Getting in the press

A press release is a formal announcement you can send to the press about anything newsworthy happening in your business.

I just released my new coaching programme and sent out a press release to publicise it. In one day, it's garnered me nearly 1,000 views across a range of media outlets. A press release is a great way to get you in front of a wider audience and promote your business.

You are never too small a business to send out a press release!

When to send a press release?

Here are some of the events you can take advantage of to announce your business to the media:

Topical news announcements. Journalists are always looking for stories. If yours is topical with what's going on in the news, you stand a strong chance of being featured.

Events. Send out a release when you hold an event. Again, it gives journalists something timely to share and it increases awareness of and attendance to your event.

Joint ventures & partnerships. It will be a win-win for you and your partner to be featured in the press as you announce your collaboration.

Research. Got any exciting new stats to announce? These are always good to get in the news. Be sure to make it exciting to read and not just a boring statistics report. How and why is it newsworthy and who can benefit from knowing about it?

Awards. Be sure to announce every award you win. As with any press release, there's no guarantee you'll be featured but it's always good to announce.

Hiring new executives. For larger companies, announcing new hires is important news to share.

Why press releases are an important PR tool for your business

1. Being in the media increases your credibility

When you are featured in the press, you are seen as credible as consumers see the media as a trustworthy source of information. It enhances your brand reputation and awareness of your brand. It's also a narrative that you can control since you give approval for what is sent to the media.

2. Get a wider reach through social media channels

Most publications now have an online presence so just one press release can get you featured in hundreds if not thousands of publications across the globe. It did with mine. You have the choice to send out a release en masse through an online PR delivery service, or you can choose to target specific channels and edit your release to fit the intended readership. The former is quicker but the latter should get you more direct results.

3. Increased traffic to your site or social media channels

Getting your story across multiple online channels helps tremendously with SEO - getting you found online. Having a high-ranking press release on Google and other search engines gives you exposure to current and future customers. And it's publicity you can continue to promote in all your marketing activity at any chance you get, long after the press release has been placed.

4. Increased PR activity

When your press release gets featured in the media, there is a chance that a journalist will pick it up to cover your story further and this can lead to radio and TV appearances. You can also become a trusted source for journalists to come to as an authority in your field to be used in quotes in other articles.

Needing to get a press release out for your business? Contact me to write one for you