Network Solutions hosted a tweet chat on how to create buzz and developing a public relations plan for small businesses. The goal was to ask questions and tweet thoughts on the latest public relations strategies and tactics. The chat offered some very useful tips for entrepreneurs looking to boost their media presence:
Exclusivity is very important. By the time a press release goes out, it is usually no longer news. Do not try to interest reporters by saying someone else already wrote about it.
News means something new, something different, some big change readers will want know about on how to run their business.
Timeliness is key… reporters have daily and hourly deadlines.
Doing media research is critical when pitching. Find out reporters name and contacts info, plus the topics they cover.
Pitch once and pitch short. If they respond, great! If not, it is like being a pest.
Use bullet points if pitching via email, and if on the phone, ask if it is a good time. Don’t be afraid to ask, if not you, then who would be interested in covering it?
Flickr is outstanding for creating galleries of images for journalists to choose from.
Make pitches complete with multimedia assets & resource links. Don’t send attachments!
Most importantly, practicing public relations is all about building relationships. Having relationships with reporters is the key to getting your small business big media coverage!