"Expert Analysis:" Let The Media Attract New Customers For You -- For Free
There's a common misconception that people in the news
business have a giant network of sources where they get
all their information, and they certainly don't need
help from "average people."
It's not true.
News organizations are constantly looking for story
ideas--from anywhere.
And if you master the media marketing strategies below,
your reputation as an "expert" among the media will
absolutely skyrocket--and so will the traffic-
generating free publicity that results.
***Offer "another angle" on a current story Suppose
you hear a something on a 6:00 PM TV newscast, and you
believe you have the credentials to comment on it.
Contact the newsroom, tell the assignment editor or
producer you can offer "another angle" on the story. Be
sure to say something like, "I think a lot of your
viewers will find it interesting (surprising, shocking,
etc) that..." and then explain your idea.
***Offer yourself as a guest on shows that have to fill
a lot of airtime. Check out local TV programs to see
who's already doing a lot of guest interviews. Usually
these tend to be "soft" news shows in the early or mid
morning, especially on weekends. Get creative and
figure out how to package what you know in a way that's
interesting to a mass audience. Then construct a news
release to send to the appropriate person on the show
you have in mind.
***Polls & Surveys First
there was The Book Of Lists.
Then David Letterman made his nightly "Top Ten" polls a
cultural icon. People love them, and in this age of
email, anyone can put together a quickie poll and
publish a list.
***Tip Sheets Great fillers on slow news days. Make
sure they’re not dated, then package them in an
attention getting news release--one that positions you
as a qualified expert to add some insights the subject
matter.
***Ask to be added to the "Expert's Directory." Every
newsroom has a book or file they reach for when they
need find someone who offer insights on what's
happening.
It's usually nothing more than a computer database or
even a paper file. and to get in, all you generally
have to do is ask-- AND send a media kit that with a
bio and contact information. SHORT and RELEVANT are the
key words here.
Taking a few minutes to do these things can result in
repeated opportunities for free publicity. And because
of the "halo effect" you get from being interviewed by
the media, it's the kind of traffic-generating
publicity that's more powerful and profitable than
anything money can buy.
About the Author
During his 31 year broadcasting career, George's
TV reports have appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, ESPN.
George offers a free 7-day mini course to anyone who
subscribes to his free weekly ezine,. Register at
http://www.publicitygoldmine.com/ea
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