There's no better time than now to consider adding a media room to your website which can be as simple as a link to an uploaded PDF or an actual website page or media page. Looking for alternative and FREE ways to share messages about your store and services should be an important part of your marketing strategy.

Like David states in his book “all kinds of people visit your online media room, not just journalists… your current customers, suppliers, employees, and visitors all visit those pages.”  Think about the opportunity.

What I discovered was that that a business can write news releases targeted toward the consumer filled with information that a journalist might not be interested in reporting about. Don’t get me wrong, its still very important to submit the traditional press releases to your local media keeping your name in their mind as the community’s wellness resource or expert, however its just as important (and maybe even more) to share information about your store, mission, quality standards, new product lines, services, staff, events, community outreach, advocacy… the list is endless… to current and potential consumers on a regular basis.

There’s more… some companies simply post news releases, however many others are beginning to add things like videos, photos, podcasts, and so much more. Having an interesting media page on your website these days offers retailers another way to be “inline” with their traditional and social media marketing.

What exactly is a news release?

A news release allows you to talk directly to the consumer about interesting things that are happening in your store and our industry. For example maybe you are having a gluten-free tasting event or you just brought in an exciting new line of gluten-free cookies. Example: have you tasted the new Tree of Life Quinoa Macaroon Cookies? Ymmm! You could write about the new line, promote the fact that you have another new gluten-free item that tastes terrific, plus share some nutrition tid-bits about quinoa. Opportunity knocks!

TAKE NOTE: Don’t use news releases as sales pitches – leave that for ads on your website, sales flyers, print ads, etc. Do however, use them to share store news and information that creates interest to the reader and encourages them to learn more.

If you don’t have a website but do have a blog, or share though social networking sites, you can post PDFs onto online services and link back to them. If you need help, ask someone who is into the online world – they should be able to help in a flash. I did it… you can, too!

Visit my askDebby.com/ReadThis page for books and publications that I have discovered that might help with the sometimes overwhelming online media opportunities.

Until next time, here's wishing you a great day!

Debby

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