Don’t Limit Your Business with Only Online Press Releases

A press release may be a simple sheet of paper, but it can also be the key to publicity and profits.  Simply put, a press release is a document that contains information about your business or an event you are holding and is sent to the media.  Once they receive it, they may choose to feature a story about the information contained in it.  If they do, your business will gain a lot of exposure.

When the media features a story about your business, they are giving your business credibility.  Most people trust the information they receive from their local newspapers and television news programs.  They will assume that if your business is good enough to be featured in the local news, it must be a very good business. Plus, this publicity is free. 

Many stories that are featured on national news wires and national news programs once started out as simple ‘local stories.’  Many writers and television news producers spend a big chunk of time watching out for the ‘next big thing.’  Your story could be just the story they are looking for.  Plus, being featured in local news stories gives you experience; when you get the chance for national exposure, you won’t be as nervous.





You can further your chances of getting in the press by asking anyone you are working with on a joint venture to also submit press releases to their own local media.  If you happen to have a podcast, ask your guests to submit a press release to their local papers, informing them that they will be a guest on your show. 

You may even want to create a press release template and have it available for download from your website. That way, whenever you collaborate with someone on a project, you can simply have them download it, fill in the “blanks,” and send it to their local media.

Once you are featured in your local media, stay in contact with the writer or news anchor that interviewed you.  Send them a thank-you card and let them know you appreciated the time they took to speak with you.  The next time they are doing a story on a subject that relates to your product or service, they may call upon you as an expert.

Any time you are featured in the press, more people are familiarized with your business.  This can lead to new customers, clients, and business projects. 

As you become featured in the press, don’t forget to save the clippings or links to online news stories and add them to your website.  This will add to your credibility and make you look very professional.