5 Benefits of Being in the Media

5 Benefits of Being in the Media

Gaining press coverage can be tricky, especially for small businesses and start-ups which haven’t yet built up media relations. However, before you go about trying to get your story in the media, you should understand why you’re making the effort. Why is it that companies want press coverage? What will being in the media do for you?

There are various advantages of appearing in publications, and it depends what type of press coverage you receive. Being featured in local media or an online publication will have different benefits to a nationwide magazine feature. A TV or radio interview will provide different advantages than an interview with a blogger. However, there are rewards for all types of media coverage and remember the phrase: ‘All press is good press!’

Here are a few of the benefits which stretch across all types of media coverage:

1. Your brand gets publicity

You’ll have different aims and objectives for getting in the press; perhaps you want people to sign up to an event or launch party, or you want the public to know about a brand new product. Whatever your story is, it will get viewed by thousands, possibly millions of people if it appears in the media. The more publicity you can attain, the more visibility you’ll get and the higher chance of success.

2. Increase brand awareness

Brands which are recognisable are well recognised because they are constantly putting out their message. Whether it’s through advertising campaigns, social media or with the help of the press, the public are aware of the brand and what it means. Seeking out media coverage can help you become a recognisable household name.

3. It’s basically free marketing

If you succeed in getting a publication to feature your news story, this is free publicity. As the article mentions your company various times – hopefully in a positive light – you’re basically advertising to thousands of readers, listeners or viewers. To guarantee a spot in a publication you would usually be paying an extremely high price, so one of the best benefits of press coverage is that it’s completely free.

4. Build consumer trust

It’s a fact that the public trust the media, probably more than they should. That means if a publication or journalist chooses to write a feature about a business, this instantly builds consumer trust. People think that only large, trustworthy companies appear in the press so this is a great way to increase trust in the brand as well as awareness.

5. Fight off the competition

Being in the media will essentially separate your company from the rest of the competition. Being mentioned in the press gives you a good reputation. While news is short-lived, you’ll be able to keep a clipping of the press coverage and show it off on your website. If a customer was choosing between two businesses, and one had some impressive media coverage, which one do you think they will buy from?

This is just the beginning of the many benefits brads reap from being in the media. Media matters, so now it’s time to get your PR plan in place to support your business goals. Not sure where to start?  download my audiobook,  9 PR Secrets of Fortune 500 Companies: A step-by-step proven system to creating a media buzz for your business. Stop being your best-kept secret. Download it now!