There’s a misconception that you need to reach a certain level before you're ready for the press. Nope! It’s never too early—or too late!
Small businesses can greatly benefit from getting local press coverage. Not only can it help increase brand awareness, but it can also attract new customers and establish credibility within the community.
How can small businesses go about getting local press coverage? Here are some tips:
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Research local media outlets
Research local media outlets, like newspapers, magazines, TV, radio stations, and online news outlets. Look for ones that cover topics related to your business or industry. Make a list of the relevant publications and journalists using tools like Muck Rack.
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Build relationships with journalists
Next, reach out to them and introduce yourself and your business. Offer to provide expert commentary on industry-related topics or offer to be a source for future stories. Building relationships with journalists takes time, but it can pay off in the long run. Check out this guide from HubSpot for tips on building relationships with journalists. -
Create a press kit
A press kit is a collection of materials that journalists can use to learn more about your business. It should include a press release, high-quality images, and any relevant statistics or data that may be useful for a story. You can use tools like PressFriendly to create a press kit, (or hire a designer, wink wink) -
Host events
Hosting events such as grand openings, product launches, or charity events can provide great opportunities for local press coverage. Make sure to invite local media outlets and provide them with a press release or media advisory. You can use tools like Eventbrite to manage your events and send invitations to local journalists. Check out this guide from HubSpot for more tips on hosting events that attract media attention. -
Leverage social media
Use social media to connect with local journalists and share news about your business. Engage with them by commenting on their posts or sharing stores. Check out this guide from PR Daily for more tips on using social media to get press coverage. -
Consider paid advertising
If you have the budget, consider paid advertising in local media outlets. This can be a great way to get your business in front of a larger audience and establish credibility.
In summary, getting local press coverage can greatly benefit small businesses by increasing brand awareness and attracting new customers. By researching local media outlets, building relationships with journalists, creating a press kit, hosting events, leveraging social media, and considering paid advertising, small businesses can effectively get their message out to the local community.
