Getting Media Exposure For Your Business:

When I used to work at Weddingbells and Fashion Magazine, my clients would often ask “How do I get the editors to cover me in the magazine?”

Here’s a piece of information most people don’t know:

Editorial and Sales/Advertising are at the opposite ends of the spectrum.

They are a “church vs state” separation.

Editors are (supposed to be) unbiased and it’s their job to write for the audience of readers.

Advertising sales ensures those who pay for their ads receive their exposure.

I would often advise my clients that they should contact the Editorial team directly as they don’t listen to sales reps who push to get their clients exposure. (Because they are unbiased)

Getting media exposure isn’t always easy.

Who better to give you advice on how to get media exposure is from someone working IN media.

Christy Laverty’s blog “Press Release Tips …. from the newsroom” has some great information I thought you should read.

Direct from her LinkedIn profile, Christy has “worked in broadcasting for more than 10 years in Toronto, working in several different positions on the editorial side of things. I have spent time working in both television and radio news at stations like Omni (formerly CFMT), City TV, CBC and 680 News.

I am also a freelance writer and blogger. I have written articles for ParentsCanada, Urban Baby & Toddler, YummyMummyClub, amotherworld.com and momnation.ca. and home magazine Our Home Mississauga. I also blog regularly about my own life as a working mom on my blog www.frecklesthemom.blogspot.com”

Press Release Tips …. from the newsroom

So you have a great company, product, service or story and you want to share it with the world. And you think you want to send out press releases to all the news organizations all across the city. How do you get noticed? How do you make it past the pile of press releases, emails and stories?

You have to think outside the box a bit. By that I mean you need to make sure you are making yourself stand out, making sure your release stands out.

Here are just five tips I think might help….

1. Keep it simple Don’t send a two page, dense news release. I likely won’t have time to read it, nor will I have the interest. Keep it simple and brief (especially if it is first contact. Send me a longer release once I am interested).

2. Write a great headline and/or opening sentence Think about what is great about your product, service, company and tell me about it right off the top so I don’t have to go searching for it.

3. Give it a HOOK The best way for me to notice your product, service, company or story is make me care about it. To do that hook it to something happening in the news. For example, March break is approaching and that means lots of families will be traveling with kids on vacation AND you have a service, book or blog that focuses on travel or traveling with kids, so send me a quick release on some news-you-can-use tips on how to travel stress free.

4. Keep in touch BUT don’t be a pest Keep in mind that in my case our newsroom is a busy place and the news is always changing so I might not have time to get in touch on a Wednesday but maybe I will on Friday. So make sure you keep in touch with a quick email, maybe say you will check in with my on Thursday night for a quick phone call.

5. Try, and try … and then try again. Just remember if you are reaching out to a busy newsroom you might get bumped for news of the day if your story is something that can wait. Don’t get discouraged. Sometimes the timing isn’t right but if you keep in touch with me I will likely find time and room for it again soon. If I liked it the first time I will like it later.

***disclaimer: These tips are from my own experiences and my own opinions. There are lots of newsrooms and lots of different media outlets that have different criteria for story selection. Sometimes ( well actually a lot of the time) how we choose stories is completely personal and specifically tailored to the show and station we work for so what isn’t right for me, could be perfect for someone else.

Original post: http://brightreadmedia.blogspot.ca/2013/01/think-outside-box.html

Have you had success getting editorial coverage? How did you do it?

About Leslie Hughes

Leslie Hughes is a LinkedIn Optimization Specialist, LinkedIn Top Voice, and Corporate Trainer with over 25 years of experience in digital marketing and LinkedIn profile writing. As the Principal of PUNCH!media and author of "CREATE. CONNECT. CONVERT," Leslie helps executives and professionals optimize their LinkedIn profiles, generate leads, and attract higher-paying clients. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice—an exclusive honor from LinkedIn—Leslie is a trusted authority on LinkedIn profile optimization, AI-driven marketing strategies, and digital identity management. Her expertise has been featured on CBC Radio, where she was called a "Social Media Guru," and on CTV’s "The Social," where she shared strategies for managing digital identity. Leslie empowers professionals to leverage generative AI tools like ChatGPT to enhance marketing strategies, boost efficiency, and create impactful content that converts. She helps businesses understand how to use LinkedIn for lead generation and how AI can revolutionize their digital marketing efforts. Leslie has worked with top organizations like Investment Planning Counsel, Guardian Life Insurance Company of America, JLL, and Franklin Templeton, optimizing LinkedIn profiles and providing corporate training that delivers measurable results. Leslie is a former college professor and co-lead instructor for Ontario Tech University’s Social Media Marketing and Digital Management Certificate. Whether you need a LinkedIn profile writer, corporate trainer, or AI marketing specialist, Leslie Hughes can help you elevate your digital presence and transform your marketing strategy. Ready to take your LinkedIn profile and corporate training to the next level? Learn more at www.punchmedia.ca.

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