Want Free or Low Cost Publicity for Your Startup?
One powerful way to not be just another startup is to break out of the ranks with publicity. Press releases are good for generating some interest in your company in the short-term, however they tend to get passed over unless there is something truly newsworthy in the release. There is so much information released every second online to compete with, it’s time to up your publicity game and learn some new sources that can boost your business.
The Power of HARO
Have you heard of Help a Reporter Out (HARO)? It’s a great way to promote your business. They have a membership of over 25,000 journalists looking for a scoop. Here is how it works. You sign up with HARO for free and then you will get three emails every day. The emails will have numerous requests from reporters for information on various topics they are researching for stories. If you see a request that matches your expertise or industry, simply respond to the reporter.
Be the Tip or Add to Crunchbase
TechCrunch was founded as a source for news and reviews of startups. They profile new products and tech-industry happenings. With unique users averaging around 10 million per month, this is a great launching point to get the word out about your startup. There are two places you can get noticed through this venue. The first is by sending a tip about a new product, funding, or other newsworthy item about your business. The second way is to add your company to Crunchbase. When sending a tip, think about what really makes your company stand out from the rest, that is what will get you noticed and shouted about.
Utilize PSFK
If you haven’t visited this site before, look it over as it has a readership of over one million individuals. It is a relevant hub with a long reach through many venues including electronics, fashion, media, travel, food, and a host of other markets. You’re likely to find a slot your business will fit in. They do accept press releases and editorial submissions via email to [email protected] . If you do not have confidence your writing skills are strong, outsource the creation of a press release, it’s worth it.
Using Trends in Social Media
You can get free publicity by using trending topics if they can relate to your business. Never hijack a topic and spin it to fit. The golden rule of good netiquette is to only utilize relevant topics, and always put something positive out. If your post or tweet has anything negative in it, offer a solution. So, how do you know when something is mentioned? One way to keep up when viable subject matter is mentioned is to set up an alert. You can either do it through Google Alerts or TalkWalker Alerts. Both are free services. Just input the names or keywords you want to track, and get alerted when those words are mentioned in the news.
As you can see, you aren’t stuck using only press releases to promote your business. Use these tips and get more eyes on your business, and utilize ways to get the word out without paying for advertising costs.
