4 Tips for Getting Good PR
1. Meet the media: Always look for opportunities to meet local reporters, news anchors and freelance writers. You never know when an off-hand comment at a networking meeting might turn into an article about your business.
2. Pitch reporters your latest news: The local and national news media want your story because realworld experiences like yours make for great stories, and great stories sell news. So don’ t be afraid to send out regular news pitches about your latest events, happenings, awards, successes, etc.
3. Subscribe to HARO: Which stands for Help a Reporter Out, is the daily story sourcing service that gives reporters a way to solicit small businesses to submit their news. It’ s not uncommon for the major networks or national news journals to interview small businesses from responses they get from HARO. One quick warning: HARO comes out three times per day and can get overwhelming, so be sure to delegate the review process to somebody who has the time review them every day as many interview requests have hard deadlines.
4. Watch for trends: Stay abreast of breaking news and general news trends to see how your business can fit into the overall story. Flood control product companies were recently featured in a Wall Street Journal online article because their products began selling out after Hurricane Irene raked the Atlantic coast with high tides and torrential rains. While most of the media dwelled on the damage, WSJ online focused one article on companies that actually benefitted from the disaster.