Once you’ve reached out to your immediate family and friends and encouraged them to share your new business with their networks, it’s common for new businesses to hit a wall. So something like getting quoted in the LA Times or getting featured on your local news station could be huge for you. Here are eight ways to get media mentions for your small business: #1 Press Releases When you think about getting media attention the first thing that should come to mind is writing a press release. So, if you’re trying to save where you can, only utilize one of the bigger distribution sites when you have something you’re really trying to promote. #2 Reach Out to Journalists Directly A great way to get media mentions is to create lasting relationships with journalists. #4 Facebook Video Creating viral content is another way to get media attention, but it’s a lot harder to do. Put a video on Facebook and you’ll get an impressive organic viewership without having to boost anything. If you think whatever you’re promoting would be of interest to a bigger outlet, like Forbes or Huffington Post Business, hashtag or @ those outlets as well. Start small by writing quality articles on your own blog. Research which networking events the media will be at and bring your best elevator pitch and business card.
Growing a small business is tough. Once you’ve reached out to your immediate family and friends and encouraged them to share your new business with their networks, it’s common for new businesses to hit a wall. Especially when you’re just starting out, you don’t have a ton of extra cash to put towards marketing. So something like getting quoted in the LA Times or getting featured on your local news station could be huge for you.
Here are eight ways to get media mentions for your small business:
#1 Press Releases
When you think about getting media attention the first thing that should come to mind is writing a press release. Though, utilizing a distribution company that’ll get you the results you’re looking for doesn’t come cheap. There are plenty of free services out there like PR.com and 24-7pressrelease.com but if you want big time hits on your release you’re going to need to pay a little more. PRNewswire is a great site and will get you great visibility, but each release can cost around $300, depending on your market and the reach you want. So, if you’re trying to save where you can, only utilize one of the bigger distribution sites when you have something you’re really trying to promote.
#2 Reach Out to Journalists Directly
A great way to get media mentions is to create lasting relationships with journalists. If you have a friend or colleague with that connection, try and get to know them better. Send them an email when you like a recent article they’ve written.
You also want to make sure you offer up resources and content that’s relevant to them. For example, on one of my sites, I have an NFL streaming guide that I’ll offer up to sports bloggers and journalists. However, I’m not going to use it to reach out to finance reporters.
Don’t be overbearing, but try and build a relationship. That way, when they need a quote from someone in your industry, you’ll…
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