The Public Relations Blog

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?" It mostly comes down to geography and subject matter.

Recently, someone asked me, “How would you define the word 'newsworthy?'” Great question; allow me to elucidate.

News elements 
What makes a story newsworthy? Pay close attention to these 10 elements of newsworthiness 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.

This is one story about PR and small businesses. Read How small companies do PR and what big companies can learn from them, 5 Things big companies know about PR that small businesses can learn from them, What do small businesses spend on PR, and Why small businesses struggle with PR firms for more.

Why PR firms may want to avoid startups

Let me begin by saying that I am a fan of Mark Cuban. He’s an edgy and technology-savvy entrepreneur and investor who calls it like he sees it. The outspoken owner of the Dallas Mavericks has invested in a diverse portfolio of businesses, demonstrating a vast and resourceful knowledge base. A few years ago, supported by both his participation in and the success of the popular, entrepreneurial ABC show Shark Tank, Mr. Cuban released an interview about his “12 Rules for Startups.” These rules have surfaced on social media several times over the years due to increasing interest in entrepreneurism. As an entrepreneur and investor myself, I support many of the common-sense rules he shares – all except one which states that “startups should not hire PR firms.” 

Use PR to help you avoid common writing mistakes and get media attention

What do you think when you read a resume rife with errors? It’s probably unlikely that the candidate will be offered the position. If it’s really bad, you may even stop reading it altogether, regardless of the listed experience.

That’s the same feeling journalists experience when they receive poorly written documents from you. 

How to give your projects the full-court press with PR

Your company is doing wonderful work every day and constantly moving forward toward your goals. Still, there are times when you want to highlight something extraordinary and capture major media and public attention. This is when you may need to create a national PR and media campaign.

For many, the thought of a huge campaign can be scary. How to begin? It can seem overwhelming and you might be tempted to throw in the towel before you even start. 

As consumers grow savvier by the day, it has become important for all public relations executives to keep abreast of the current trends in this field. Consumers are interested in knowing about the latest news and events, and they’re using tablets and wearable tech to stay updated. As they look for more ways to satisfy their cravings for news and information on the tech niche, check out these tips that will help you build a better online presence for yourself.

Let PR show you how to make every pitch count

In baseball, pitching a no-hitter is considered a career milestone. Certainly, a lot is riding on the pitcher of a baseball team. He is expected to be a leader, to win the game for the team and, in the event of a loss, is the first to be blamed.

For public relations, successful pitching is also a professional highlight. Careers are won and lost on the ability to attain a good deal of media coverage for clients in the right places.