Great media coverage is a blessing for businesses, especially for startups and SMBs. Positive press can significantly boost your sales, aid company growth, and help build long-term recognition and success. While traditional media (television, radio and print) still wields powerful influence, it’s important to integrate digital marketing and social media into the mix to ensure you get the most traction for your offerings.

What are the best options to generate press for your company? Read on!

1. Viral marketing

There are many ways to make your company offerings, whether a product or service, go viral. It can be a clever video on YouTube that gets hundreds of thousands of views or a picture on Twitter that gets widely retweeted. There is no precisely defined way to go viral on the web – timing is a huge variable – but you increase your odds of going viral with material that is innovative, funny, interesting and that people can relate to.

2. Social media for enhanced visibility

As many people know, social media channels can be a lower-cost and effective way to share your message with the world. The most engaging and interesting content can get widely shared, and help you gain authority and credibility. It’s important to diversify your content’s topic and format (infographics, pictures, videos, etc.).

3. Get involved in industry events

Industry events are a great opportunity to represent your brand and share your message with others, for example by speaking at the event and making yourself available for press interviews by any media attendees. Of course, they can also be great networking opportunities.

4. Get involved with a local charity

Getting involved in a local charity – by donating money and staff time – is a very positive way of giving back and building an authentic positive brand image. It can help build your company’s ‘personality’ beyond your core corporate identity by helping to improve – and give back to – your local community.

5. Enter industry award contests

Recognition and publicity go hand in hand. A prestigious award win or outside recognition is an ideal opportunity to reach out to the press – industry journals or the wider media, award-depending.

6. Position yourself as an industry expert through content

Publishing research and appearing in the columns of business magazines is a great way of establishing yourself as an industry expert, increasing the likelihood of being the ‘go-to’ person for reporters that are writing about your sector of expertise.

7. Use professionals that will connect you with journalists

Typically, agencies maintain relationships with writers and producers, allowing them to connect their clients (as information sources) to journalists in need of an expert quote or the latest industry news. By getting quoted in an article, you demonstrate your expertise in your field, while also generating additional press that can be shared and promoted through other channels.

As you can see there are many ways to generate press for your company. By getting more exposure, you’ll gain brand awareness and credibility which are vital for your business and your sales. Be seen, be heard, and be promoted.