The Public Relations Blog

Find out how to maximize your media relations efforts

A new survey has found that the majority of reporters are displeased with the quality and content of materials they receive from PR professionals. For the survey, ISEBOX.com, a content distribution and tracking platform, interviewed numerous journalists and media professionals about their views on PR and corporate communicators.

Axia PR shares results from the TEKGROUP 2015 Online Newsroom Survey Report

Knowledge is power and at Axia Public Relations, we believe the more information you have about how the media works, the more successful you’ll be at attracting positive news coverage for your company. Therefore, we would like to share the TEKGROUP 2015 Online Newsroom Survey Report, which covers how reporters, editors and other news professionals work with online newsrooms and press releases.

In media relations, use a sharp shooter, not a shotgun

To benefit our amazing clients, we recently invested in professional development by sitting in on a webinar called “Mass Pitching - Smart Strategy or Massive Mistake” to sharpen our media-pitching skills. You might be surprised to know that some reporters call out public relations professionals on social media for connecting with them poorly.

One of the many added benefits of hiring a PR firm is its ongoing relationships with members of the media and the firm’s ability to earn news media coverage on your company’s behalf. As a public relations firm specializing in national PR campaigns, Axia Public Relations diligently works to establish relationships with reporters in our clients’various industries in order to avoid a common mistake in the profession: mass media-pitching.

Your company is ready to take it to the next level and now you’re looking for ways to make sure others know about your company, too. Media coverage is one way to gain great exposure. We’d like to offer some tips on the best ways to share your news by earning media coverage.

Learn how AP style relates to your company’s success

You want to give your CEO recognition by citing his title every time his name is mentioned in an article or press release but your PR advisor nixes it. Her only reason: “It’s not AP style.” If you aren’t a journalist or PR professional, most likely you have no idea what AP style is or why it has the power to stop you from writing as you please.

PR can help you give journalists what they want

Press releases are a necessity. Without them, the only way to get the media interested in covering your company would be for you to walk into a newsroom and scream at the top of your voice for someone to listen to you.

Many companies know the value of a press release but still get it wrong and wind up not getting coverage. To be more effective and get results, let PR show you what you can do to make your information more appealing.

Use PR to improve your media relations strategies

Many companies spend countless hours crafting press releases, only to have them thoroughly rejected by the media. If only you could know what journalists want and how to capture their attention to get news coverage for your company.

At a recent Public Relations Society of America conference, in a panel discussion that Nasdaq Corporate Solutions hosted, several journalists were on hand to explain exactly what they want to see in news releases and pitches. By following this advice, you can increase your chances of acquiring positive media coverage.

Use PR to answer your most pressing media relations inquiries

The subject of media relations can get confusing. Who receives news coverage and who doesn’t is often the subject of endless debate. Use PR to help make it all easier to understand.

Why won’t the media cover my company?

You have to put yourself in the journalists’ shoes. While you’re asking why they won’t cover your company, they’re asking, “What’s in it for me?” Your press release or pitch must answer that question.

"What's newsworthy?" News factors mostly come down to geography and subject matter.

Recently, someone asked me, “How would you define the word 'newsworthy?'” Great question; allow me to elucidate what goes into journalistic news judgment.

News elements 
What makes a story newsworthy? Pay close attention to these 10 news factors to see which apply to your particular announcement. These elements are also called "news values" because they give a story news value. Good news stories have more than one of these elements to help increase earned media coverage.

Learn how to use your best commodity to capture media attention

We all know that getting positive press about your company can provide an instant boost to your name recognition and credibility. A lesser-known fact is how to actually get it.

The first thing you must do is to try not to be intimidated by the process. This becomes easier when you realize the basics about your relationship with journalists. You need exposure for your company, and that’s what they can give you. They need high-quality content, and you can provide it. In fact, that’s your best commodity.