For small businesses especially, it’s important to know that chivalry isn’t dead when it comes to traditional media sources such as TV and newspapers.
“Wooing” a news reporter is still a beneficial way to promote your business without having to spend lots of money on an expensive advertising campaign.
Here are three ways that forming a relationship with a reporter can help increase your visibility, credibility and help promote your brand.
Make Yourself Visible – The first step in starting a relationship is to introduce yourself to the reporter. Remember you only get one chance to make a first impression. When contacting business reporters, you want to position yourself as an expert source in your industry that they can call upon when needed. So, consider providing a few tips and ideas on a particular story they’ve written to show that you are knowledgeable on a certain topic.
Become Quotable –When being interviewed, remember it’s not all lip service. Be courteous of the journalist’s time and get right to the point during the interview. As a note, don’t tell the reporter everything you know and then some. Rather, be short, sweet and to the point and offer your perspective on the specific topic at hand.
Be Honest – A relationship built on lies is sure to crumble. As soon as you give false information to a reporter, that relationship will quickly come to an end. To avoid this, prepare and do your research so that you can join their list of sources and in turn build your brand and credibility.
By building a strong relationship with the media, you’ll be able to get your business featured in the press and most importantly reach a wider target audience which in turn can help your business succeed!
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