Most of us would agree that having our message featured in the press can bring positive results for our business. Sadly in conversations with many business owners, it seems that many of them either assume their story isn’t “newsworthy” or don’t know how to connect with influencers and get their message out there.
The irony is that with the ever-growing list of newspapers, magazines, blogs, podcasts and more, there are now more opportunities than ever before to get your message across.
Here’s the thing; we all have a unique story to tell. And if it’s told right, that story will engage our audience. It’ll draw in people who like what we have to say. It’ll help you stick in people’s minds. And most importantly of all, it’ll help to grow your business.
The problem, once you’ve figured out how to tell your story, is where to tell it. After all, as business owners we can’t afford to spend all day on social media and discussion forums hoping someone will start listening to us. Instead, we need a time-efficient platform of delivery method that will enable us to get our most important message to the people who really matter.
But how?
HARO
Journalists and reporters are busy people; they’re often working under considerable pressure to hit the deadlines that their editors have set. Equally, they need expert sources to quote, and tracking down such people can be a time-intensive process. And that’s where you – and your story – can come in.
HARO, otherwise known as Help A Report Out, can be thought of as a speed dating service for journalists and sources. It allows you to rapidly connect with writers seeking expert sources. And by helping them with their stories, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to spread your story in the press.
Best of all, HARO is a free service. Simply sign up, select which industry you’re in and keep an eye out for the regular emails. Each one is chock-full of opportunities to promote your story – and your business.
Public Relations Firm
While hiring a public relations form may seem like an unnecessary luxury for your business, the fact is that most consultants worth their salt will bring far more to your business than you pay them in fees. These are, after all, professionals who know exactly how to get your message out to the key decision makers and journalists, and thus maximize the coverage that your business receives.
Possibly most importantly of all, an experienced public relations firm will know exactly what constitutes a story worth sharing. They’ll be able to tease out the elements of your story that will be most appealing to journalists based on their extensive years of experience.
Press Release Submission
Before the internet, distributing your press release to targeted journalists was a complicated and long-winded process. However, these days submitting your press release takes a matter of minutes and potentially exposes you to some of the biggest media outlets in the world.
Of course, to be successful you’ll need a good story. Simply publishing a press release because you’ve hired a new member of staff or launched a new website probably isn’t what counts as news. However if you’ve got a unique angle; something that makes your story truly exceptional, then writing and submitting a press release can be an excellent way to get your story out there.
Just a word of warning; in our experience you tend to get what you pay for with online press release distribution services. Generally speaking the free services don’t charge anything for a reason. In contrast some of the best results come from paying for proper distribution through a premium service.
Start A Blog
The internet makes it easier than ever before to communicate with your target audience. Almost without exception, any business with some kind of online identity; whether that’s a full-on internet business or simply a bricks-and-mortar business with a website, can benefit from the introduction of a blog. Doing so enables you to share your story with a huge online audience, and to slowly build up trust and rapport with your readers.
N/B: You can get free publicity for your business by simply submitting your article to Kuza Blog >>Start Here
A Final Word
The most important take-home point here is that if you’re not making use of your unique story then you’re missing out on opportunities to grow your visibility. Why not put aside a few minutes in the next few days to figure out what’s so unique about your story, and how you’ll get it in front of the right people?
About The Author
Paige Hawin works with Interel Group, a specialist public relations and strategic communications company, to help businesses get their message heard. You can learn more at InterelGroup.com/.
