Many business owners believe they need a major announcement or big event to secure some media coverage. Not so.
Nollywood gossip
In many cases your local daily or weekly newspaper or business journal has space to run your item provided it is "newsworthy".
Often a number of small announcements work just as well as one big story to build the company brand and add credibility.
Here are 10 ways to get into the newspaper quickly and generate publicity for your business:
1. Announce a new hire. Many local papers and business journals provide
ample space for this. In addition to highlighting a new staff member it
demonstrates that your company is growing and moving forward.
2. Host a special event or seminar. Many papers have calendar sections specifically for this purpose.
3. Announce a company award. Newspapers will print your industry or "Best of" recognition.
4. Announce a new contract or new deals with a group of customers.
Editors are most interested in learning about a successful local
company. If it peaks their interest it could even turn into a full-blown
feature article.
5. Publicize staff appointments to charity boards and non-profit
organizations. This not only builds your brand but also demonstrates
corporate good will by giving back to the community.
6. Document and photograph any donations to charity for publicity
purposes. When your firm donates a sizeable amount of funds to a
non-profit it has news value both for your customers and internally for
your staff. In many cases you can create a large poster check and
generate a check presentation photo opportunity with the charity
executives. The photo and a write-up can be sent to local newspapers and
should be printed in your company newsletter and blog. The charity may
even wish to print the photo in their own newsletter giving the event
additional value and brand awareness.
7. Announce an expansion to a new location or enlargement of your
current offices. The local press is again interested in writing about
growing local companies. The business journals are also very attuned to
items involving real estate news. Should your company move into new
offices or make a significant enlargement to a current space it has news
value.
8. Publicize any Green initiatives your firm may be undertaking.
Newspapers and even TV stations are very interested in Green related
stories, as long as they are legitimate undertakings to help the
environment. Many organizations now even recognize local businesses with
Green Awards.
9. Write a letter to the editor or a complete commentary. Publications
have space for this, just make sure to keep it professional. You can
discuss how an issue will impact the business community and other
similar topics.
10. Highlight an employee that does something out of the ordinary. In
many markets you can generate coverage for a staff person who completes a
marathon or provides unique services to the community as a volunteer.
Nollywood gossip