There’s nothing worse than searching for your business online only to discover unrelated results locked in the top results. Or worse, your business isn’t even showing up.
An easy way to fix this problem I’ll cover here is by getting press mentions. Let’s quickly go over what they are, what they’re not, and how to start getting them ASAP.
Press mentions are references to your business or organization in the media, such as in news articles, television or radio programs, or online blogs or podcasts.
These mentions can come in the form of a news article about your business, an interview with a company representative, or a mention of your products or services in a review or feature article.
Press mentions can help raise awareness of your business and increase credibility, as well as drive traffic to your website and potentially lead to new customers.
Not all references to your business or organization in the media are considered press mentions. For example, paid advertising or sponsored content is not typically considered a press mention.
Paid advertising is a form of marketing in which a business pays to have its message or product promoted through a variety of channels, such as print, television, or online platforms.
Sponsored content is content that is produced by a business or organization and is intended to promote their products or services, but is presented in a way that is similar to editorial content.
While these forms of promotion can be effective in raising awareness of your business, they are not typically considered press mentions.
Write a compelling press release.
A press release is a short, concise summary of your news or event that is distributed to members of the media. It should include all of the essential information about your event or announcement, as well as contact information for follow-up.
Build relationships with journalists.
Building relationships with journalists and media outlets is an important step in getting press coverage. This can be done through networking events, industry events, or simply by reaching out to journalists directly to introduce yourself and your business.
Utilize social media.
Social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn can be great ways to connect with journalists and pitch your story. Many journalists use social media to find sources and story ideas, so make sure you have a strong presence on these platforms.
Participate in industry events and conferences.
Attend industry events and conferences and consider giving a presentation or hosting a workshop. This is a great way to position yourself as an expert in your field and get noticed by the media.
Create a media kit.
A media kit is a document that provides information about your business or organization to the media. It should include information about your products or services, press releases, and high-quality images that can be used in articles or interviews.
Utilize online press release distribution services.
There are a number of online press release distribution services that can help you get your press release in front of a wide audience. These services often have extensive databases of journalists and media outlets that you can target with your press release.
Collaborate with influencers.
Partnering with influencers in your industry can be a great way to get press coverage. Influencers often have large social media followings and can help promote your business to their followers, which can in turn attract the attention of journalists.
Create a company blog.
A company blog is a great way to showcase your expertise and thought leadership in your industry. By regularly publishing high-quality content, you can attract the attention of journalists who are looking for sources and story ideas.
Offer exclusive content to the media.
Consider offering exclusive content or access to the media as a way to get press coverage. For example, you might offer a journalist an exclusive interview with a company executive or access to a product before it is released to the public.
Utilize search engine optimization (SEO).
Optimizing your website for search engines can help increase the visibility of your business and make it more likely that journalists will discover your website when looking for sources and story ideas. Make sure to include relevant keywords in your website content and consider using SEO tools to track your progress.
Next up, I’ll share how I got press mentions from Wall Street Journal, Axios Crypto, Washington Post, and Fox Business in 2022.