Make the most of free advertising

When we think of advertising we generally think of the range of paid advertising opportunities. However you can also take advantage of free advertising through the creation and distribution of a media release.

A media release is simply a brief overview of a key item of interest about your business, which you distribute to all local media outlets. If well written, simple and concise , you may well find the local newspaper, radio, or television news may pick it up and run it as a local story.

The kind of areas you could highlight through a media release include:
· business growth (new contracts, opening of new offices)
· new staff or a changeover of key staff
· new technology within the business
· special events (product launches, opening of new offices, winning of awards).

Writing a media release is simple so long as you stick to a few key rules:

1. keep it brief – aim for no more than 350 words
2. keep it clear and legible so it can be easily read
3. keep in focused on what has happened, and why it is relevant
4. check you have included all key relevant details (such as dates, locations, and most importantly, your contact details)

Local media outlets are always looking for interesting content. So next time something interesting happens within your business, write a media release. You might be pleasantly surprised by the interest and sales it could generate.

“This article was written by Tracy-Madonna Wylie, Business Manager, Nutbirdz Strategic Marketing, and printed in the My Marketing Companion column of the Fraser Coast Chronicle in 2007.”