MAKING FRIENDS WITH THE MEDIA

5 Ways to get your story told

By Megan C. Wallgren

If you own your own business, the media can be your best friend. Media stories can provide invaluable publicity reaching people you wouldn't reach in other ways - for free. Here are 5 tips on getting on the media's good side and getting your news noticed.

1. Cultivate Relationships

Find out the name of the person who would cover your story. If you own a restaurant, get the name of the food editor. A press release addressed to "Jane Smith" is more likely to get read than one to "editor". If you can find an e-mail address or phone number, contact them personally and say you are available for more information or original quotes.

2. Target specific media in your area or field

Industry publications will often print stories about new products or companies that other news agencies wouldn't look at. A small community newspaper may be interested in doing a feature on what you do and how you got started.

3. Use events and holidays to your advantage

The media is always looking for an interesting angle on the holidays. Have a party with the Easter Bunny or customize packaging for the 4th of July. Invite the media and public to come join the fun.

4. Connect to the latest trends

Media people have their pet topics. If you tie your story into a hot issue you'll get publicity. Donate time or services to keeping kids out of trouble. Tell how your product is environment friendly or give tips. Editors will use stories they think will help their readers.

5. Get straight to the punch

News stories give the most important information in the first paragraph. Make sure your press releases do the same. Editors don't have time to read everything that comes across their desk so they use stories that interest them in the title or first paragraph. Use short paragraphs and sentences and get all the information on one page.

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Megan Wallgren is an expert on media relations. See her big collection of free tips that can boost your business NOW at http://MarketingHelp.NET Reach Megan at [email protected] !

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