“People do not buy goods and services. They buy relations, stories and magic." - Seth Godin

In today's media landscape, standing out from the crowd isn't just a 'nice thing to have', it's an absolute necessity. By leveraging the power of the press, you can elevate your visibility to new heights.

Why PR Matters Now More Than Ever 

Simply put, PR is all about building connections and having a positive influence on your target audience, your clients and potential clients and the journalists, editors and influencers you want to attract. Whether you're a solopreneur, a start up founder or an established business leader, PR is a fantastic tool that lets you tell your story on your terms, placing you in the spotlight and, as long as you do it consistently, keeping you there. 

The Essentials of DIY PR 

1. Identifying Your Story: This is the crux of everything when it comes to the media. You must identify a story that is newsworthy, that is of interest to the journalist you're sending it to. A journalist won't care about you or your business. They care about the story that they can tell their reader, listener and/or viewer. Don't forget to do your research. It must be relevant to them.

   Business owners often tell me that this is one of their biggest challenges. If you'd like some inspiration, here are some story ideas you can use in your business right now.

2. Crafting Your Press Release: A press release is how you can tell your story to the world and is a great way to pitch your story to the press. Tell them what your story is, keep it short and simple and stay on point. Don't start going off on tangents. The 'peg' you're hanging your story on needs to be crystal clear and remember, make sure it is relevant to the journalist, editor or influencer you're trying to attract.

   What is a press release and why should I write one?

3. Engaging with Journalists: Building relationships with journalists is a vital part of PR and it takes time, effort and a bit of know-how. Don't forget to research them, the stories they write (so you know if your story is a fit) and the deadlines they work to. As long as you provide genuinely interesting stories, it will set you apart from the hundreds of others they hear from.

4. Maximizing Your Content: I'm a big believer in re-using your content is as many different places as possible. So if you're written a press release, re-write it a bit and publish a blog on your website. Share it on your social media platforms - and when you feature in the media, share that with your social media audience too - and your email list via your newsletter. This is all goes towards elevating you as a go-to expert in your field.

Remember, visibility isn't just about being seen, you want to be remembered. That's why consistency is key. You need to be proactive and send regular, newsworthy stories to the media. Don't be fooled into thinking that the more you send, the more you will feature. Quality over quantity will be rewarded, but don't leave too big a gap between pitches.

If you would like to find out more about getting yourself in the media and increasing your visibility or if you are already doing PR and need specific help with strategy or writing a press release or identifying newsworthy stories, book a 'Pop Up PR' session.

Good luck!