You don’t need to be a celebrity, or a big brand, or have a little black book full of journalists’ home phone numbers to get media coverage. All you need is a good story. Journalists want trusted experts with high quality stories, and they will actively seek them out. So with a little planning and effort, you can generate buzz for your brand, books or products.
Here’s my quick guide to mastering DIY PR:
1. Define Your Goals and Audience:
What a surprise, Jill’s tips start with figuring out your reasons why! You can ask yourself: What story do I want to tell? Who do I want to hear it? Then figure out what you want to achieve – are you launching a new product? Building brand awareness? Attracting investors? Knowing your goals and target audience will guide your entire PR strategy.
2. Craft Your Narrative:
What makes your story unique and newsworthy? This is where your messaging comes in. Highlight achievements, industry trends you’re influencing, or the impact you’re making. For authors, go back to the reason why you wrote your book – why did you need to tell your story?
3. Identify Your Media Channels:
Not all media is created equal. Social media is fantastic for building a community and sharing updates, but if you want to reach a wider audience, consider pitching your story to journalists or relevant bloggers. There are online databases and tools to help you find the right media contacts.
4. Create Content Regularly:
Regularly generate content that showcases your expertise and resonates with your audience. This could be blog posts, infographics, videos, or even engaging social media content.
5. The Art of the Pitch:
Journalists and bloggers receive countless pitches daily. Make yours stand out! Keep it concise, newsworthy, and personalised. Highlight why your story is relevant to their audience and what makes you a credible source.
6. Leverage Social Media:
Use social media platforms to connect with journalists, potential customers, and industry influencers. Share your content, participate in relevant conversations, and use targeted hashtags to expand your reach.
7. Nurture Relationships:
Building relationships is key to successful PR. Respond promptly to media inquiries and comments. Show appreciation to those who feature you. Building a network of contacts paves the way for future opportunities.
DIY PR might require some elbow grease, but the rewards are worth it. By taking control of your narrative and building relationships with the media, you can establish yourself as a thought leader and watch your brand awareness soar.
Ready to unleash your inner publicist? Let us help you craft the perfect press release, or develop a social media strategy that gets you noticed. Get in touch today to discuss your goals and see how I can help.
