Use your business savvy to get publicity in the area of your business. Don’t focus so much on national or statewide publicity. Start small and do it right. You are better able to make more sales by focusing on your surrounding area. Here are some ideas for how to reach customers near you.
-If you live in a smaller area, try to develop a relationship with the business editor of your local newspaper. Call them to introduce yourself and make some small talk. Don’t try to get something out of them right away. Ask if they have a few minutes to talk, because they will probably be busy. Give them your information and make a case for why they need to include some information about your business in their paper.
-Keep in contact with editors and always give them new information about what is going on in your company.
-If there is a local issue that is related to something in your business, you should develop a letter to the editor or an op-ed article. You will help boost your credibility when people see your expertise in your business area.
-If there is a really small paper in your area, you could start writing a column on business. What kind of column will put your knowledge on display? See if you can include your contact information and business information. If they don’t want to do that, ask them if you can write it for free to put that information there.
-Take part in a seminar where you are the main feature and invite the public. Make it something beneficial to people in your target area. You can promote the seminar locally.
-You can get some good publicity if you get school age children involved with your business. You could give a speech or find another way to get them involved.
-Involve yourself with a politician. Do an event with them that is for charity or some kind of educational event. Don’t connect yourself with someone who is controversial or extreme.
-Use a local radio station to get you some publicity. Take a week listening to all the stations you are interested in so you can get an idea of their format and personalities. When you find a good station, get in touch with them and ask for the producer of the show. Quickly explain what you can offer them and why it will be a good segment.
-If you have a website, have a section specifically for local information. You can have discussion boards there and local news. Figure out ways to get the area more involved in your site.
