6 Tips to Generate Positive PR

Want to build your companies PR profile using the media? Then public relations is your answer! Public relations is exposure that you get for your company, product or service that you do not pay for. The best ways to get the most bang out of your PR strategy is to:

*Being featured as a guest on tv and talk radio shows OR
*Gaining print coverage for your message

With PR the only money you will spend is that which you pay your public relations firm, but this is up to you (please check out our 2 Part Series How to Choose the Right PR Firm for You for some top tips on how to pick an effective firm to fit your needs). But if you choose the right firm, or just decide to do the work yourself , PR can get your companys name out there without breaking the bank.

Here are 6 effective ways as to how you can begin to immediately generate valuable PR for your business, products or services!

1. Write a Book! Writing books is not just for Donald Trump and Steven King anymore! If you are an expert business and write a book you will be able to use it as a vehicle with the media . If you write a book you will have a fantastic vehicle and calling card , says Marsha Friedman. Books can assign you amazing credibility : to your clients , prospective customers and amongst your industry peers.

Most importantly, it opens the door for you to the media. If you watch TV, listen to the radio or read newspapers and magazines, then you are being exposed to numerous authors who have used this PR trick to their advantage!

2. Make Yourself an Expert. The media is hungry for hot newsworthy topics. This is how they keep their readers, viewers and listeners tuned in. Marsha Friedman says, To stay ahead of the game, the media follows the media.

Looking to use to the media to gain attention for your topic? Really start paying attention to the news! Friedman adds, Keep up to date on all news related stories, whether it be on TV, radio, print or even the internet. Look for stories that can be linked to your topic. This is a crucial PR tip that will help you gain acceptance in the media.

3. Be Interviewed on Talk Radio Shows. A great public relations vehicle for your company is to be interviewed on a talk radio show. This way you can have a conversation about your company, product or service with thousands, if not millions, of consumers nationwide , says Marsha Friedman.

Whether your business is web based or you have nationwide clientele; you should do as many phone interviews on talk radio as you possibly can. The reason that talk radio is such a great PR tool is because : talk radio attracts an affluent, educated and attentive demographic, being a talk radio guest is substantially cheaper than advertising on the station, talk radio interviews present a fantastic opportunity to sell your company, product or service, the host (who has a dedicated listening audience) provides a solid Third Party Endorsement to your company, talk radio can give you expert status AND as a guest on talk radio you will have enough time to tell your whole story

4. Get Yourself on TV. Take all of the Pros of appearing as a guest on talk radio and add one more to see how it truly is one of the most valuable mediums for spreading your PR message to the masses. Marsha Friedman says, As viewers expect to see celebrities on TV, when you appear as a guest on a TV show your credibility goes sky high.

5. Be Featured in Print. Ever looked at a newspaper article and have the desire to get your company some print exposure. The answer is that there is absolutely no reason why not! The power of the print media is phenomenal. Print is a goldmine for PR , says Marsha Friedman. Heres why:

*Article published in newspapers and magazines e always thought to be true.
*The print media is where you can reach a huge market of consumers.
*A plethora of niche publications - theres truly an endless source of publications to target. With the proper press releases and follow-ups you can really jump start a successful PR initiative that will gain you national, or local if you choose, print exposure!

6. Reinvent Yourself as a Public Speaker Another method of gaining lots of positive PR opportunities is by trying your hand at being a public speaker! Speak to community groups, Chambers of Commerce, events and trade associations to create a buzz about your message , says Marsha Friedman.

The more opportunities you get to speak publicly, the more word of mouth that you will generate . dont forget to tell the media and get them to attend. Just make sure you have a media kit to give them about your product or service in case they show up!

Well there you go: 6 effective ways to gain national or local PR for you, your company, products or services.

Article by Ben Needles

About the Author:

About the Author (text)

For 20 years Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations as CEO of EMSI. Go to http://www.publicitythatworks.com to claim your free book publicity