There are so many PR myths flying around about PR and marketing these days. And what is even worse is many of these myths have businesses bolting and instead of getting more PR for their business, they just cave and do nothing. Not good. Not good at all. Let’s dispel some of these myths once and for all and have you on your merry way to more positive marketing results. Let’s break it down.
5 PR Myths You Need to Expel ASAP:
The bigger the publication the more the results: This isn’t always true. Yes, it’s fantastic to land big media mentions and they can get you awesome coverage and a huge boost to add to your media page, bio, etc. And you will get more attention. However, a site that has a loyal following and is right on topic can often produce even more positive attention for you. If you think about it more, does your audience actually read Inc. Magazine or that big publication you are so desperate to get it? Or are they loyal folllowers to sites that gives them tips regularly that helps with their business and/or life. Now, I’m in no way saying don’t go after the big guys, you want to. But don’t focus solely on them. Start building great relationships with other sites that are a good fit for your expertise and message.
Getting Media Attention Is Just For the Bigger Companies, Not Some Solo Entrepreneur or Small Businesses Like Mine: WRONG! Why yes bigger companies may at times seem like they have an unfair advantage, it’s your wisdom and knowledge that makes a difference. So many make this critical mistake and lose out because of it. They don’t try to get media attention because they think they aren’t “big” enough. YOU ARE!! Remember you are an expert in your business so share what makes you great and unique. Just do it!
Any PR is Good PR – NO, just No! That’s almost like saying any food tastes as good as the next. So my brussel sprouts will be just as good tasting as my 3 layer carrot cake. I think not! Yes, you might get more attention with some negative press, but ask yourself this, “Is that the attention I want?” Probably not. Now larger corporations might be able to benefit with some negative campaigns, but they are usually throwing some hard-earned money on that to make it happen. And we aren’t talking a couple of dimes here. So bottom line, continue to shine in your business and show the best you! And if something were to happen to harm your brand, seek out a professional.
Exclusives – I Can Send Elsewhere – They’ll Never Know –I’m seeing this happen more and more and it’s not good. Some are promising exclusives to publications, and then sending elsewhere as well. They believe it’s okay to send an article that you’ve published elsewhere to top publications even though they say they only take exclusives. Sure, if you want to be red flagged and put on the immediate let’s not work with them list. Don’t do it! Here’s the thing. Top publications, and even those really good ones, don’t want to see their big feature story at the grocery store’s checkout next month in a competing magazine. It is understandable. Even if they only take a few tips, always play by the rules and do it right. If you’ve given an exclusive, don’t publish your article elsewhere.
Let’s talk exclusives. Usually bigger publications want original content. And a lot of websites do the same. It’s up to you to review these and see if you feel it’s worth writing them an original piece or offering them the latest article you are pitching. It truly depends. What works is when you have a new article, you first pitch it to the bigger publications that you’d be happy to have them print your article and you don’t send it elsewhere. You do the happy dance when you hear back from them. But let’s say they don’t bite, then you pitch to the next set. As you continue pitching what you’ll find is more places that want exclusives and want to build a relationship with you.
I Can Do it Myself – I Can Write Why Not? Absolutely you can do it yourself and are encouraged to do so. Just know that it’s more than writing. It’s carrying your brand in the best way possible. It’s showing up at the right time in the right place to the right people. It’s having content so good that people talk about it and share it freely. It’s getting the most out of all you do. So as long as you go into it knowing it’s than a blog or two you should be good.
#1 PR Myth of All Time – Landing that One Big Media Is It! I’ve arrived. Done! Not so fast. Again, landing some huge media is awesome! Congrats. But that should be just the beginning. Take that great publicity and add it to your media page, bio, new pitches, share on social media, etc. Now rinse and repeat what you did to achieve that awesome press so you can do more! Too many make the mistake of being one-pitch wonders. What you need to be doing with your PR efforts is to think long-term goals and commitments. When you pitch continuously, that’s when the magic happens.
See how easy it is to dispel these myths. You should now also have a blueprint for what to do more of right. And as always, need help. Look to the assistance of a PR pro.