6 Reasons Why It Is Important To Have A Media Relations Strategy
There are a number of reasons why itís important to have a media relations strategy. Letís define media relations first.
What are media relations?
Media relations can be defined as a companyís relations with editors, reporters, journalists and all forms of media, including online outlets. The relations might be with newspapers, radio, television, major influencers such as popular sites and bloggers, magazines, local papers, and more.
The goal of media relations (MR), is to communicate to the media that your company is worth paying attention to. MR keeps in touch with the media in order to report newsworthy messages and stories. MR also keeps them up to date with timely information that is of interest not just to them, but to their target audience. Your MR strategy can make or break your business, for a number of reasons.
Free publicity
It can be tough to rise above the noise compared to all of the other businesses in your niche or industry, but a good MR strategy can get you more press.
Successful live events
If you are going to host any live events, MR is a must. For example, if you are sponsoring and hosting a charity event, itís important to get people to attend. Informing the press when it is first being organized, with a ësave the dateí notice, and then following up again a couple of more times closer and closer to the event can ensure a good turnout. It might also help you get raffle prizes, volunteers, fundraisers and so on, depending on who you are targeting with each press pitch or press release you create for the media.
More traffic to your site
Good MR shows that you are a mover and shaker and that your business is worth paying attention to. This can drive more traffic.
More subscribers
Those who wish to build a relationship with you can subscribe to your email marketing list, giving you, even more, MR opportunities.
Expertise in your niche
Journalists are always on the lookout for personable experts they can connect with to give an intelligent assessment of things that are going on in the news. Position yourself as an expert through your press releases and your site or blog as a whole.
Register with the Help a Reporter Out (HARO) site and a blog directory so that people interested in your niche will be able to find you, relate to you and pass on your information to their target audience.
Becoming an authority site
Show your expertise by creating an authority site that is packed with content, products and information related to your niche. Make it a go-to site where everyone interested in that topic will want to spend time.
Now that you know that it is important to have a solid and effective media relations strategy, integrate it as part of your overall marketing plan, and see what a difference it can make to your brand building, sales, and profits.
Call us today to speak to one of our PR specialists: 1-800-713-7278
