I will not even pretend to an expert on anything PR related. I don’t write my own press releases (I have a friend that does them for me), and only just recently started even compiling a list of the various PR firms and reps that I’ve worked with for ConstantChatter giveaways (okay, to be honest, I’m having my assistant compile said list). But I do know the importance of good PR.
If you’re looking for some DIY help in the PR department, check out Elena Verlee over at PR in Your Pajamas. She’s got plenty of great tips for the DIYer or small biz, solopreneur – we are our own sales, marketing and PR team are we not? In particular, she’s a great resource if you’re a mompreneur (I hate that we’re so divisive as female entrepreeurs, but that’s for another day).
I love this piece she did on How to Build Your Own Media List. This is something that each and every one of us small biz or solopreneurs should take a couple days and compile. You can do it while enjoying a cup of coffee. Or better yet, maybe find someone with a similar product or service and split the tasks and share the list.
Check it out…
If you have the time and want to build your own media list, take 30 minutes a week and do some research.
• What do YOU read? List your favorite papers, magazines, websites and even TV and radio shows that may be interested in featuring your company.
• What do your customers read? If you can find just one website they are reading, chances are that website will have sponsors, partners or a resources page where you can find other media that your customers may be browsing. And so on, and so on.
• Who accepts submissions for new products? Most likely it will be a new products editor, news editor or in smaller publications, the editor-in-chief.
• Read the magazine and note if there is a columnist or reporter that is most likely to cover you for a feature story or interview.
