Looking to get your business in the news? Orland Chamber President Heather Warthen, a former journalist, and Garry Polodna, an experienced marketing and public relations professional, will offer tips and tricks on how to publicize your business and make it the talk of the town.

1. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Heather Warthen
Chief Events Officer
22nd Century Media
Garry Polodna
Principal
SOAR Creative Group

2. Make Your Business
“Today’s Top Story”

3. If you want people to buy from you, you have to
make them trust you first.
And one of the quickest ways to build trust and
credibility is to have great media coverage
about your company.

4. Free publicity is a great way to increase
the profile of your small business.
Here are a few that might encourage your
local journalists to cover your business:

5. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Introduce something new or
improved.
Make it clear why it’s better and focus on key
benefits or problems it solves.

6. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Be the first, newest, oldest, biggest.
Make a fact about your business appealing.

7. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Start “Socializing”.
Media outlets use Twitter and Facebook to
find great sources for the stories they’re
working on. Is there a magazine or TV news
show you’d like to be featured in? Chances
are, they’re on Twitter and Facebook, and
once you “follow” them, you’ll see awesome
shout-outs for sources like you.

8. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Mark an anniversary.
Being in business for several years can be
enough to secure media coverage,
especially if you are organizing celebratory
events.

9. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Announce a new member
of the team.
Identify and publicize what made them the
right person for the job.

10. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Win an award.
It’s why many businesses enter them in the
first place. Find out what trade, local,
regional or national awards your business
can enter and get your entry forms in.

11. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Write a press release.
Despite what some PR people say, the press
release isn't dead. Writing and distributing a
press release can announce news, launch
products, tweak your SEO, and help you
reach the media.

12. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Attract a new client –
the bigger the better.
Tastefully brag about it. Get a quote from them
on how they look forward to the new
partnership. News of big contracts can help to
attract others.

13. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Survey your customers.
Find out what they think about specific
issues. Ask enough people about an
interesting enough topic and the media
won’t be able to resist. Polls are always
popular with journalists and their
readers.

14. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
React to a current event.
Give your opinion on something happening
in the news nationally or locally that’s
relevant to you and your business. Spotting
a trend and commenting on it is highly
recommended.

15. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Help a charity.
Use your staff and resources to do
something that will aid a worthy
cause. Just don’t present a BIG check-
it’s hokey and predictable.

16. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Stage an event.
A fresh, fun, exciting and highly visual
(as well as legal and ethical), idea can
generate coverage AND an audience.

17. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Do something differently.
Journalists love to write about pioneers.
Break the mold and lead the way, but
make sure you provide customers with
additional value and benefits they
cannot access elsewhere.

18. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Help a Reporter Out, literally.
It’s like Match.com for reporters and sources.
HARO provides publicity-hungry sources with
hundreds of media opportunities each day. All
you need to do is sign up, get your HAROs, and
start pitching.

19. 15 Ways to Get Free Publicity
Product placement.
Have you ever seen your favorite products being used in
movies or TV shows? That’s called product placement
and you can get your product placed, too.
Much like HARO, TV and movie producers look for
certain products – clothes, accessories, green items,
food, bags, shoes, whatever, for their next story or
project. All you need to do is pitch your product and
cross your fingers.

20. Publicity is a powerful way to boost your
business.
And you don’t have to be the “family” of
a infamous trail attorney to get it.

21. Thanks!
www.22ndcenturymedia.com
h.warthen@22ndcenturymedia.com
@hwarthen
www.soarcreativegroup.com
info@soarcreativegroup.com
www.ownyourmarket.biz
@SOARCreative