How To Benefit From Free PR

As a creative entrepreneur or business owner, any Public Relations (PR), particularly those that cost you nothing, is a bonus. There are ways and means of getting your name out there without having to dip into your wallet deeply and regularly, but where do you start? Whatever your industry or the size of your business, you can always benefit from free PR!

What’s Your Angle?

If your story is dull, then no one will even give it a second glance! What enables you to stand out from the crowd? Why should someone take the time to talk to you and then bother to write up your story? Why would anyone want to read it in the first place? You need to create a story that is compelling and interesting for the journalist in question and the readers at large. Put yourself in their shoes and let your imagination take a walk on the wild side.

Write A Press Release

A press release is still an effective form of marketing and can help you better your PR processes. If properly put together, journalists will be able to see quickly and easily what you have to share with them. Then, and only then, will they determine whether it is worth their while. Once written, you can publish it on your business website, blog and free press release websites.

Know Your Journalists

Are you familiar with any journalists? If not, it is essential you begin to develop a relationship with those who are known to write and publish articles in your arena. Once they know you specialise in your niche, they can use you as a reference in the future. You need to ensure that your content appeals to them and is relevant to what is happening at the moment

Maintain An Up To Date Spreadsheet

It is important that you take note of all the names and details of any journalists who would be interested in your story. Note down their contact details on a spreadsheet and update each time you contact them. This will come in handy and makes a quick reference every time you have a note-worthy story to offer.

Practice Your Pitch

When it comes to pitching your story to journalists, practice will make perfect. Over time they will come to know you and may even reach out directly. But for the moment, it’s up to you to initiate contact professionally to develop your connections in the hope that your story will interest them.

Develop Your Website

Have you had any stories published in the past? Consider creating a PR section on your website, so you have all the features and mentions on one page. This will help develop your street cred and make you look more interesting to the journalists. The more mentions, then the more you can build yourself up as an expert in your field.

Come Up With A Plan

If you know you have special events coming up in the year, then you can develop a plan and draft your emails. This will help you stay ahead of those busy times of year and ensure you don’t miss out on any notable publishing cut off dates. Regularly pitching to journalists and receiving a mention in magazines and newspapers is the essence of PR and being organised is the best way to accomplish it effectively.