Getting featured in your local newspaper is a great way to get exposure, and it’s free! In addition to reaching a local target for your niche, many newspapers have online versions, allowing you to post the link to the article on your website, blog, etc.
To do:
1) Decide what you have done that is newsworthy and of local interest.
Are you publishing a book? Are you organizing a fundraiser or community event? Start a new business, a new location, or offer new services?
For ideas, check out your local paper for the kinds of stories that are in print, long and short. For example, articles often feature local authors. So if you’ve published an e-book or a print book, there’s a good chance they’ll write about you.
The story does not have to be related to your business. The point is to get your name in the newspaper, so there can be at least one mention of what you do professionally. For example, if gardening is your hobby and they have a gardening section, you could write an article on gardening tips.
2) Write a press release. Be concise and include key information.
If you’ve never written a press release before, look online for some tips. The document and content will likely be edited, so don’t be surprised if what you see printed doesn’t match what you submitted. Remember the 5 W’s and one H: who, what, when, where, why and how.
3) Send press release to multiple publications.
If you live in a town/city that borders a major metropolitan area, please submit newspapers from both areas. Also consider magazines and newspapers that fit your topic well.
Larger publications have the advantage of greater distribution. The advantage of smaller publications is that they may have more time and space for a reporter to interview you personally!
4) Be patient!
If you don’t get a response right away, the newspaper may have a backlog of potential stories. For example, because e-books have made desktop publishing so affordable, it could take several months to appear as a local author.
5) Add a published story to your Personal Portfolio.
Get in the habit of keeping a special folder of your achievements, training, awards, etc.
Summary
Whatever your field or experience, you can always benefit from free advertising! Your local newspaper is a great avenue to get more exposure and increase your credibility. If you think you haven’t done anything newsworthy, think again. Scan through the newspaper, magazines, and journals, looking for connections to things you’ve done. Submit a press release, and you’re on your way!
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