Getting Essential Publicity for Free is Easy!

PR is great for getting your name known but many business owners never master this great way of growing a business. "It's too difficult", "It's expensive", "How will I know it works"? You will have heard these excuses many times.

Not so, here are 7 steps for good free publicity. Follow them and take action to grow your business.

1. Target audience

Work out and really understand whom you need to reach. Break your customers down into segments by product, industry, age group etc.

2. Set targets

Decide how you want your audience to perceive your company. Whatever your goal the message must be clear, realistic and consistent with what you want your audience to perceive about you.

3. Your message

Think through your message carefully. You must create interest in your audience. If you don't you're wasting your time. To get media coverage you need to have one of the following in place * It must be relevant to the audience * It must be timely * It must have a hook, ie. scandal, crisis or direct interest to the audience.

4. Use the power of the Press Release

You will increase the chances of your story being published if you follow the rudiments of formatting for press releases.

* Give it a date and an eye catching title that gives the gist of the story in 5 - 10 words. * The first paragraph should cover all the important information; who, when, where and why. No longer than three sentences because you must get the journalists attention. * Keep the rest of the release concise, no more that A4, try to get an authentic quote from someone involved. At the end type 'ends' and give full contact details.

5. Positioning

Make sure your press release is in the relevant journals that your audience will read. You decided on your target audience as the first step, make sure you get to them.

6. Use the alternatives

The press Release is only a part of you armoury. A good news letter sent out regularly will cement relationships and you can use other means such as seminars, workshops, sponsorship etc.

7. PR Agencies

If you decide to use a PR agency make sure you get a good one. Select carefully making sure they have experience of your industry. No one has more experience of your industry than you. You can do it yourself. Go to this link for more about how to write a press release and on getting great publicity for your business.

Good Luck!

Don't bring your need to the marketplace, bring your skill.

Best wishes,

Michael Harrison.

You can contact me at anytime on Bulletin@be-your-own-business-expert.com If you think this article would interest a friend or collegue please feel free to pass it on.

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Article by Michael Harrison, Author, Consultant and Business Builder.