Do you want to feature in the national press? Let’s talk about how to get national PR for free!

Ever thought ‘I wonder how I can be featured there?’ Well, if your ‘there’ is in the national press (whether this is radio, TV, newspaper, magazine or website) then you’re going to LOVE this blog, and the corresponding podcast that you can listen to below (or on Apple/Spotify/wherever you listen to podcasts).

Featuring in the press can do wonders for your personal brand, business, and overall visibility. It can elevate you to a status of your own, establishing you as an expert and boost your credibility. Now, you might be thinking, “Sounds great, but isn’t it expensive?” Well, here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be.

Get featured in the national press for free

In fact, I’ve been featured in various national press outlets, and on this episode of the podcast, I’m going to spill the beans on exactly how I did it.

But before we dive in, if you find this exciting and are looking for more in-depth guidance, check out the Small and Supercharged Mastermind group on my website. It’s a fantastic community where we delve into detailed marketing masterclasses each month.

Back to the juicy details of securing national PR. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not as daunting as it seems. The key is putting in the effort, and let’s face it, what worthwhile achievement doesn’t require some work?

You can pay for leads, or find your own

You can approach this in two ways: throwing money or throwing time. If you’re swimming in cash, you could hire a publicist or have an in-house PR expert. Buying ad space is also an option, but here’s the thing – I’m here to tell you that you don’t need a massive budget to get featured in the national press.

So, how did I do it? Over the past few months, I’ve secured features in Metro, Stylist, GB News, The Independent, iNews, and Thrive Global, just to name a few. And guess what? I did it all for free with a bit of time and effort.

Let me take you back to how it all started. While I’m deeply immersed supporting my clients and helping them find opportunities to grow and promote themselves, my personal promotion often takes a backseat. But during the holidays, when things quieted down a bit, I decided to explore what I could achieve in a short amount of time.

Being a frequent guest on local radio and a regular contributor to various publications, I was no stranger to media exposure. However, I felt the urge to venture more into the mainstream media. So, I turned to Twitter and started engaging with journalist requests.

#journorequest is a secret weapon

The #journorequest hashtag on Twitter is a goldmine for opportunities. Journalists, both local and national, use these requests to find people for interviews and insights. The beauty of it is that it’s accessible to everyone, and it’s free. It’s a platform where journalists broadcast their needs, seeking experts, opinions, and personal stories.

Now, not every response was met with positivity, but that’s part of the game. You don’t always have to talk about your business; these requests often centre around personal stories and experiences. For instance, I shared insights about being a mum and even discussed my dog in response to a question about 2022 highlights.

Be aware of what journalists want and need

Timing and responsiveness are crucial in this game. Journalists work on tight deadlines, so being quick and concise in your replies is paramount. While not every pitch will land you a feature, don’t be discouraged. The ones that do can open doors to unexpected opportunities.

It’s a really good idea to follow journalists posting these requests. Engage with them beyond just responding to requests; show genuine interest in their work. Building a rapport can increase your chances of being on their radar when relevant opportunities arise.

National or niche?

National press coverage is lovely, but the power of niche press can also do great things. Your target audience might be more engaged with specialised publications that directly relate to your products or services.

Getting featured in the national press doesn’t have to be an unattainable dream. With a bit of time, effort, you can elevate your personal brand and business without breaking the bank.

Shameless plug alert- want to know more about how to grow your brand on a budget? You’ll love my best-selling book, Small & Supercharged- small steps to supercharge your brand on a budget. Enjoy!