You don’t have to be a Big Star, famous celebrity, politician, singer or movie actor/actress to garner interviews in local or national newspapers, magazines, or blogs and other online publications. If you are an author or business owner who simply would like the media to give you a bit of attention, do a book or product review, quote you in a story or article they’re working on or perhaps have an editor publish your opinion or article in their publication, then read on about how to accomplish this daunting feat.
Some people approach obtaining media attention as if there is something magical, mysterious and/or weird about it (and therefore, there is NOTHING for them to do or learn or educate themselves about). Others shy away from all mention of their name in public. And some folks are hams who are greedy hogs who eat up all the media attention they can get. Most people fall somewhere in between these extremes.
If your business or book could use a boost from some exposure, then here are some tips on how to get the job done without too much muss and fuss.
Fundamentals
Do you have a website? Is your website media friendly? Does your website have your contact info easily portrayed on every page (email, cell and other phone numbers)? Is there a media coverage/press page where you feature press releases, articles, and/or clippings of coverage that you’ve already received?
Are you able to write a press release that gets published?
A press release requires a certain format. A catchy headline. The first paragraph should offer the Who, What, Where, How and Why of the story… a few good quotes, startling statistics, and/or a counterintuitive question to start the conversation.
Imagine that you are at a party and want to talk to a reporter/editor. How do you begin? What might you say to capture their attention? Are you bragging, begging or boring? Is your elevator speech a whodunit, leaves a lasting impression and/or funny but succinct? Can you start with a funny quote or startling statistic? Do you think anyone would want to know more or are you so full of your own jargon that you can hardly talk to regular humans? Is your subject matter appropriate for the person you are speaking with or is it old, out of date and who cares?
More about writing press releases
http://ezinearticles.com/?Youve-Got-the-Power-to-Write-Press-Releases-that-Get-Published&id=977808
Do you know how and who to pitch your story to the media?
Is your pitch perfect or fatally flawed? Pitching the media your story is not a slam dunk. It requires research, a newsworthy relevant story, and excellent communication skills. Have you got what it takes?
https://sites.google.com/site/celiasueink/do-you-have-perfect-pitch
Do you know the process?
1. Write a WOW of a press release/pitch
2. Research who to send it to (compile a list) and when
3. Individualize/customize the press release/pitch
4. Send out your press release/pitch
5. Follow up follow up follow up
6. Results… publish on your website and send to other clients, friends, family, associates
If not, revise, edit and review and start the process again…
7. Create a regular, ongoing, scheduled time of the day, week or month for pitching the media. Media Coverage accrues over time…
And once you get the Media Coverage, what you DO WITH IT, COUNTS… here’s Brian Tracy on this very important subject:
Getting to know you… Getting to know all about you… Getting to like you… Getting to hope you like me… you are precisely my cup of tea !
when should you answer a reporter’s call?
http://www.mrmediatraining.com/index.php/2010/08/25/whats-your-deadline/
CeliaSue 