PR Tips for Small Business Part 2

Using public relations (PR) techniques to publicise your business as well as your products and services is not only effective but also cost-effective.

Here are a few more PR tips that can help you in your business:

* Being able to get newspaper coverage or a mention of your new product or service can be a great start to creating a buzz for your company. You can aim for local and national press and even your industry’s trade publications. More often than not, the kind of coverage you get in a trade publication will create more of an impact because it is read by all of your competitors and investors. The market is targetted to your specific audience.

A good way of getting media coverage is to gauge the kind of stories that are getting a lot of attention, it could be current events, breaking news or even the latest controversies. You can then attempt to tie your business in with them. Every journalist is looking for a different spin (a different angle) on a hot story. If you can devise a way of presenting the story with a fresh angle, even use a human interest link, and then associate it with your business you can be sure you will get maximum coverage for your business.

* Try to establish and nurture a relationship with the media. Your relationship with journalists is quite important and serves as the basis of your interaction with the media. A good relationship would mean easier access to the media’s facilities. These relationships take time to develop though and the time you spend building that relationship should be seen as a long-term investment.

Establish a relationship with the local media by first reading the local publications and then getting the names of the journalists who cover the specific subject you are interested in. You can then give them a call and then introduce yourself. Journalists are on a constant search for news so this is a great opportunity to introduce yourself.

When your business gets relatively significant news (a new big-time customer, new offices, winning an award) do not hesitate to call the appropriate journalist. Even if you do not get coverage out of the call you still get to nurture that relationship.

* You can decide to write a feature article that is related to your business. A well written article that is specifically targetted to the readers of the publication you submit to can bring you good publicity.

* Writing a blog would be a great way to position your business in the eyes of your clients, the industry you are in and the press. A blog paints a picture of your business as a leading authority in the industry. It also serves as a vehicle to engage customers and potential clients and partners.

* You can give talks about your business or teach classes about your profession to local groups or during industry trade shows, conferences and seminars.