Fancy using PR to grow your business? When it comes to embarking on one element of this, media relations, there are some basics you should always cover off. Here are just a few:
- Understand your audience or community
Who are they? Where are they? What do they do? What do they read? What social media do they use? What events do they attend? What do they tend to say or do? What things motivate or concern them? How can you and your business meet these motivations or concerns?
- Get to know your target media
Once you know the media your ‘community’ is reading, do your research. Get hold of print copies, read the online versions. Work out what kind of stories appear and look at how these are written. Spot the journalists who write stories related to your area of business, find out what they usually cover and how you could help them.
- Think and write like a journalist
Be objective about your business. Put yourself in the shoes of a hard-pressed reporter. What is the hook – is there a first or biggest involved? What makes your business or its people interesting or different? Is this really news? Avoid the hard sell, or sales and marketing speak. No hyperbole. Back up any claims with facts, accurate statistics or references. Include a quote that adds value or a personal insight.
- Photography
Think visually. Always include a good, professional-looking, high resolution photo, even if it is just an appealing head and shoulders shot. A creative, eye-catching one is even better.
Good luck! If you want any more input or could do with some freelance support give us a call on 0114 327 3920 or email info@seventwelvepr.co.uk.