Want Free Publicity? Pick up the Phone!
As a small business owner, getting the media attention you deserve is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, it’s just a matter of picking up the phone and being a good sales person!
Here are five tips to help you get started.
1.
Before you contact reporters, be sure you know what they write about and their particular styles.
Read their articles, watch their television programs or listen to them on the radio. And you should be able to find their direct contact information with a simple online search via Google or Yahoo! If not, check the media venue’s website for additional information.
2. Prepare Your Pitch.
Do you know what you are going to say when you get in touch with the news media?
Prepare your talking points in advance. Create a unique and interesting story angle and be sure you can mention the important facts in one sentence.
You can always elaborate if the reporter seems interested. And if you’re new at this, practice pitching your story with a friend or co-worker before moving forward.
3. Pick Up the Phone.
When you have your story-pitch ready to go, contact the appropriate beat reporter directly. Introduce yourself and give the name of your organization. Tell the reporter you have an interesting news story if he or she has a couple of minutes.
At this point, the reporter will give you a few minutes of time or tell you to call back, e-mail the information, or send a fax.
If requested, give your pitch as succinctly as possible, and try to sell the story to the reporter. Why will he or she care what you have to say?
If the reporter shows an interest, be sure to provide the appropriate information and set an interview time as soon as possible.
It’s also wise to have a “back-up” story angle to pitch if the reporter is not interested in your first news item.
4. Diary the Information.
Once you are finished with your call, be sure to make a note of your conversation in your own media database. Keep track of the media venue, reporter, date, and any other key notes.
If the reporter was not interested in your story, write down why and when you should follow-up.
By keeping notes of your media discussions, you’ll be able to give better pitches in the future and create great press relationships.
5.
Many times, the reporters you contact will not have time to hear your story because they are on deadline. Do not get discouraged or take this as a permanent rejection.
Listen carefully to any directions the reporters give you and follow up accordingly. If you keep in contact with media members on a regular basis, eventually your patience will be rewarded.
As you pitch, know that you are giving reporters news about your business, experience and expertise. They may be interested in this information at the moment you call or remember you for a future assignment. It’s up to you to make a good impression.
These are just a few quick tips to help you move forward with your publicity efforts. For more information on how to boost sales, awareness and credibility with SEO copywriting and PR, check out www.rembrandtwrites.com. Also, look for my new book, “Simple Publicity,” coming soon!
July 26th, 2010 at 11:43 am
Valuable and great stuff you got here. Keep on! I am constantly looking to learn on that issue.
July 26th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
[...] full post on StartupNation Blog Tags: Free, Phone, Pick, Publicity, Want Category: Small Business [...]
July 27th, 2010 at 10:38 am
Thanks, Melanie. I worked in radio for 10-years in a previous life. If you want to get some radio publicity: (1) Be nice to the show producer. (2) Meet the host off-air (like at a remote or special appearance). (3) Participate in the conversation on-air (just avoid the political conversations).
July 27th, 2010 at 10:49 am
Hi Gregg,
Thanks for your nice message and providing such great tips! I think that if people remember to treat media members just like they’d like to be treated themselves, they’ll get a long way!
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com
July 27th, 2010 at 2:27 pm
It is totally true. As a reporter, we are STARVING for stuff that is interesting and LOCAL to write about. But we want you to be prepared, and have something INTERESTING and NEWSWORTHY for us to work with.
Great article.
John Galt
July 27th, 2010 at 3:48 pm
Thanks John. I appreciate your input and letting the folks know what the media really wants!
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com
August 1st, 2010 at 5:30 pm
Thanks for the information, I think it is very great and informative.
August 1st, 2010 at 6:19 pm
Thanks Avionne. Glad to help.
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com.
August 8th, 2010 at 10:47 pm
Melanie this is another great blog and to be honest you have my creative juices flowing on how I can get my own business some free publicity. Thanks for the inspiration!
August 9th, 2010 at 8:23 am
Hi David,
Thanks for your nice note, and I’m glad to help. You may want to check out the new newsletter I have at rembrandtwrites.com/newsletter.
Since so many entrepreneurs have been asking me about do-it-yourself publicity, I’ve decided to do something about it and offer help for less than the price of a cup of coffee per day! Let me know what you think.
Thanks,
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com
October 25th, 2010 at 11:54 pm
Great information! I definitely need all the help I can get when trying to get free publicity! My blog gets 50+ views a day, but my followers are not going up.
Is it possible that seniors and the elderly do not know how to subscribe to my blog, or is it hard to find on my site??
Feel free to visit my blog, leave a comment, build a back link and leave me some advice!
http://www.assistedlivinginformation.blogspot.com
Thanks,
Jordan
October 27th, 2010 at 7:11 am
Hi Jordan,
Thanks for your nice response. It sounds like you need to conduct some more research about your target market. If the seniors and elderly you are trying to reach are not computer savvy, you’ll need to find other ways to reach them.
Melanie, rembrandtwrites.com