Introduction
Getting your story on the local news can be a great way to generate publicity for your small business. But it’s not always easy to get news reporters interested in what you have to say. Here are a few tips to increase your chances of getting covered by local news outlets.
- Know your audience
The first step is to understand which local news outlets would be most interested in your story. If you’re a small business owner, for example, you’ll want to target business-focused publications or websites. Make a list of the local news outlets that are most relevant to your story, and then do some research on each one. Find out who the reporters and editors are, what kinds of stories they typically cover, and how you can get in touch with them.
- Have a great story
Of course, even if you’ve targeted the right outlet with the right audience, you’re not guaranteed coverage unless you have a truly newsworthy story. So take some time to brainstorm what makes your business unique and interesting. If you can’t think of anything, ask your customers or employees for their perspectives. Once you have a list of potential stories, run them by a few trusted people to get their feedback. Then, narrow down your list to the one or two stories that you think are most likely to generate media interest.
- Pitch your story effectively
Once you’ve identified your best story and the reporter or editor who is most likely to be interested in it, it’s time to make your pitch. Keep your pitch short and to the point, and make sure you include all of the important details about your story (who, what, where, when, why). If possible, include a photo or other visual element that will help make your pitch more visually appealing. And don’t forget to follow up after you’ve sent your pitch—a polite email or phone call can go a long way towards increasing your chances of getting covered.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for ways to generate publicity for your small business, getting covered by the local news can be a great option. But it’s not always easy to get reporters and editors interested in what you have to say. By following these tips, however, you’ll increase your chances of getting the coverage you’re looking for.
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