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Why responding to journalists’ requests is the fastest and easiest way for a small business to win media coverage

Without real life business stories, quotes and images, journalists' articles wouldn't find their way into the newspapers' columns. This is the one time that journalists need businesses, rather than businesses needing journalists. Responding to a media request often means free media coverage

Responding to journalists when they are looking for evidence and comments to add to their articles is the easiest way for a business to get their brands profiles in the media.

Getting in touch with journalists

There are three ways businesses can engage with journalists when trying to get media coverage:

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  • Issuing a press release relating to something the business is trying to promote, or a news article relating to the business.

This relies on the press release catching the eye of the journalist, and the story being one that is considered newsworthy.

  • Making a comment on a trending news item.

More likely to be seen by journalists, particularly those covering the trending news story.

  • Responding to a request from a journalist for comments and case studies….called a media request.

This is most likely way of being picked up by the journalist, and the easiest way to put your comments in front of them.

So, what is a Media Request, how do you find them, and how do you respond? Check out How to find and respond to media requests.

Why media requests are important for journalists

Journalists rely on real life business examples and view-points to make their articles really interesting. They look for case studies, comments and quotes, as well as good visuals to go alongside.

They reach out to businesses in two main ways.

  • Through one of the online media request services that are subscribed to by businesses, PR freelancers and agencies.
  • Through open social media platforms, most usually through Twitter. To help businesses and remove the need for them to be continuingly tracking the likes of Twitter, some of the online media request services extract relevant requests and share them with appropriate businesses.

Why media requests are the best way for a business can get media profile

When a journalist is actually reaching out to businesses is always the best time to capture their interest. It’s the one time when the journalists are doing the asking as opposed to businesses trying to catch the attention of the journalists.

Responses need to be relevant, succinct, offer an image, be prompt and provide contact details. Even if a journalist quotes a deadline date, often they will go forward with the first one or two respondents.

Use JournoLink to get your stories in the press

Easy-to-use, easy-to-learn publicity software built for small businesses.

For more help with your PR contact the JournoLink team at sales@journolink.com

Use JournoLink to get your stories in the press

Easy-to-use, easy-to-learn publicity software built for small businesses.

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