10 tips to get published in the media without a PR team

Good PR is crucial for any business hoping to develop and expand. Though, as important of a function it holds, it can be extremely costly – especially when working with a PR team.  

So...how can you better your business and get published in the media?

We’ve compiled a list of 10 top tips on how you can get published in the media without a PR team.

1. Engage with the relevant people on social media

Using social media is vital for both gaining exposure and keeping your business relevant in society and in your sector.

It’s incredibly important to engage with influencers and journalists on Twitter - you can easily interact with them in a far less formal and more sociable way through ‘tweets’, comments and ‘likes’.

Read also: How to cleverly use social media as part of your PR strategy

Linkedin is very good for further engagement with journalists as it allows you to message one another and interact in a more professional manner.

Instagram is also great for finding new influencers that may be relevant to your business, as well as allowing you to visually see their work before contacting them.

And of course, engage with your customers and communicate your messages, share your news stories and your content.

Make sure you are regularly posting on your social media account and if you have yet to create a business social media, then make sure you create one.

2. Use #journorequest

Twitter is a great way to get in contact with journalists.

Journalists often need comments business stories and quotes for their articles. Some of them use the hashtag #journorequest to find what they’re looking for.  

As a business, it’s important to keep an eye out for relevant journalist requests that may apply to your business. If you find anything, then all you need to do is send them a quick message. It’s an easy opportunity to get your business in the media.

3. Sign up for an online PR software

By signing up for a relevant PR software you can save a lot of time doing your PR. They give you access to targeted media lists, let you send your news stories to relevant journalists, offer many opportunities to get your brand in the news as well as useful industry insights and tips. 

This is another great and easy way for your business to get published in the media without having to hire a PR team.

You not only save time, but you also save money.

Feel free to read how JournoLink can help enhance your PR.

4. Follow and make a list of journalists and news accounts on Twitter

As a business you need to be aware of what is happening in your industry sector and whether it applies to you. By following and creating a list of relevant news accounts on Twitter, you are able to check what is currently happening in the news that may be relevant for your business to comment about.

Following journalists especially, you are able to get a better insight on what the publication is looking for and their interests, which will make it easier for you to communicate and plan your pitch.

5. Subscribe to online publications

Another tip is to subscribe to targeted publications related to your business sector. Whether it’s a proper subscription to the news outlet or a newsletter,  by subscribing you can more easily access current news that may apply to your business and find journalists that write about topics related to your industry sector.

You would also have access to more in-depth and detailed industry news, which social media pages may not necessarily have. Then, you can potentially get in touch with the journalist and put forward your story. That’s how you put together a media list.

6. Calendar events

Journalists keep an eye out for newsworthy stories - so get involved with calendar-related events.

Perhaps your team is planning to dress up, or there is an event to commemorate the day and you are planning on participating? Even something as small as a ‘tweet’ on Twitter can get you noticed.

During calendar events, journalists are always looking to see what individuals and businesses are doing for the day – so make sure they notice you.

7. Write press releases

Make sure you’re writing press releases regularly.

If your business is doing something special, eg:  you’ve hired a new executive, launched a new product or you’re going to support a good cause, don’t forget to let journalists know about it. It doesn’t need to belong and can be as short as 300 words.

If it’s interesting and newsworthy enough journalists may publish it and you could get your business in front of thousands of potential customers.

If you need more information, download our guide to writing a press release.

8. Networking

Develop your own media contact list by networking.

City-wide there is plenty of networking events that you can go to. Some of the events are for a variety of different business types and some are more niche – you just need to see what works best for you and your business.

Getting partnerships getting partnerships is great for building up your media outreach and gaining exposure.

9. Create your own events

Creating your own events can be a great way to show off your business to both your target audience and journalists.

You don’t necessarily have to spend a lot of money to host an event. You can host a sponsored event for a special cause, or an industry event on educating others – there are many different possibilities. However, making it newsworthy is key.

Creating an event also allows you to showcase what your business has done using social media and thus help convey a positive brand image and generate interest.

10. Create your own media content

Creating your own media content can be a good way to get exposure.

Whether you make a small video on what your business does, take artistic photographs of your product, or even make a quick podcast discussing industry topics – it will create more appeal on individuals wanting to know about your business. Creating acoustic and visual content allows you to go onto different platforms (i.e. YouTube, Instagram) and tap into different channels.

Extra Tip: PR stunts

Creating a PR stunt doesn’t need to be costly or involve a lot of time to plan. It can be easy as dressing up and handing out cookies or even creating a flash mob. The key is to get your audience’s attention and thus journalists’ attention!

Getting your business published doesn’t have to involve strenuous work or be costly. There are many little ways to make this happen – all of which doesn’t require a PR team. Just remember that a little goes a long way!

Written by: Simran, Media relations officer at JournoLink