Spotlight on LSM Services: How Press Releases Level-Up Your Biz
You may think that your business is too small or too niche for a press release. However, many small businesses don’t realize that a lot of their activities are actually newsworthy and can be leveraged to build buzz around their business.
Media provides your business with visibility, coverage, and most importantly, credibility. Press coverage isn’t a paid advertisement. The outlet – whether a magazine, newspaper, radio or online news outlet – has to decide that your business is worthy of their story slot. Because of this give and take, press helps build your business’s reputation and legitimacy.
What News Could My Business Share?
Press releases are great for sharing any news around your business. That could be a new product, new service offering, new hires at your company, or new partnerships in the community. You could also share events you are hosting and any non-profit and fundraising efforts. Some of these may seem minor, but by sharing your news, you get your name out in the community. Look within your business and see what exciting things are happening. Our press team meets with our clients regularly to hear about what’s going on with them. What may seem like regular company operations to you could be a big story.
What Should I Look For When Hiring a Press Partner?
If a PR agency tells you that they can guarantee press coverage or assures you they can guarantee a number of sales, it’s a sign to run. As the saying goes, if it seems too good to be true, it likely is. The press business has a lot of moving pieces, especially the reporters. They could have other stories on their plate or deadlines that affect your news getting out.
While press may seem like an unpredictable beast, remember that media outlets want news to report on! They want stories that excite their readers, and you could provide them with that next exciting piece. Also, you never know who could be on the other side reading – it could be your next big client, donor, or investor!
Tips for Developing a Press Plan
1. Know who your target audience is. When taking on a new client, our press team’s first step is determining the client’s target audience. By defining your demographic, you and your press team decide which outlets would be the best fit for getting your story out.
2. Always provide images in your press release. Especially now with media outlets are so short-staffed, some outlets may run your press release as a story. Be sure to give them any pieces that could help them, including photos, quotes, and a catchy title.
3. Remember your other advertising channels. A press strategy works best in tandem with other marketing tactics. Social media outlets, like Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok, can help you get your story out faster and create more buzz.
4. Be flexible! Our society works on a 24-hour news cycle. You never know what could happen that bumps your article. If that happens, don’t be afraid to ask to have your story rescheduled.
