The Public Relations Blog

Big headlines don’t always start big. Often, a national story traces back to a small, credible mention in a trade outlet that covers the industry every day. Editors at larger publications scan those niche sources for signals — new data points, emerging players, and experts who can explain complex shifts in plain English. If your name keeps showing up there, bigger stages will likely follow.

Build credibility over time by publishing high-quality articles your audiences care about.

A bylined article doesn’t always make headlines, but it builds your reputation over time. When an executive offers a clear, informed perspective in a respected outlet, it signals credibility to reporters and industry peers. And unlike reactive PR, bylines give your team the space to define the narrative on your own terms.

Congratulations, you’ve earned your company media coverage! However, the hard work doesn’t end here. The next step is promoting your success.

Here are eight ways to maximize the effects and lengthen the lifespan of your earned media coverage.

You want your PR investment tied to outcomes you can measure. But when an agency's pay depends entirely on results it doesn't fully control, you can end up with the wrong incentives instead of the right partner.

In this article, we’ll explain why pay-for-results PR can backfire and how to choose a compensation model that protects your investment and keeps your agency focused on what matters most.

As companies look to get their stories in front of wider audiences, press release wire services are a popular choice. While tier-one services like PR Newswire and Business Wire are well known and widely used, tier-two options offer advantages as well.

1. Earned media is more important than ever — Gartner

2. Aleve teams up with HGTV stars

3. 60-second close: Organic media outpaces paid advertisements

When it comes to earned media, placement matters as much as the message. A great story in the wrong outlet might as well not be shared at all. That’s why one of the most strategic decisions in earning media coverage is selecting where you pitch your story and why.

 In this episode, former CNN producer Tiffany Anthony joins host Jason Mudd to discuss media relations best practices, newsroom operations, and journalist preferences. 

Tune in to learn more!

No one enjoys a cold email that misses the mark, especially journalists. With overflowing inboxes, daily deadlines, and shrinking editorial teams, reporters are more selective than ever about what pitches they open, consider, and actually pursue.

When you invest in a public relations agency to secure earned media coverage, you might expect to receive a list of all the media contacts they send pitches to on your behalf. However, due to licensing agreements with media database providers, PR firms are legally restricted from sharing media lists outside their agency.