As soloists I’m sure you recognise how positive media coverage can have an impact on your business.
However, you may also think that you don’t have the skills or knowledge to gain free publicity and maybe you’re not (yet!) in a financial position to hire a PR firm. But if you follow my 10 point plan I’m sure that you’ll soon experience the power of the press.
1. Gain the appropriate skills and knowledge to become an expert in your field. Become a qualified member of your industry’s association, as this will give you credibility when the media choose to profile you.
2. Be clear on what your message is – know what you want to say. Understand that you need to have a point of difference or something interesting to say and that you need to get that across in an entertaining and informative way.
3. You need to have an audience to listen to your message – do some research on your ideal customer, perhaps a survey. Look at whom your competitors are talking to.
4. Reach out to your target audience through the media. Research the most appropriate magazines, newspapers or TV shows for your story. Build a database of media contacts or buy a media directory. Links to media directories can be found at www.shinecomms.com.au.
5. Approach the media - send out a well-written media release, follow up with phone calls. Submit articles to magazines. Follow up again - make sure to be consistent with your media liaison.
6. Send out a professional and creative photograph with your release or ring the media outlet and suggest a photo opportunity.
7. Be persistent. Keep on submitting media releases and articles. But learn to take no for an answer and don’t be a pushy publicist. You need to build good working relationships with journalists.
8. Be prepared for media interviews. Prepare beforehand possible questions and rehearse the answers. Prepare a few points you want to get across and stay on track.
9. Build up a portfolio of information about you - your media kit - to include on your website as an online newsroom and for meetings with journalists.
10. Consolidate your expertise by publishing books, CD’s and DVD’s and reap the rewards of successful public relations.
“ Understand that you need to have a point of difference or something interesting to say and that you need to get that across in an entertaining and informative way. ”
Sue Currie is a business educator and speaker on personal branding through image and media. Sue’s strategies help boost your public profile and increase profits by enhancing your professional image and building brand visibility.
