Jun
Media Coverage - Do-It-Yourself!
Emily Larsen, Sr. Publicist with Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc., shared great information about how small business owners and entrepreneurs can go about getting their own media coverage without having to hire a PR firm or consultant. Here’s a list of simple Do’s & Don’ts to keep in mind as you go about the process of seeking editorial coverage.
1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK - Researching the right media outlets and finding the best contact at those outlets is not rocket science…it simply takes time and diligence. Both will pay of in spades. There’s nothing more a reporter hates than being contacted about something that isn’t even close to what they actually cover.
2. MAKE IT SHORT, SWEET & TO THE POINT! - Reporters and editors are busy folks, and they have no interest in reading a 5000 word email. Keep initial correspondence and follow-up calls and emails BRIEF. Press should be able to read it in 60-seconds or less. Think of your initial contact as a tease…provide enough info about your product, business or service to entice the press. They want more info, they WILL ask for it.
3. KEEP IT CURRENT - If you can tie your product, service or company to something that is timely (a current news story, business trend, special month such as ‘Redesign Your Home Month’, press will likely be more interested.
4. IF AT FIRST YOU DON’T SUCCEED, TRY, TRY AGAIN! - Especially with magazines, reporters are often focused only on the immediate stories they are preparing for the upcoming issue. Don’t think all is lost because you don’t get a response the first time; it could simply mean the press isn’t working on a story that would be a good match for your pitch. Send it again in a couple months and try again! researching Editorial Calendars, that explain what upcoming features the magazine is working on, is a great way to gauge when your item might be the best fit for the outlet. Editorial Calendars can be purchased through Three Girls Media (contact Emily Larsen: emilylarsen AT threegirlsmedia.com).
Need help finding great media outlets to contact, the right reporters at the right outlets or writing an initial pitch? Three Girls can help! We offer an extremely cost effective a la carte PR menu especially designed for Small Businesses! Prices start at just $125. For more information, email Emily.
