Top 10 from Selling Your Ideas to the Media Workshop

1. Journalists do not have time to seek out stories. Constant opportunities for media exposure by linking business to current events – how did they affect your business? What is your business doing to mitigate/take advantage of situation?
2. When approaching print media be specific and research the journalists or editors that would link to your topic
3. Do not underestimate the power of the local newspaper
4. Tap into trend issues e.g. State of the economy, environment/sustainability/conscience, nostalgia/heritage
5. Surveymonkey.com
6. Before contacting media ensure your website is up to date on who you are, what you are doing and have people to back up your statements (testimonials).Be able to instantaneously provide examples of people who have benefitted from your service and are happy to be interviewed – link in with credible players (e.g. Charities) and have something to photograph or film.
7. Current issues you can relate to – send 6 juicy bullet points to specific journalists. Identify extra snippets of info that could be used as an ‘exclusive’
8. Be seen to be giving back – identify local projects
9. Build yourself as an expert commentator - Ask whether the article needs to be about you or can you be an authority on a topic?
10. Media want a story not a product