If you’re looking to up your street cred on a dime, read the below article I wrote for Fete Lifestyle magazine with 3 tips you should implement now.
You have a proven method. You have a product people love. But you’re still a “best-kept” secret. The cache that used to be associated with being best known within exclusive circles, no longer exists. In fact, it makes your brand feel outdated. Because in today’s world where small business owners have unprecendented opportunities to expand their awareness, if you hide behind your brand, you’ll end up in the shadows.
As a veteran magazine editor and On-Air Beauty expert who teaches small business owners the insider strategies to land press and partnerships, here are 3 strategies you should be using to make yourself instantly newsworthy.
1. Are you telling the right story? If you own a business, you likely have an “About Page.” Two of the biggest mistakes I see people make is that they 1. don’t use it to tell a story. Or if they do, it’s the wrong one. 2. They simply copy and paste their bio aka their resume. When you do this, you’re throwing away prime real estate! Instead, think of your About Page as your magazine profile. Ask yourself questions such as: What is your headline? Why do you do what you do? What challenge or transformation did you experience?
2. Pitch Yourself: Having been in the media for almost 25 years, I know firsthand that the landscape has shifted. This is amazing news for you because it’s more doable than ever to get on TV, guest on podcasts and get featured in your dream outlets – zero connections required. You just need to master the pitch formula, which includes knowing the right way to pitch and position yourself, how to find and build relationships with key contacts and what to do to have a leg up.
3. Build Your Personal Brand: One of the first places to start is on Social Media. Did you know that before an editor or producer decides to feature you, they’ll do their own “background check” and scan your social media to see how you’re showing up. Being the face of your brand makes you more relevant, affords you double the amount of story angles for press coverage and increases your community’s brand loyalty.