How to get regional press coverage
Securing local or regional press coverage can result in great visibility for your business.
You can reach thousands of people when you’re featured in local newspapers, magazines and on radio and TV - people who need your services or products. And local stories are often picked up by national titles.
If you lack the time, confidence or ideas to DIY your PR, this article has three tips to help.
“Is it worth it? My competitor is already getting all the attention.”
Don’t worry if you’ve noticed other local businesses in your field in the press. That’s actually good news. It shows there’s already a place for you in the media. Journalists need your stories
I started my career as reporter for regional and national newspapers. Journalists need great content to fill their pages every day. But they get send hundreds of ‘PR pitches’ (or story ideas, so they don’t have time to read every pitch.
That’s why you need to identify strong story ideas to grab their attention - and pitch them in the right way.
“Won’t I need a PR agency to do this?”
No, you can learn how to DIY it - read on for inspiration.
Charity fundraising
Are you, or is anyone in your team, planning a 10k run or sponsored swim for a local charity that’s dear to your heart?
This type of fundraising story is a gentle way to dip your toe into the world of PR, and help raise more funds for a good cause.
A story in the local paper or on local radio can help to spread the word about what you’re doing.
In the run up to the event
Pitch a story with the key facts including:
• Who you are
• Why you’re fundraising
• Why the charity is important to your local community
• How people can get involved
• Details of the fundraising page on a website like JustGiving
After the event
Pitch a follow-up story, including:
• A quote thanking supporters
• The total amount you’ve raised
Don’t forget to take and send those all-important photos!
Leap of faith: Me during a charity abseil for Autism Angels at Brimham Rocks in North Yorkshire!
Top tip:
Set up a page on a website like JustGiving.
Include details of your fundraising page in the email or press release you send to journalists.
Awards
Being able to call yourself an ‘award-winning’ business helps you to stand out against the competition.
Entering awards is time-consuming. But it will pay off and should definitely be part of your PR strategy.
Read my advice on how to max your PR coverage by entering awards in my Awards blog.
The power of awareness days
You’ve no doubt already noticed that there’s a national awareness day/week/month for pretty much everything.
Choosing one that’s relevant to your business is a quick and effective way to help your ideal clients find you.
Examples include:
• National Gardening Day (April)
• Mental Health Awareness Week (May)
• Menopause Awareness Month (October)
Quirky events like National Fish and Chip Day, on the first Friday in June, are the ideal opportunity to net some quality coverage.
Link your business to awareness days to build your PR confidence. This can secure strong press coverage which puts your business front of mind.
Head to AwarenessDays.com for ideas - just check to make sure it’s definitely an Awareness Day in the UK.
And finally… good luck!
Shining a spotlight on your business can lead to fantastic new opportunities, and regional PR is a great place to start. Before you know it, journalists will be knocking on your door asking for comments and stories.
Good luck with your PR.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, I’d love to hear from you
About the author
A communications specialist and strategic storyteller, Linda started her career in national newspaper journalism 25 years ago. She’s since worked in PR and internal communications.
Today, she helps ambitious Yorkshire businesses raise their profile through press coverage to become the authority in their sector. She also supports PR agency teams during busy periods.
