How do we ATTRACT the MEDIA's ATTFNTION at LOW or ZERO COST?

[inle]

Surely we will want Publicity from the Media and the Press..
And gain much awareness from them..

Instead of the usual paid advertisements, how can we get their attention for LOW or ZERO COST on our side?

Any ideas to share?

[Fadzuli]

Firstly you must know people in the Media line.. that's how you get the short cuts. Try to attend events, high or low profile to see if they are around.

Whenever you start anything or introduce your new product/service, give them a buzz definitely they might want to get a story from you. Hey what's a media without a fresh story right?

[inle]

What if we don't know the Media people?

[stand856]

what about flashmob?

[inle]

Just to share:
I was discussing with the owner of a newly startup business & we manage to come up with a ACTIONABLE strategy to create an EVENT at ZERO COST & can be fully launched in less than 3 months..

This will CREATE PUBLICITY & AWARNESS for the business & give them an edge to CONVERT THIS LEADS into SALES..

Pardon me but I can't reveal much as the details are private & confidential but I just like to share that it is possible if:
- we can generate desirable interest, traffic to the host..
- we can create activities to the host to boost their business..
- we can explore the host's benefits & values & act on them to leverage for a win-win situation for all parties..

We will like to know some more strategies for FREE PUBLICITY & MEDIA COVERAGE..

DISCLAIMER:
What might work for a particular business, might not work for another..
So there is no FIXED strategy to any business, even in the same industry in similar conditions..
The above strategy came into play after some prequalifying analysis of the goals & conditions of the singular, individual business..

[Dan Rollins]

... with a well written "Press Release".

If you want help, let me know.

Best,
Dan

[Bodge4]

... with a well written "Press Release".

If you want help, let me know.

Best,
Dan

Exactly, where I'm from every press release is put in the paper. It may take a few weeks but they will run it, pictures too!

[inle]

Maybe we like to know more about what's meant by a "WELL WRITTEN" press release..

Please share..

[armenh]

Exactly, where I'm from every press release is put in the paper. It may take a few weeks but they will run it, pictures too!

Are you speaking from experience? I do not think it's that easy...

[Dan Rollins]

Maybe we like to know more about what's meant by a "WELL WRITTEN" press release..

Please share..

Be glad to inle...

A well written press release still follows age old salesmanship principles of getting attention, developing interest, creating desire, and calling for action - it's just done a little more subtle.

You're still going to write an attention grabbing headline...

You still need to write an interesting, must-read opening...

You still need to build credibility and write bullets that create desire...

... and you still need to ask for a response!

I'll provide a few tips to getting noticed from the media using a press release - with proper formatting and effective delivery, then I'll include a sample release in PDF format for you to review.

For starters:

Keep your release to ONE page and make it readable in under a minute...

FAX your press release because it's hard copy, real paper. It will be touched and at least viewed by reporters...

Space your lines 1 1/2 spaced...

Use one inch margins - all around the page...

Always include "###" to inform reporters they've reached the end...

ALWAYS proofread your release and read it out loud before sending...

Locate key media contacts at gebbieinc.com...

...and test different headlines and monitor results.

Here are three proven ways to get editors & reporters interested in your release:

1.Surveys - Survey your customers/prospects and send out a press release highlighting the results. Editors like new information, and all survey results contain “new” information.

2.Lists - Editors know their audience like lists. (i.e. "10 reasons why..." "7 ways to..." "5 tips for..." etc).

3.Case Studies - Success stories revealing how an individual or organization solved a specific problem after using your product, service, or idea.

Now...

What I'm about to show you is one really good way to write a press release... but it's not the only way. There are many different slants and angles you can use to create "buzz"... and everybody's situation is different.

Hope it helps...

Best
Dan

P.S. If you want more specific "attention" - don't hesitate.

[RawMarketing]

I find that a lot of companies will hold events or promote causes as a means of generating media interest. Some that I've seen locally include:

- Organizing a fun-run (Interviews with organizers, results and reviews in paper, some news coverage)
- Supporting a particular awareness day (Raise money for Cancer etc...)
- Working with a volunteer group (Helping repaint the local primary school)

A lot of these things make for light-news that will sometimes get a photo of the business owner and their name mentioned a few times. Businesses will often try and ensure that their logo is present in the photo through a discrete means.

[RawMarketing]

Thanks ritty, they still need a lot of work to get them up to standard. Hopefully one day!

[hawksurfer]

what f you don't know media people

[feint]

When I first launched my company, I did some research and found as many journalists who covered my type of product and then emailed them personally. I made sure I read their work. I now have pretty good relationships with a number of great journalists that have given me some great publicity.

[stuckatUSP]

Putting your son in a ballon gets you some great media coverage.... but on a serious note, I would say maybe having some kind of a non-profit event that would allow you to have some media coverage to promote this event.. Good luck