subject: Get Free Publicity -- How To Be Newsworthy [print this page] Most business owners wonder about how to get free publicity. The answer is simple. Become newsworthy. You can do this by sending out a news release based on one or more of the following strategies:
Tie your business into current events or holidays. For example, if you own a gym or health spa, write a news release about how people can lose those pounds they will gain during the holiday season.
You can piggyback on a major story, such as the weak economy. If you are a business adviser, show business owners how they can cut expenses or create clever ways to attract new clients or customers.
Do a survey on something that relates to your expertise in order to get free publicity. Many people love to express their opinions. Offer them the chance to express their thoughts and feelings about a topic that relates to what you do.
Sponsor a humorous contest. A sports shoe company once ran a contest for the ugliest pair of sports shoes. You might do something along those lines. If you are the owner of an auto repair shop, you might have a contest for having the ugliest car. A pet store could stage an ugliest pet contest.
Write a top 10 (or 5 or 7) list. David Letterman made these kinds of lists very popular. If you run a computer repair shop, you could create a list of the top complaints or likes people have about their computers. An ice cream shop owner could send out a list of their most popular flavors.
Tell us when you reach a milestone. If you have been in business 10, 25 or 50 years, send out a press release. If your company just sold their 10,000th car or gained a big client, brag about it. This is a very popular way to get free publicity.
Start some controversy. Are their differing opinions from the experts in your area of expertise? Tell people about them, and what side you take.
Do charity work, both to help the community and to get free publicity. Do something that is hands-on to help a local charity or non-profit. You might paint a homeless shelter, volunteer at a senior center or clean up a park.
