PR - How can I intice a writer as my local paper to pick up my story?


I would like to see if I can get one of our local papers to print a story about Moms running there businesses from home. And have a company I do marketing for be featured to gain some local positive PR for the company. I have limited experience in this area of marketing. Any suggestions?
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Posted in Other - Advertising Marketing |

2 Responses

  1. Mary Fletcher Jones Says:
    July 31st, 2009 at 1:41 am

    It is possible for small business owners to handle their own public relations if they are good writers and are highly organized and can dedicate a lot of time to this task. But, to save time, have you also considered swapping services with an experienced independent public relations practitioner in your area who might want your marketing help? That is one option.

    Here’s a link to an article I wrote on how to write and place press release. I hope it’s helpful.

    But in a nutshell, obtaining placements in the press is hard work, it takes a great deal of time to build relationships, and it also involves some luck! It’s a very worthwhile pursuit, as long as you approach it correctly.

    Create a website for any company you are promoting–that is essential. Learn who covers local, small business stories in your community. You can call the news desk and ask for the names.

    Then mail or email them your press release (in the body of an email), and let them know you have photos (but never, ever mail attachments unless they ask for them). Your press release just has to be spelled correctly, or you won’t be taken seriously.

    You can call to follow up, but I discourage it. For some journalists, it’s OK, but most **** it. Occasionally, community and business newspapers have meet-and- greets. Go, take your business cards, and try to meet them in person. That’s a great way to build your media contacts.

  2. Pete W Says:
    August 2nd, 2009 at 5:21 pm

    There is a really cool website resource with some cool articles