Do you want your business to stand out from the crowd? Does the idea of free publicity appeal to you?
One way to gain recognition and exposure for your business is to distribute a media release.
The media are always looking for stories of interest to fill their newspapers, magazines, websites, TV and radio shows. If you can offer them something that is newsworthy, topical, interesting or entertaining then you have a good chance of your story being used.
Sending relevant media releases often ensures you stay “top of mind” with your database of media contacts and is great public relations for you or your business when your story is run.
Here are some good reasons to send a media release any time you have something interesting to say.
Continuous brand building
Anytime you get a media “hit” and your name is mentioned it will add to the public's awareness of your brand and what you have to offer.
Credibility of your message
An editorial story is a lot more likely to be read and recognised than an advertisement. Seeing a story on the TV news or reading about it in the paper gives your product or message a lot more credibility.
Good value
Certainly cheaper than advertising and free if you write and issue your media release yourself. You could end of with thousands of dollars worth of free editorial coverage.
Clients and customers kept informed
You need to find ways to continually keep in front of customers and clients. Perhaps they will see your story in the newspaper. But why not call and alert them to your story or send a clipping of your article to keep in touch? Better still include comments or quotes from your clients in the media release.
Improves clarity
Writing a media release will help you get clear on what your message is by being succinct and concise with the words you choose. Clients will gain more understanding of your products or services also.
Communicating who you are
Communicating with others about what you do and how you make a difference is what public relations is all about. Getting into the habit of sharing your successes and achievements by sending media releases will aid in raising your profile.
Gaining expert status
Gaining publicity in the media will help you become known as the expert in your area and will enhance your image and reputation.
You have my permission to publish this article or an extract in your PR communications if you include the following information:
Written by business educator Sue Currie, the director of Shine Communications and author of Apprentice to Business Ace – your inside-out guide to personal branding. Sign up for free monthly tips on personal and professional PR at http://www.shinecomms.com.au/subscriber.html and learn more about how you can achieve media recognition, enhance your image and shine.
To receive your free eBook, Brand Yourself to Stand Out and Shine, sign up for Shine Communiqué
our regular eNews with tips and ideas on personal branding.
Thank you for presenting the media-training workshop for the Australian AMI Alumni Association. The day was a great success and perfectly pitched to the needs of our organisation.
You were able to assess exactly where we were in regard to our attitudes and dealings with the media and then crafted an excellent training programme to help us to get where we need to be.
The day was well paced, entertaining, informative and above all valuable in equipping us with the knowledge and skills we need to move forward in promoting Montessori education.
M. T., Australian AMI (Montessori) Alumni Association
