Get Your Press Release to the Right People

Whether you are launching your new business, adding a new product line or beginning a new marketing campaign, getting your press release out to the right people is essential. If you are a small business and don’t have a PR company handling your press and publicity, it may seem difficult to identify targets for your pitch.

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You can certainly distribute your press release through an online service or use a number of networking websites, but what if you want your pitch on a television newscast, on the radio or in the newspaper? That’s when you have to do a little legwork and research.

Well ahead of time, read magazines and newspapers, listen to radio shows, and identify TV shows that might be good targets. Get comfortable with the medium and figure out if they would be a good place to plug your products or services.

Once you have a target, you need to get your press release into the right person’s hands. Though email is the way of the world these days, don’t forget the power of the phone call. If you are targeting a specific newspaper/magazine writer or columnist, you should be able to find their contact information online or in the publication itself. For a television or radio show, it might not be as easy to achieve. Your best bet is to just pick up the phone and call direct. Even if you only know a general telephone number, simply ask which reporter may be interested in covering a story on your topic.

As intimidating as it may seem, you believe in your product or service (otherwise you wouldn’t be selling it). With confidence, research and know-how, you can get your press release out to the right people and begin creating a buzz about your business.

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