Tuesday, July 13, 2010

How to woo the media

One of The TNS Group’s major goals this summer is to improve our PR campaign, and get our name out there. Our best years, in terms of being popular with the media were in year 2005. The Greenwich Times, Stamford Advocate and Fairfield County Business Journal all published a story on our company. We want the spotlight back!

Since then, The TNS Group’s concentration has been focused on growth and our new product, Total Care. Since our heads have been turned, we have lost touch with old contacts that could be essential now. So how do we step up our game? Make a PR plan ad get to wooing the media! According to INC magazine, and entrepreneur, Leslie Haywood, small business owners can manage their own PR with these simple steps:

Start small: your first mention won’t be in The Wall Street Journal; look to speak with local newspapers

Create a press list: Instead of blasting a generic press release to hundreds of people, send personalized pitches to a few dozen reporters

Follow reporters: Follow reporters on Twitter, use HARO (help a reporter out) to post queries

Be current: Reporters are looking for timely stories-they must be newsworthy

Look for ways to stand out: emails may be disregarded, send a press packet in the mail

Follow up- follow up with reporters, but know the meaning between persistent and annoying

Blog: you never know whose reading

Get on YouTube: Video is very popular right now. Don’t underestimate the importance of appearance and personality

Keep your cool: When someone does write about you, send a thank you note

Show off your clips: Posting links to your media coverage can help you get even more press

 



Tara McKenna

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