Traditional media today are stretched thin. Newsrooms are shrinking. Reporters deal with the pressure of filing numerous stories per day. So how do you get their attention?
First of all, you must have a great story that will be of interest to their readers, listeners or viewers. You cannot be self-serving. If you are launching a new product or service, be clear on why the general public should care and why it’s newsworthy. If your business is expanding, what is the news value? Yes, it’s a great accomplishment for you as an entrepreneur, but are you going against the grain and growing despite all odds, is there a new development in your industry, or a unique demand that you are meeting?
Finally, make sure that you can help reporters deliver a great story that will keep their audience engaged. Offer multiple spokespeople with different connections or perspectives to the story. Provide an experience that brings your news to life. I recently worked with a social agency to announce a new fundraising event. Not really big news on its own but we offered reporters the opportunity to have a first-hand experience with the program that will benefit from the program and the coverage was golden.
If you would like to learn more about what makes a great story, please contact me today!