by Wendy Dessler, Special to the Informer Media Group
PR is important for any successful business endeavor. However, if you are a budget-conscious business owner, hiring a PR firm might be too costly. What can you do in that case? To help you get the most out of yourself-launched PR campaign, here are some useful resources:
Localist
You do not need an entire marketing team to launch a PR event that is successful. You can use Localist, an interactive calendaring platform that aids businesses with limited resources to manage promotional events.
Once you sign up for an account, you should upload events in bulk, input planned events, or import your current calendar. To avoid duplicates, you should take advantage of time saving features such as venue matching and recurring schedules.
To make your events more successful, Localist lets you create an online community where your target audiences and attendees to write reviews and check into events. This platform supports Google Analytics, allowing you to follow conversations about your event and see the number of shares.
Help a Reporter Out
This resource allows you to share your expertise with reporters in exchange for free publicity. Commonly referred to as HARO, this platform gives business owners direct access to journalists, reporters, and bloggers. This way, you can be in touch with people who need your expertise.
Once you sign up as a source, HARO will send queries from reporters to your inbox all through the day. If the questions are a good fit for your business and expertise, you should pitch your answer and qualifications directly to that reporter for a direct quote or possible interview.
PRWeb
This resource maximizes your reach and attracts new customers online. It does this by publishing press releases across the web on blogs, websites, and search engines. You do not need to have any PR or tech skills to use it.
Pen an engaging and effective press release for your business or event – PRWeb has a library of resources such as press release examples and tutorials to help you. Add keywords, videos, as well as other optional features. Now you just have to plug your press release into the template and submit.
MyBlogGuest
You can reach your target audience by writing high quality guest posts on major blogs. This platform connects you with content creators and brands to share your expertise with, cross-promote their offerings, and build links.
Sign up for an account and post ads in the forum or search for guest blogging opportunities. Alternatively, you can post your content directly on the Articles Gallery and blog owners will find it.
Handle Your Own PR
If you cannot afford your own PR agency, this platform provides a DIY PR service, which gives you all the tools, needed to create media lists so that you can get free publicity. Its comprehensive PR library includes tools and tips that can help you to launch your own PR campaigns successfully.
Go to the ‘How to Do It’ tab and learn all there is to learn from getting started with media basics to the dos and don’ts of following up and connecting with media contacts.
This is a great place to get a job or connect with colleagues. It is also a good resource for finding budget-friendly PR reps and journalists who can help you launch your PR campaign.
When looking for cheap public relations services in San Francisco, keep in mind that Fineman PR is highly recognized as a successful brand PR. Use LinkedIn’s search function to find the journalists, publications and PR professionals. Better yet, purchase a premium account for better connections.
Wendy Dessler, Super-Connector at OutreachMama
Wendy is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. She frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses her efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. You can contact her on Twitter.