Get All Access for $5/mo

How One Publicity Feature Could Literally Launch Your Business Getting your business covered, or even mentioned, in high-profile media platforms can be a big benefit for the brand

By Nalisha Patel

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

You're reading Entrepreneur Asia Pacific, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Lenscap Photography | Shutterstock
Newspaper Front Pages following the Death of Prince at his Paisley Park home, Minneapolis.

Many of us at some point in our business feel invisible in the industry and want to know how to not only get in quality leads, but also convert at a higher rate.

If you appear in various media, or have a high profile in your niche industry, then you will immediately edge out your competition. Best of all, this can often be done for free.

Getting your business covered, or even mentioned, in high-profile media platforms can be a big benefit for the brand.

Here are seven fast-start media tips:

Define your uniqueness

Why should customers choose you over your competitors? Too often we get caught up showcasing all the features of our business but fail to show how we are different and better in comparison to other similar businesses a potential customer is researching.

If you can tie your uniqueness to an emotional element that simultaneously addresses a problem, benefits the customer and minimizes their risk in buying from you, all the better.

The infamous Domino's Pizza gets this right, "You get fresh, hot pizza delivered to your door in 30 minutes or less or it's free."

Define what you want

Do you want a boost in profits and credibility from a one-time media feature or become a regular article contributor? One offers a short-term boost of leads and profits, the second is a slower approach for leads, with consistent exposure.

Create a master list

Check newspapers, magazines and websites for key email addresses, while also seeking out reporters and writers on Twitter and Instagram. Follow them, interact with them and pitch them when it is appropriate.

Assess the style for each media outlet

As an article contributor, you will need to study the media outlet for specific topics and its style to pitch appropriately. Do your homework.

Formulate several pitches

Show how you are of benefit to the media outlets' readers/viewers. Remember that the outlet only cares about showcasing quality content that will help the reader/viewer in some way.

Ultimately think about what problem you are solving and tailor your pitch around that.

Pitch your story

Start with lower level media outlets and work your way up. Try local newspapers or news sites to get some rungs on the ladder before working your way up to outlets with a higher reader or viewership.

This will also give you an opportunity to experience what it's like to have media coverage and to assess which parts of your sales strategy you need to tweak to ensure maximum results.

Be relentless. Often, a media outlet will respond to you when the timing is better for them. You can either keep pitching a variation on your story to them or following up on the original pitch.

Have a strategy

Be prepared to get inundated with several new leads.

If you're new to getting publicity for your business, you might be surprised at just how many new inquiries and leads will come through from one just feature.

Check that your website is up to date and that links all work. Be prepared for immediate sales, along with a lot of inquiries. Be prepared to handle extra customer service, fulfilling sales and knowing how to capitalize on the feature.

Nalisha Patel

Guest writer

 

Nalisha Patel teaches business owners how to gain free publicity and media exposure. She is a digital nomad and the author of "How to Escape the Photocopy Life".

 

Celebrity Entrepreneurs

The Pep Talk From Mickey Mouse We All Need to Hear, Compliments of Chris Diamantopoulos

Chris Diamantopoulos, the star of "The Sticky," "Red Notice" and the voice of Mickey Mouse, gets real about resilience, chasing dreams, and his desperate wish for a normal hobby.

Side Hustle

'Hustling Every Day': These Friends Started a Side Hustle With $2,500 Each — It 'Snowballed' to Over $500,000 and Became a Multimillion-Dollar Brand

Paris Emily Nicholson and Saskia Teje Jenkins had a 2020 brainstorm session that led to a lucrative business.

Science & Technology

Why Businesses Are Relying on Automation to Survive the Labor Crisis

Robots are revolutionizing industries by addressing labor shortages and enhancing efficiency, while businesses navigate challenges like workforce adaptation and high implementation costs.

Green Entrepreneur®

How Global Business Leaders Can Build a Sustainable Supply Chain

Businesses can build sustainable supply chains by leveraging technology to reduce environmental impact, optimize resources and track emissions while balancing operational efficiency and sustainability goals.

Business News

'I'm Shocked': Costco Customers Are Freaking Out About a Change to a Beloved Bakery Item

Costco customers are feeling burnt by a not-so-sweet switcheroo in the bakery department.