PR tip: Read, read, and read some more!
Books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, webpages, tweets, leaflets, posters… you name it.
You can’t expect to get yourself or your business featured in any publication if you don’t read it. You’re certainly not going to win any editor brownie points if you pitch in an idea that’s only recently been covered. And it’s no surprise one of the most common journalist complaints is being sent pitches that are not in the least bit relevant to their audience. Both of these can be prevented by taking time to read and research your target publication.
Start by identifying four or five outlets where you’d love to see yourself and become an active reader of those. Is there one particular journalist who regularly writes about your line of work, or is there a recurring section in a newspaper or magazine that you or your business would be a perfect fit for?
PR tip: *the Readly app is a brilliant resource for accessing thousands of different newspapers & magazines.
PR tip: React to current news topics
Reading, watching, and listening to current news items, trends reports, podcasts, or newly released research, is a great way to get the creative juices flowing. Find a way to link your business to what’s making the news; from a new film or TV series to the growth in entrepreneurship, you could be onto a quick win.
PR tip: Local matters
Don’t be too quick to discount the local press. Good PR is about raising awareness. But you also need to reach & engage with the people who will buy from you or use your services, and that’s much more likely to be your local community. Check out your local business magazines and put yourself, or someone in your team forward for any profile/business-related features, keep them up-to-date with your business news, and offer up expert quotes on relevant news pieces.
