MANUAL
What is Public Relations?
In a nutshell, Public Relations is getting editorial coverage of an event, product or person. The importance of public relations should never be underestimated. When the interest of local media is tapped an Internet Consultant establishes the credibility of having an independent third party declaring that what they are doing is unique and worthy of attention in the greater community. Public Relations is also an excellent source for new business sales leads.
For many people the distinction between editorial coverage and advertising is non-existent. Having said that, the difference is real, and when it comes to media, what you don’t pay for is far more valuable than what you do pay for. When buying an ad you are in control. You pay for the size of the ad you want, and you decide the words you want to use. But the public can tell the difference between a paid advertisement and a legitimate story in print, radio or on television.
When approaching the media for a story, you are not totally in control. While this presents a few challenges, the rewards are worth much more than any kind of paid advertisement can ever bring. Remember that when seeking out media attention you are looking to get the all important third party endorsement that what you are doing is newsworthy. However, convincing media organizations that what you are doing is newsworthy can be difficult.
So how does one go about getting editorial coverage? Well, the simple answer is you have to have news. Good press is great publicity.
What is news?
This is the big question, and one that can be very difficult to answer, as newsworthiness changes from country to country and even from journalist to journalist. What might be news to you may have zero appeal to the media in your area. That is why it is important when looking for coverage to always separate yourself