How To Make Social Media Your Friend

Startups have found a friend on social media. It not only boosts their audience interaction, but it can also help spread the word. Major startups tend to rely on social media for marketing and advertising and connecting with their target audiences.

But, the main drawback of social media is that you can’t control the type of audience that view your message. Ultimately social media is like shooting a bull’s eye in the dark.

Here is where mainstream media becomes an important asset. Maintaining media relations are not easy. We’ve compiled a list of reasons for you to make media your next best friend.

1. Use a hook
Media is attracted to that which can attract much more people in return. Use catchy, unique at the same time helpful and creative ways to grab the media’s attention. Simple press releases won’t cut the mark anymore. Media conferences, press meets and events garner more attention.

2. Keep the pitch short
Elevator pitches hit the spot. A small one paragraph pitch that delivers the message in a clear and precise manner are always the best as the media generally will not have enough time to read through long paragraphs.

3. Be prepared
Media kits, press releases, speaker briefs, pictures and any other information that may seem relevant should be presented to any media person for a better coverage. That way they can broadcast a better and a clearer picture of your company, product or service.

4. Be proactive
You can’t rely only on one form of media. Social media and mainstream media are essential to reach the maximum number of consumers. You never know from where your consumer base is coming. So along with press releases also maintain a blog on your website or have a strong social media presence to address queries and grievances.

5. Know the different types of media
From Tv channels and radio stations to newspapers, magazines and blogs, be aware of the variety at your disposal. Research on all the types of media available for your use and keep that list updated.This list should include national, regional and local channels along with media that specialize in a specific topic.

6. Take your time
 Don’t rush to get your message across. Make sure your message has all the necessary information and no chance of miscommunication. Take enough and more time to get the message right. Start small and build from there to connect from one media to the next.

7. Call and call again
 Remind all the media channels you have contacted about your event. Make a list of all the reporters you called and check if they received your media alert. Always send a reminder a day before your event.

The old school media also has the potential to make or break your consumer base. So strong media relations will come a long way to building your company image and public relations.