If you’re a business owner, startup founder, or marketer wondering how to get press for your business, you’re not alone. Everyone wants their brand in the spotlight, but few know how to get there. Good news? You don’t need huge media connections to make it happen. What you need are smart strategies, consistent outreach, and a story that matters.
This guide will show you how to get press for your business, build credibility, and attract new customers hassle-free.
Why You Should Get Press for Your Business
Getting press coverage is one of the most powerful ways to build credibility, reach your audience, and increase brand visibility. It gives you third-party validation, something no amount of paid advertising can buy. Below are a few ways media exposure helps your business grow:
- Builds Trust: Articles written by journalists give your brand credibility in the eyes of potential customers.
- Drives Awareness: Press mentions can expose your business to thousands (or even millions) of new readers.
- Improves SEO: Earned media often includes backlinks that improve your search engine rankings.
- Supports Sales and Investment: Media exposure builds confidence among customers, investors, and partners.
The Roadmap: How to Get Press for Your Business
Getting press isn’t a one-step process; it’s a series of strategic actions that combine research, timing, storytelling, and relationship-building. The steps below outline everything you need to know to plan and execute a successful media strategy that brings your brand into the spotlight.
Start With Strategy, Not Spontaneity
Before blasting out emails, create a structured media plan that aligns with your business goals. Think strategically about what story you want to tell, when, and to whom.
- Define your objectives: Are you looking to increase brand awareness, launch a product, or become a thought leader?
- Identify your audience: Who are you trying to reach, and which publications do they read?
- Map your message: Create a consistent narrative that connects your brand’s purpose with your audience’s needs.
- Plan your timeline: Schedule your pitches around industry events, seasons, or major milestones.
Build a Smart Media List
A great media list is the foundation of every successful PR campaign. It ensures your pitch lands in the right inbox.
- Research journalists: Use tools like Muck Rack, Prowly, or LinkedIn to find reporters who cover your industry.
- Segment your list: Group journalists by topics (tech, business, lifestyle, etc.) for more tailored outreach.
- Track interactions: Keep notes on which journalists responded, what they wrote, and any preferences they have.
- Keep it current: Update your list regularly to remove outdated contacts.
Create a Winning Press Kit
A well-organized press kit helps journalists cover your story faster. Think of it as your brand’s media toolbox.
Include the following key elements:
- Company overview: A concise introduction that highlights what you do.
- Executive bios: Backgrounds of key team members or founders.
- High-resolution visuals: Logos, headshots, and product images.
- Key statistics and facts: Data that supports your story.
- Press contact information: Make it easy for journalists to reach you.
Write Press Releases That Actually Get Read
Your press release is your formal introduction to the media. To make it stand out:
- Start strong: Lead with a powerful headline that summarizes the news in 10–12 words.
- Answer the basics: Cover the who, what, when, where, and why in the first paragraph.
- Add depth: Include quotes from executives, customers, or partners.
- Include supporting data: Use relevant numbers or research to back up your claims.
- End with clarity: Provide your boilerplate and media contact at the bottom.
Craft Targeted Pitches
An effective pitch bridges the gap between your story and a journalist’s audience. Make it relevant and timely.
- Personalize it: Reference something the journalist recently covered.
- Be concise: Keep your email under 200 words.
- Add value: Offer an exclusive angle or expert commentary.
- Provide assets: Attach links to visuals or your press kit.
- End with a clear ask: Invite them to interview you or learn more.
Timing is Everything
Timing can make or break your pitch. Send your emails when journalists are most likely to read them and tie your story to what is trending.
- Best days: Tuesday through Thursday tend to have higher open rates.
- Best times: Mid-morning (10 a.m.–12 p.m.) is ideal.
- Plan ahead: Magazines and large outlets work months in advance.
- Stay current: Link your pitch to seasonal or cultural moments.
Build Relationships, Not Just Links
Media relations is about long-term trust, not one-time wins. Relationships often lead to repeat coverage.
Here’s how to build authentic connections:
- Engage consistently: Follow journalists on social media and comment on their work.
- Be a resource: Share useful data or story ideas even when you’re not pitching.
- Show appreciation: Thank journalists for coverage and maintain communication.
Follow Up, But Don’t Stalk
Most journalists receive hundreds of emails daily. If you don’t hear back, patience is key.
- Wait before following up: Give at least three to five days.
- Keep it short: A simple reminder of your story is enough.
- Don’t spam: One follow-up is plenty. If you still get no reply, move on.
Measure Your Results
To know whether your PR efforts are paying off, track and analyze outcomes.
- Monitor coverage: Use Google Alerts, Mention, or Meltwater to see where your story appears.
- Measure reach: Look at how many people saw or shared the article.
- Track web traffic: Monitor spikes in visits and conversions after coverage.
- Assess sentiment: Review whether mentions are positive or neutral.
Key Takeaways
Here are the most important lessons for anyone looking to get press for their business:
- Newsworthiness: Always offer something new, timely, or human.
- Personalization: Tailor every pitch to fit the journalist’s style and beat.
- Timing: Align your story with relevant news cycles.
- Relationships: Focus on trust, not transactions.
- Strategy: Plan, measure, and refine continuously.
FAQs About How to Get Press for Your Business
Press outreach can feel overwhelming, so here are answers to the most common questions businesses ask.
What is the easiest way to get press for my small business?
Start with local media—community papers, blogs, or radio shows—using stories with emotional or social relevance.
Do I need to hire a PR agency?
A PR agency can help fast-track results with its network and storytelling expertise, but you can still start small on your own.
What should I include in a press release?
Your headline, key facts, quotes, contact info, and a short company bio.
How often should I pitch the media?
Only pitch when you have genuine news or updates worth sharing.
What if I get no responses?
Rework your subject line or story angle, verify your contact list, and follow up once politely.
Final Thoughts: Turn Visibility into Opportunity
Getting press for your business isn’t about luck; it’s about strategy, timing, and persistence. If you can tell your story clearly and connect it to a bigger purpose, journalists will listen. Stay consistent, track results, and refine your approach.
Partner with the Experts Who Make Headlines Happen
Belight Media helps businesses get press, build visibility, and grow faster. Whether you need ghostwriting services, press release writing and distribution services, or a digital PR strategy, we’re ready to help you get press for your business and shine.
Contact us today to learn how to get press for your business, outshine your competitors, and attract more customers!