3. Disseminate your message appropriately: What tools will you use to spread your message (press release, biography, blog, etc.)? If you want to get the most out of your budget, start with a press release and a biography (highlights of your success), a well-written biography can range from $500 – $3000. Also, begin to blog about your expertise and offer tips to garner media attention.
Monthly press release: This is generally used to announce something new with your company — it can be a product, award, new hire or new client. Press releases typically range from $250-$1000. Black News and National Newspaper Association each cost about $150 and will send out your press release to over 50,000 consumers. NNPA will send your press release to all the national black newspapers (over 270), and it will also send you a PDF of each story that is written about you or your product).
Having an interesting and compelling press release is a sure-fire way to guarantee coverage. My e-Book, You Want Caviar But Have Money For Chitlins: A Smart Do-It-Yourself PR Guide For Those A Budget ($13.99) provides step-by-step tips along with a diagram to write an A-List release.
Media meeting: Read and get to know journalists who write about what you’re selling. If you like an article they wrote, send them a note, and definitely follow them on social media platforms like twitter and Facebook. Don’t always think about the pitch — get to know them first.
Website: This is your ultimate marketing tool to running a profitable business with an international presence. You will need to hire a Web designer or a Web hosting company to create the site. Visit http://www.smallbusiness.yahoo.com and http://www.networksolutions.com.
Be sure to choose an appropriate domain name. It represents both the Web address of your site and the name visitors will use to refer to your company. Keep in mind that you want to own and purchase your domain name to secure your rights as your brand becomes profitable. Many companies offer competitive pricing, visit Networksolutions.com and Godaddy.com.
What have you done to get the word out about your company?
Part II of creating A-List PR on a shoestring budget will continue next week.
Karen Taylor Bass, The PR Expert, provides entrepreneurs, corporations, and mompreneurs with essential branding, marketing, and public relations coaching; www.karentaylorbass.com and www.taylormademediapr.com. Follow Karen’s tips and Caviar & Chitlins moments at Twitter, twitter.com/prexpert.