finally, you can survey your customers and ask them how they heard about your business. You’ll see which media outlets provide the most value for your business by tracking these metrics. And with that knowledge, you can adjust your strategy accordingly to ensure maximum exposure for your brand.
By following these seven tips, you can ensure you get the most media coverage for your business. Just remember to keep your story newsworthy, target the right media outlets, and pitch your story in the right way, and you’ll be well on your way to getting the coverage you deserve.
