If your name hasn't been in the newspaper (the police blotter and obituaries don't count!) in the past 90 days then your public relations need some tweaking. And there is no better way to tweak your public relations than with a blog.Your blog can be a great first step in establishing strong relationships with local reporters who cover your industry.
First, set up your blog. Make it uncluttered, proffessional and
easy-to-read. Ensure that email and RSS susbcriptions are easy to find
and use.
Next, start posting good content related to your area of expertise.
Offer articles and information along with opinion and analysis of news
and current events related to your industry. This is a great way to be
seen by fellow bloggers and mainstream media journalists researching
stories and events.
Last, let some important people know about it. Look for events and opportunities that put you in the same room as local reporters, editors and producers. Make sure the appropriate folks hear about your blog. Next time a story appears about your area of expertise, offer additional information and analysis on your blog, then email the reporter to let him about your comments. Make sure you have something to say and then let the right people know that you've said it. This will also help to establish yourself as an expert that can relied upon for quotes in future stories.
It only takes a couple small steps to get your public relations ball rolling, especially when you have a blog to use as your soapbox.
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