Public relations and a brand strategy are essential if you want to take your small business to the next level. As much as it’s probably appreciated, if your family members are the only ones who know about your business, chances are it might not go far.
Here are a few DIY tips to get you started:
#1 The Checklist
The first thing you need to do is make sure your website looks great, your company bios and mission statement are written well (and not boring), and you have clear professional high resolution images of your CEO and key staff.
#2 The Community Campaign
You need to create a reason for the press to care about your brand. If you are a clothing brand, organize a clothing or coat drive and partner with a local non-profit. Or, if you own a restaurant create an event series leading up to mothers day dedicated to mommy book clubs and talk about your appreciation for moms. This is your time to be creative and find a way to promote what you do while showing the community that you care.
#3 The Pitch
In your pitch to magazines, newspapers, blogs, TV, and radio your subject line should pop and be attention grabbing. Your first sentence should be who you are, second should be what you want, and 3rd and 4th should be why it’s relevant to them.
#4 The Target List
Make sure when pitching you take the time to contact the right people. If it’s a community event, contact the community reporter, if it’s a fashion event, it should be the fashion editor.
#5 The Follow Up
If you manage to get positive responses and scheduled press interviews, follow up afterwards to say thank you and to see if there is anything else they need from you because people still appreciate thoughtfulness.