how to take advantage of free media!

Writing articles on topics related to your business is an excellent promotional technique.

Well-written articles can provide free advertising and build positive word-of-mouth. For example, if you're a realtor you could write a piece on preparing your home to be shown. If you're a gardener, you might write a piece about caring for your tropical garden. The more specific your topic, the better the outcome. Remember to include a short biography, or "blurb" about you and your business to go with the article.

 

If you're not comfortable writing the article yourself, hire a writer. It will be well worth it. The process is easy and provides an excellent return on investment.

 

The writer will prepare and edit your article and will work with you to ensure that it strikes the right tone and presents the right message for your business. Writers are also usually well connected to newspapers, magazines and other publications and can assist you in making the right contacts to get your article published.

 

Once the article has been written -- send it out!

Where do I send it?

Since your goal is to promote your business, your article should ideally appear in a publication that your target audience reads. Newspapers are excellent places to run your article. Simply contact the editor or business writer of the newspaper and make your pitch. If this approach fails, you can also try sending your article in as a letter to the editor or as a press release.

In addition to newspapers, there are plenty of magazines available as well as internet e-zines, or websites with newsletters that are looking for content. The trick is to find the magazine or e-zine that reaches your target audience. Here is a quick link to one e-zine directory Best Ezines

Start picking up magazines, newspapers or periodicals that fit your business. Contact the editor and take the next step in economically promoting your business