There are a number of challenges that typically come with being an entrepreneur. For many business owners, these challenges include attempting to handle their own public relations matters. For entrepreneurs who are looking to get started on a budget and who can’t afford to pay a PR firm, there are ways they can successfully run their own public relations campaigns. If you are one of these entrepreneurs, in seek of a little extra assistance with your PR efforts, here are ten of the best, and most straightforward tips to consider when attempting to reach the public.
1. SPEAK AT SCHOOLS
Contact your alma matter and speak to someone in alumni relations. All types of institutions from graduate programs to high schools love putting news about graduates in their mailers.
2. CONNECT WITH BLOGGERS
Start reaching out to bloggers. Many PR pros find this is one of the most effected strategies when it comes to getting positive attention on any company. Try to contact at least five blogs a day to see if you can do a guest post or if they would be willing to do a piece on your company.
3. PITCH OFTEN
Start pitching stories on a regular basis, but make sure that you take the time to really carefully craft these stories. Don’t pitch a story that you yourself wouldn’t want to read.
4. HIT THE EVENT CIRCUIT
Never underestimate the power of networking events. Building relationships with others in your industry and in the business world is still one of the best ways to start generating positive PR. It is a classic approach and one that never fails to keep on delivering.
5. ONLY NEWSWORTHY INFORMATION
Don’t waste your time trying to put out pieces that aren’t news worthy. If you are going to take the time to write a press release and distribute that press release to the public, then you need to make sure you understand what news worthy really means.
6. TAKE OVER TWITTER
Utilize Twitter to your advantage. Virtually every journalist has a Twitter account. Use this as a way to form soft introductions. Don’t harass them on Twitter, be authentic and reach out. Start commenting on their work so they start recognizing your name.
7. USE DATA
Create pitches that have hard data. If you want to start pitching stories to the public the best thing you can do is to start collecting hard data. The more facts and figures that you have, the better off you will be. Numbers are always your friend.
8. INDUSTRY PUBLICATIONS
Reach out to industry publications. If you are a specialist in a certain area, make sure to reach out to publications within your field. Let these publications know that you are an expert and available to write feature articles or guest columns. This is a great way to solidify yourself as an expert in your industry and it can eventually help you get your company’s name out on a regional or national level.
9. USE BLOG COMMENTS
Use blog commenting as a way to introduce yourself to other professionals within your industry. A blog comment is a great way to show others that you are interested in what you have to say and that you admire what they are talking about. The right relationships with others in your field can help you both simultaneously promote your business.
10. CHARITABLE CONTESTS
A great way to get some extra coverage for your company is to create a charitable contest related to your business. For example, offering your customers a 20% discount if they bring in canned food. It is a great way to get people in the door, a great way to help your local community and a great way to get press coverage for your work as well.