How To Get Local Media To Do Stories?
This
article tells you the secret of getting publicity in media
through the use of press release. If you get exposure in media,
it does not only increase your the publicity of your business,
it does increase your internet business visitors, reputation
and sales.
Have you ever gotten one of those letters from
your
local property tax appraiser, informing you that your
tax bill is going up about 20 percent?
I got one of those recently, so I took it to my friend
Joe Gross. He appeals property tax assessments for a
living.
"Man," he said.
"I've never seen assessments explode
like they have this year."
My "news antenna" shot up. Then when he showed
me his
new web site, which gave property owners a chance to
look up appraisals of other homes in their
neighborhood, I told him--'You've got to pitch this to
the news
media.'
I helped Joe put together a short release and then
faxed it to local radio and TV stations. A few nights
later, there was Joe, on the evening news, describing
his web site to tens of thousands of viewers.
Could it happen to you? You bet, if you remember a
couple of basics.
*** Learn to spot opportunities.
When you see, hear or read something in the media that relates
to your field, call the reporter who did the story and offer
'another angle' or a 'follow- up.' Reporters are often judged
on their ability to 'enterprise' their own stories and ideas,
and if you help make THEIR job easier...guess what they're
likely to do for YOU?
Recently the San Antonio Express News ran a story
about
some new software. Darrin Schroeder, VP of a San
Antonio company that had just rolled out a similar
product, called the reporter and offered a
'follow-up.'
Result: front page story, with color picture, several
days later.
See Joan
Stewart's Special Report #5: "How to Identify
Story Ideas Within Your Company or Organization"
http://www.get-free-publicity.com/publicityhound.html
*** Don't be afraid to ask.
Listening to a pitch is part of every reporter's job. But
keep this in mind: they always work on deadline, so sometimes
they don't have much time to talk. Therefore, if they seem
to be in a hurry and they say "No," it doesn't necessarily
mean your story is worthless. It may just mean "I don't
have time to think about this right now." Call back another
time.
See Joan Stewart's Special Report #25 "How
to Pitch
Reporters Over the Telephone and Make Every Second
Count."
http://www.get-free-publicity.com/publicityhound.html
***Talk high touch more than high tech.
A high tech feature is great...but only if it results in
a high touch benefit that makes life simpler, easier, more
enjoyable, or more interesting. Pitch how it saves time or
money and cuts down aggravation. Humanize it as much as possible,
and if you know of someone who legitimately loves and uses
your site, offer them as a possible interviewee.
Getting free publicity isn't nearly as hard as you
probably think. It will cost you some time and energy,
but it doesn't have to cost you cash. You WILL get
results if you keep trying, and the rewards will far
outweigh the effort. Just ask Joe Gross.
During his 31 year broadcasting career, George's TV Reports
have appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN and CNN. George offers
a free 7-day mini course to anyone who subscribes to his free
weekly ezine, Register at http://www.publicitygoldmine.com
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