Are you a small business owner trying to get your business in front of thousands of potential buyers? Do you (like thousands of other businesses) not have the budget to pay for ads? Well, our team at Finden Marketing has the solution for you! Public Relation (also known commonly as PR) is a free marketing tool that can help your business get in the faces of your potential customers. In this article, we will talk about the tips and tricks to get your story published. Finden Marketing has had our work published in over 50 different publications ranging from small papers to national news.
This blog is specifically focused on how to get your business on local/national news platforms such as newspapers, television news, online blogs, and more. To learn more about what PR is, make sure to check out our previous blog on “what is free marketing”. Once you have finished that read check out our eight tips on how to get your pitch picked up.
1) Have a story to write about!
Remember, the reporter is looking for news. If you pitch something that is interesting, they are going to pick it up. The title is half the game and should be something that entices the journalist to read your article. Most reporters get over thousands of other releases every week so find something that stands out.
A good rule of thumb to remember is that journalists are overworked, underpaid, and out of time. If you present something that makes their lives easier you will get you more articles published.
2) Create a distribution list of local media and media specific to your cause and personally cater an email to each.
A distribution list is a list of all media contacts for your field. This list should include newspapers, TV news, online blogs, etc. Anyone that could pick up your press release should be on the list. This list should be specific to your area and the more personal you can make it the better. For example, if you have an outdoor product make sure to reach out to outdoor outlets and not the reporter in charge of the weather. Make sure to be kind and personable for the best results.
3) Create a relationship with journalists who pick up your articles
In life, it isn’t always what you know, but rather it’s who you know. Make a good relationship with reporters and you will start seeing success pop up more frequently with your PR. The deeper your relationship with reporters the better. Eventually, you can directly send them press releases bringing more success to your releases. A great way to connect with reporters is through social media platforms like Twitter.
4) The best days to reach out to journalists are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am-2 pm
Researchers have found that The time frame is the other thing you need to get right before you shoot out your release. Although it might be more difficult to determine the right time than the day, it’s not impossible to figure out. Statistics show that the best time to send a press release is between 10 am and 2 pm. Between these hours, the email open rates rose above 45%. After lunch rates drop down to 15%, so the chances of your release being noticed are small. We also recommend sending releases on Tuesday and Thursday as these are times when reporters have lulls in their week.
5) Avoid Holidays! Reporters also have a life.
Like most people, reporters aren’t working on the major holidays. Plan ahead and send your releases a few days ahead or after any big holiday. For holiday-specific inquiries make sure to send those at least a week prior so the reporter has the chance to plan.
6) Your email is the pitch, sell what you are offering, and don’t just email a blank message with a PDF attached.
Don’t BCC any reporters take the time and write a nice personal email to each. It will go a long way. Also, make sure to use the reporter’s name when addressing them. The more personal, the more likely they’ll pick you up.
7) Journalists love heartwarming stories
Who doesn’t love a puppy story? If you have something heartwarming make sure to tell your local news. 90% of the time you will see a cover story. Journalists love heartwarming stories (donations, helping the poor, etc) make sure to capitalize on it if your business does this. If you showcase those heartwarming stories your chances of getting your story published will double.
8) Sign up for HARO
HARO (Help a Reporter Out) is an online site where journalists across the country reach out to industry professionals to get information on trends, topics, and more. Make sure to sign up and submit one every once in a while to get the chance to be featured on places like Forbes, GQ, and more. Want to learn more about how you can stand out with PR?
With these tips, your chances of getting your story published will skyrocket. Learn from the experts. Finden Marketing is Duluth, Minnesota’s leading Gen Z & Millennial marketing agency. With years of experience, hundreds of thousands of dollars managed, and a dedicated team we can help grow your business to its true potential. Our team offers a wide range of services, including PR, Branding, Content Creation, Paid Media, Graphic Design, and Web Development. With over 50 projects in the bag, Finden Marketing is becoming a staple marketing agency in Duluth, Minnesota. With awards including the Duluth News Tribune Best of the Best, Upcity’s top digital marketing agencies, Goodfirms top 10 ad agencies in Minnesota, and Designrush’s top SEO agency in Minnesota.
To learn more about Finden Marketing, check us out here, or visit us at our office in Duluth, Minnesota.
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