Securing media coverage today is more of a necessity than a preference. When industry leaders or businesses are not visible, they are invisible. Getting quoted in the right publication or featured in a high-impact article isn’t just about prestige – it’s about credibility, positioning, and staying top of mind with your target audience. Here is a quick guide on how to secure media coverage:
1. Identify the Right Media Outlets
Not all press is good press. Your goal is to be seen in publications your audience trusts. That requires identifying trade, business, and niche publications that decision-makers in your industry follow. This task requires ongoing research because media turnover is relatively high these days.
2. Position Yourself as an Expert
Editors and reporters are always looking for expert sources. Make sure your LinkedIn profile, website, and past media coverage highlight your expertise, leadership, as well as the depth of your experience in your given field. The more authoritative your digital presence, the more likely a journalist will take you seriously.
3. Build Relationships with Journalists
Don’t wait until you need coverage to reach out to reporters and editors. Start engaging now. Follow reporters on LinkedIn, X, BlueSky, Substack, Instagram, etc, comment on their stories, and offer interesting insights. Establishing a connection before pitching develops trust and increases your chances of being quoted.
4. Be Timely & Relevant
Journalists need expert sources for breaking news and industry trends. Keep an eye on hot topics in your industry and be ready to offer quick, insightful commentary. Responding to media queries in real-time is key.
5. Craft a Strong Media Pitch
A great pitch is short, specific, and tailored to the journalist. Instead of saying, “I’m an expert in commercial real estate,” say, “I can discuss how the Fed’s interest rate decisions are reshaping commercial real estate investments.”
6. Leverage HARO and Industry Opportunities
Platforms like Help a Reporter Out (HARO) connect journalists with expert sources. Signing up for these alerts can help you land a fast media mention.
7. Strong Media Relationships Help in a Crisis
When an organization faces a public relations challenge, having established trust with key journalists can make all the difference. Reporters are more likely to give you the benefit of the doubt, include your perspective in their coverage, or even hold a story for clarification. Proactively building media relationships today ensures you have a voice when you need it most.
8. Work with a PR Professional
If securing media coverage feels overwhelming, consider hiring a public relations agency to act as an extension of your business and handle it for you. Choose a PR firm that takes a proactive approach to media opportunities and has strong relationships with reporters in your target markets. The right PR professional will help craft your messaging, connect you with the right journalists, and keep you top of mind with key media contacts.
Want to increase your media presence? Let’s talk about how we can get you featured in the right places.
