Newspapers, magazines, radio and television are always on the look out for great news and human interest stories, and approaching them can be a great way to gain publicity for your business or organisation.
Newspapers, magazines, radio and television are always on the look out for great news and human interest stories, and approaching them can be a great way to gain publicity for your business or organisation.
From 5am on August 10 to 5am August 11, 24 Hours in Farming will be a great opportunity for everyone in farming to raise awareness of the work they do to produce food for British consumers.
If you are hosting an event or are supporting the day in another way, why not alert the local media for some extra publicity for your business and the wider event.
There are worlds within journalism and each reporter is different. While some exploit contacts and massage facts to create a story vaguely resembling the truth, most are hard-working, honest people who want to do a good job in often challenging circumstances.
Dealing with the news media can feel pressured and stressful, but that does not have to be the case. By building relationships with trusted reporters, you can create mutually beneficial and respectful relationships which will help you get your message across to a new audience.
You can do this by providing useful information or helping them find it, and by sticking to agreed deadlines. As you build relationships with journalists you will learn what kind of stories they are interested in. And as you become a valued contact you will be able to pitch ideas which will get your business more column inches and strengthen your network’s influence.
A press release is a great way to help get your business seen. Releases should tell an interesting story and introduce some of the people involved. If possible they should be accompanied by a good quality photograph to help tell the story and reinforce the message.
The first two sentences are key. They should peak the reader’s interest and make them want to read more. If you are struggling to find an angle, possible topics include environmental improvements, community connections, local heritage and working with charities. Journalists are always looking for something different.
The middle of the press release should explain the story. Include facts and statistics which offer an insight into your business and explain who, what, why, when and how. Next include a quote or two from people in your business and who you are working with. Be sure to credit individuals and organisations who deserve it.
Give your contact details and, in a separate section, describe the organisation or individual who sent the release and any relevant partners. Send the release out to all your relevant contacts.
Follow up the release with a friendly phone call asking whether and when it will be used and offering further information, and look out for when it appears. Download the ‘How to write a press release’ factsheet at: www.24hoursinfarming. co.uk