Can you believe we are past half way - here is Thing #6 - How to Get FREE Media Coverage which includes:
All for FREE!! This is a must watch.
So, how many of you bought Breakthrough Advertising?
Not many I'm guessing, which is a pretty sad affair.
It's only $155 and if you can't see beyond making an investment that a coach is recommending to you...ahead of his own books, then I wonder what really lies ahead for your business.
Now, before you start firing off emails to every journalist on your contact list, let’s talk about what really goes on behind the scenes. Getting legitimate press coverage isn’t as simple as blasting out a press release and hoping some editor bites, nope, not even close!
First off, journalists are absolutely drowning in pitches. Their inboxes look like Times Square: a million things screaming for attention all at once. Unless your story stands out with the right angle, it’s likely to get lost in the noise.
And here’s a reality check: not all publicity is created equal. Sure, you could scramble your way into the news, but without careful planning, you might end up with coverage you’d rather have skipped. Ever heard the phrase “no such thing as bad press?” Tell that to United Airlines.
Add to that, most business owners (hey, I’m including myself at times!) aren’t seasoned PR pros. They haven’t honed those “media whisperer” skills needed to navigate tricky interviews or sidestep a brewing PR crisis. Sometimes it’s less about persistence and more about knowing exactly what reporters want, and knowing when to hold back.
So, unless you’re secretly moonlighting as Richard Branson’s publicist, don’t beat yourself up if you’ve found the process frustrating. There’s a knack to it and, luckily, there are tools and services (and coaches like yours truly) that can help guide you through the chaos.
Now, here’s a little secret you won’t find in most “How to Get Press” blog posts: anticipation is your backstage pass to the headlines.
Instead of waiting for a journalist to cast a net and hope you’re the tuna they’re after, why not swim ahead of the boat? Spotting trends, upcoming government announcements, big movie releases, or scheduled events, and preparing your expert insight in advance puts you at the front of the journalist’s mind before the story even breaks.
Imagine this: you notice a major policy change is about to hit the news cycle. By proactively drafting a statement or op-ed, you can offer timely commentary to outlets like Forbes, BBC, or TechCrunch, often before the competition realises there’s an opportunity at all.
Here are a few ways anticipation amps up your chances:
Bottom line: Don’t just react, predict. News isn’t just what’s happened; it’s what’s about to happen. And if you’re ready when it does, you’ll find yourself getting called for interviews, guest posts, and media slots much more frequently.
Before you start pitching major outlets or chasing those magical Huffington Post bylines, let's get real: if your brand looks like it's still stuck in an old Yahoo! chatroom, your PR efforts will flop.
A strong brand isn't just about a swanky logo or a snappy slogan, it's the backbone that shapes every message you put out there. When you know exactly who you are, what you stand for, and who you're trying to reach, you don’t just throw spaghetti at the wall and hope something sticks. Instead:
In short, a clear brand is the trusty compass that guides every PR campaign, whether you’re gunning for Forbes, guesting on podcasts, or getting your story in the local newspaper.
And now, let’s dive into the first free strategy that can land your business in the headlines:
Let’s talk about the perks of mastering your media presence. When you’re a sharp, articulate spokesperson for your business, the benefits can be substantial (and lasting):
Sharpen those communication chops, and you’re much more likely to turn a single interview into a steady stream of free publicity.
If you’re serious about attracting meaningful press coverage (and you should be, if you’re reading this!), there’s one thing you absolutely can’t overlook: being an outstanding, quotable spokesperson.
Strong media skills aren’t just for celebrities or politicians, they’re for every entrepreneur and business leader aiming to make their brand newsworthy. When you know how to deliver your ideas clearly, confidently, and with punch, journalists are far more likely to call you back for commentary, interviews, and those golden soundbites that get shared and syndicated.
Here’s the big secret: the media loves experts who make their jobs easier. That means someone who isn’t just brilliant in their field, but also knows how to steer a conversation, avoid jargon, and deliver the kind of memorable, concise messages that editors crave.
If you’re not comfortable on camera or with a microphone, or if the thought of a tricky question sends you running for the hills, media training will sharpen those skills in no time. Even just a few hours with a coach (or a dedicated YouTube binge) can help you:
Bottom line: investing in your media skills pays off in more media opportunities, more trust from journalists, and a bigger spotlight for your business. And trust me, as more inbound requests start landing in your inbox, you’ll be glad you put in the reps.
That said, there are three great, FREE ways to get media coverage for your business.
I'll outline them here:
This is a completely free newswire service which any business owner can sign up to. You can select various categories depending on the nature of your business.
You will receive email updates containing journalist requests for experts 2 or 3 times per day (depending on the category). These are requests from bloggers, influencers, podcast hosts, magazine and journalists looking for expert commentary on all things business and finance.
and their Facebook page Help a Reporter Out
Just make sure you create a bio, have a great headshot and have a template with with some social media links to send to requests.
Typically you only have 2-3 days to reply, so you also need to be quite quick.
This is a paid for service (entry level £150 per year) but the quality of the requests are much better than HARO in my opinion.
The only downside is that they are also less frequent, maybe 2-3 per week. But they are much better requests from platforms with a broader reach than HARO.
and their Facebook page JournoLink
You can sign up for free, and I'd recommend signing up to all three to test the water and see what sort of requests come through.
Finally, JournoRequests, also a free service, but with sources pulled directly from Twitter using the tag #JournoRequest.
The dashboard sports a livestream of the most recent requests.
They also send through a daily digest via email, which is comprehensive and full of random requests.
The only downside is sometimes the quality of the requests, but the volume and frequency is worthwhile enough to subscribe to as there is often some gold inside.
and their Facebook Page ResponseSource
I regularly tag in clients and colleagues into posts, which makes me look good as well!!
Enjoy folks, let me know how you get on.
Stay Fearless!
Robin
Founder of Fearless Business
P.S. This is part of the 10 Things That Every Business (Owner) Needs Series, if you'd like to subscribe and see the other 9 things hit the link below: