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Start Spreading the News!

Got some good news to share?

If not now, you might soon.  For many of us, we’re coming to the end of the first working day of 2022 so before you switch off for the day, I thought I’d offer some tips on spreading the joy.

My main area of expertise is generating press and media coverage, but that’s just part of the bigger picture.   What else can you do to ensure that you’re reaching the largest and most relevant audience?

• Press and media

What newspapers and magazines do your target audience read? What TV programmes do they watch? What radio stations do they listen to?  Are they more likely to read regional papers or nationals, print or online? Do they subscribe to any trade press? Which e-newsletters do they subscribe to?  Put simply, the answers to this equate to your press and media hit list.

• Social media

Does your target audience use Facebook or are they a younger crowd browsing through Instagram and Tik-Tok?  Perhaps they solely use LinkedIn for their business news fix.

Make sure you reach out via the most appropriate platforms and remember, you don’t need to use them all, just the ones your audiences use.  Likewise, speak their language, not necessarily yours – LinkedIn language is entirely different from Tik-Tok.

Also, before you let yourself down at the final hurdle, consider investing in decent photography and videography rather than embarrassing yourself with less-than-perfect DIY efforts!

• Inside job

If your organisation is large enough, you might use some internal comms tools and platforms, perhaps a staff portal or e-newsletter.  Some might even use a good old fashioned physical newsletter.

Regardless of how you communicate with your colleagues, don’t forget them and think wisely about the timing.  There’s nothing more frustrating than seeing your employer in the press talking about something you’re completely oblivious to!

Similarly, if your good news DOES hit the press, share the results with your team.  Your staff are your top ambassadors, so keep them informed.   It’s good for morale and a great way to acknowledge the role they play.

• Customers and clients

Don’t forget your clients. You’re nothing without them. Whether through an e-newsletter, email or B2B social media, keep your clients informed about the great things you’re doing. It will boost your reputation, credibility and build trust.  Again, remember to speak their language and link back to the work you do for them, proving the relevance and importance of your achievements.

• Funders

Don’t forget to share your news with those who fund and make your work possible.  Your funders will always be looking for case studies and good examples, so it’s a win-win.

• Memberships

Are you a member of any trade organisations or networking groups? If so, they’ll be delighted to support their members and spread positivity.  So don’t forget to send any press releases to them and ask them to disseminate your story with their network.

• Share the love!

Consider creating a ‘news’ page on your website where you can post your achievements.  And, if you’re lucky enough to win or be shortlisted for an award, stamp that wonderful award logo or badge on your homepage and email signature.  You might even have a full year to maximise it before someone else wins it!

Regardless of who you’re talking to, it can be tricky to blow your own trumpet.

It can also be tough to speak the language of your different audiences and tailor your messages accordingly.

Please drop me a line if you’d like support with your communications –  claire@graingerpr.co.uk or 07912 324 264.