How are your holiday sales going so far? Did your business have a good year, or could you use a big push on new customers next year? No matter what your budget is or how successful 2021 was for you, there is good news… publicity via public relations can help!
Public relations is all about communicating the right message to the right people at the right time to meet a certain goal. It can help you get media attention and boost sales, awareness and credibility fast… without spending a lot of money.
Sound good? Well, Here are some insights to start…
1. Research.
If you don’t already have it, find the name and contact information for the media members who cover your industry. You can start with a local newspaper or magazine that focuses on your target market. Read their latest stories and check for future articles via their online editorial calendar.
2. Prepare.
Figure out the benefits you have to offer media members – at no cost to them.
Can you be an expert resource for future articles?
Can you provide an opinion piece about recent news?
Can you offer an article about a hot, current trend?
Make a list and think about information that provides value to each media member on your list.
3. Practice your pitch.
Once you know your story idea and what you want to present to each person on your list, practice what you are going to say. Keep it short and provide value.
It always helps if you can work with a friend and record your pitch. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will be when you need to talk to the media… and the more natural you will sound.
4. Make the call.
Ready? Now, call the first media member on your list. Introduce yourself and offer your expertise, a valuable piece of information for their audience or an unbiased article at no charge. If they ask for additional information, follow up with the appropriate email.
Then, see what happens. Since most local publications are running on tight budgets right now, they may be more than happy to receive free content and insights from a local expert.
5. Review.
How did your pitch go? Take notes on how you did so that you can make improvements moving forward.
Also, follow up with the media contacts you’ve made on a regular basis. But don’t bother them! Just send them valuable information they can use so that you can build your reputation as a valuable news/expert source.
When you finish these five steps, repeat the entire process with the next media member on your list. Yes! This takes a lot of time and effort, but one call may give you a feature story in your local newspaper. It will give you third-party credibility you can’t get any other way, and you’ll build awareness and sales without spending a cent on advertising!
These are just a few tips from PR expert, Melanie Rembrandt. Click here to find out more and get a copy of her book, “Simple Publicity – How to do your own public relations to boost sales, awareness and credibility fast… without wasting time, money or other resources!
to some of our VIPs. They loved it!” Cynthia Good, Little PINK Book Founder and CEO
Author Melanie Rembrandt is an award-winning writer, speaker and content strategy expert who helps overwhelmed entrepreneurs have more time to thrive! If you want to boost sales, awareness and credibility fast with a unique combination of targeted, SEO copywriting and public relations, get more information at Rembrandt Communications, https://www.rembrandtwrites.com.
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