Don’t Limit Your Business with Only Online Press Releases
Though they may be short and simple, press releases are one of the best ways to boost profits and publicity. Press releases are documents released by businesses to the media that explain something about the company or an event that will be taking place soon. The information in a press release can be used by media sources to create a feature story and make the company more visible to the public eye.
Businesses gain credibility when they are commented on by the media. The average person will tend to believe that businesses mentioned by a well known local news source are reliable. Publicity created by such trustworthy sources is great for business and free, too.
Many stories that are featured on national news wires and national news programs once started out as simple “local stories.” Many writers and television news producers spend a big chunk of time watching out for the “next big thing.” Your story could be just the story they are looking for. Plus, being featured in local news stories gives you experience; when you get the chance for national exposure, you won’t be as nervous.
When your company works together with other businesses, you can accumulate more media exposure by encouraging such business partners to send press releases to news sources in their area. Companies that have regular podcasts can suggest that guests inform the local media that they will be featured by means of a press release as well.
You may even want to create a press release template and have it available for download from your website. That way, whenever you collaborate with someone on a project, you can simply have them download it, fill in the “blanks,” and send it to their local media.
Once you are featured in your local media, stay in contact with the writer or news anchor that interviewed you. Send them a thank-you card and let them know you appreciated the time they took to speak with you. The next time they are doing a story on a subject that relates to your product or service, they may call upon you as an expert.
Your business becomes better known and more familiar to customers every time you appear in the press, drawing in more customers and projects for your company.
Each time you appear in any form of the press, save the stories to show to future clients. This could be links to online news sources or newspaper clippings. Adding such credential boosting details to your company’s website will add a professional touch to your business.
Filed under: Advertising