When starting a new business, your focus will most probably be on development and building your product or service which is attractive to customers – solving an unmet need and providing value.
Engaging in speaking to the press can seem daunting but is absolutely manageable with a few strategic steps. Working with media relations can significantly boost your visibility and credibility.
Here’s a roadmap to help you get started:
Define Your Story
Identify what makes your startup unique: What problem are you solving? What’s your mission? Why now? Craft a narrative that supports your credibility and demonstrates your knowledge and ability to create solutions.
Keep in mind that which is interesting to different target groups and strive to understand the perspective of others.
Authenticity and honesty are crucial in establishing trust.
Make sure that everyone in your organization are “on-target” and understand your messaging. This includes investors, board members, your bank, family, and everyone in your extended sphere of operations.
Start Building Your Targeted Media List
Identify journalists, bloggers, and influencers who cover your industry or niche. Use tools like social media, contacts, and board members, to find relevant contacts. Start with local media outlets or industry-specific publications, which are often more open to covering new ventures.
Make use of media monitoring to research previously published articles in your sector to help you build your media list.
Start small and scale up gradually, making a “wish-list” of media and journalists whom you would like to know about (and report about) your business.
Prepare for engaging the media
Create a “Press Room” on your website with essential information, such as your company background, key team members, high-quality images, and contact details. At NewsMachine, a Press Room is included in our service for press releases.
Prepare a few key talking points and practice them. Consistency is crucial in all communications.
Designate and train spokespersons for media interactions. If you can, engage an experienced journalist to help you practice before engaging with the media.
Ensure that all team members know key messages and company story.
Start with Press Releases and Pitches
Write a basic press release announcing your launch, a new product, a significant partnership, notable board members, or any other newsworthy event. Make sure it’s concise, and focused on the benefits to your audience.
When pitching your story to journalists, personalize your outreach. Mention specific articles the journalist has written that are relevant to your business. Keep your emails short and to the point, focusing on why the story matters.
Express gratitude for any published articles and maintain open lines of communication.
Accept a fact of life. Initially, you may not get the attention you think you deserve. Be patient – building credibility takes time.
Leverage Owned Media Channels
Use your website, blog, and social media channels to tell your story and build a presence. Consistent and valuable content can help position you as an authority in your field, making it easier for the media to recognize you.
Always Be Ready to Tell Your Story
Make sure that everyone in your organization knows the key messages and story you want to convey. This includes having spokespersons prepared to speak to the media.
Perfect your pitch for different audiences, the media will have different audiences that you will need to adapt to. This is not your pitch to investors.
Look for Partnership Opportunities
Collaborate with others to increase impact. Other businesses in your sector, and key opinion leaders to create joint content or events. This can help extend your reach.
Monitor and Measure Your Efforts
Use media monitoring tools to track coverage and measure the effectiveness of your PR efforts. This will help you understand what’s interesting to others.
Use this knowledge to gradually refine your strategy over time.
Be Persistent but Respectful
If a journalist doesn’t respond, don’t be discouraged. Follow up politely. Remember, they receive large volumes of pitches and press releases daily. If they’re not interested, move on and try others. It may mean they are not interested today – but tomorrow is a new day.
Consider Hiring a PR Agency
If you find yourself struggling or need quicker results, consider hiring a PR consultant or agency that understands your business. They can provide expertise, media connections, and a more strategic approach.
Effective media relations is an ongoing process that requires patience, persistence, and adaptability. Media relations is a valuable tool to support your startup’s growth, visibility and brand.
Everything takes longer than you think – that’s why it’s good to start now.
“Great disruption occurs in a company when people like to make meaning rather than money.”
– Guy Kawasaki