Bizsuccess

Friday, April 27, 2012

By: Susannah Morgan

As a small business owner, you may be fighting to get your name in the news. Get Busy Media‘s research states that only 50% of businesses survive five years, though 70% make it to two years. Don’t let your small business be a statistic. Harnessing the power of small business PR can help your company survive. Use the tools listed below:

1. Build your network.

Associate with reporters in your area. Follow and engage them on social media. It’s important to get journalists on your side and build trust that turns into press for you.

2. Write interesting press releases.

If your small business can’t afford a PR consultant, you can write press releases on your own. View samples of press releases for others in your industry. Make sure the content is interesting and worthwhile to the network of reporters you have built.

3. Have patience.

Getting significant press takes time. After connecting with reporters, you may start to get asked for quotes for their articles. This doesn’t happen right away, so don’t let it frustrate you.

4. Hold focus groups.

Use your best customers to gain insight for your company. Hold focus groups, give surveys, and use the research to discover ways to get your company in the news.

5. Celebrate company milestones.

By announcing new products, services, or company anniversaries, you can get folks interested in your business.