In the book Real Time Marketing and PR by David Meerman Scott he talks about getting to know your local reporters. I think this is an easy step to becoming credible that most professionals often overlook. It makes sense to me that as soon as you need something and run to a reporter who has never heard of you may be skeptical about helping you out. Plus it could leave the reporter feeling used if he/she only hears from you when you need something. So stay involved. Get to know them.
The following are some easy steps you can take to be a credible source for your local reporters:
Follow their publication: It's a lot easier to market your idea to someone if you know what interests the person and you have a feel for what type of story or news that certain reporter likes to write about.
Comment on stories and blog posts: Get your name out there! If you post on their blog or stories and you are intelligent about your posts they will start to recognize your name. If they recognize your name you are no longer someone they have never heard from before.
Send an email introduction: Send them an email telling them who you are working for and what your job is with that company. Tell them what your specialties are and be friendly!
Follow the reporter on Twitter: This is a super easy step. They will see you have followed them. You can retweet and comment when necessary. This is just another way to get your name recognized.
With these easy steps that won't take you very long at all there should be no reason that your local media isn't familiar with you. The more familiar they are with you the likelier you are to have your story or press release recognized.
I think this is a great post with tips that are easy to follow.
ReplyDeleteYou will be much more credible if you establish a relationship before you want something.
I definitely think it is important to follow the publications, so you know what content the publications will be interested in publishing.