Generating Publicity: Will The Media Be Interested In My Product/Business?

When it comes to launching a new business or product, some marketing consultants might say that EVERY product is appropriate for a publicity or media exposure campaign. That is true to a degree, but as a PR/publicity professional and former media person, I would qualify that statement by saying that although new products would benefit from a solid publicity campaign, not all businesses or products and their pitches will grab the attention of the media.

A number of strategically generated features or product mentions in magazines, newspapers and TV/radio/cable shows nationwide can lend strong credibility to a new product. That "media bullhorn" can also do wonders toward educating consumers about your product. But does your product -- and it's media pitch -- have what it takes to attract the media into giving you coverage in their pages or on their airwaves? As I mentioned, many products or businesses can generate some type of publicity and media interest, but in my professional experience, the types of products and pitches that lend themselves to the best media exposure include:

  • home/garden products

  • kitchen/cooking/food products

  • consumer electronics

  • automotive accessories

  • home repair/DIY tools

  • personal health/medical/fitness products

  • recreational/outdoor products

  • experts (business, health, technology)

If you have a new or under-publicized product in one of these categories, the media could be a good friend to you. However, you first have be a friend to the media. Your product (and pitch) needs to have what the media calls a "news peg" -- that gives them a logical and newsworthy reason to feature YOUR product as opposed to the 200 other media pitches that are on their desks right now. Additionally, you need to make it as easy as possible for them to do your story or they WILL move onto a competitor's pitch and product that is easier to cover.

  • Can you provide a media sample?

  • Do you have quality photos of the product?

  • How can the product be purchased: in stores, catalogs, online, by phone?

  • Can you arrange a quick interview if needed?

Products/services that don't really lend themselves to media interest or publicity are things like:

  • website developers

  • cell phone/printer cartridge sales

  • vitamin supplements

  • insurance

  • financial planning

  • MLM/downline schemes

I'm not implying that these types of businesses aren't media worthy. I'm simply saying that from a media interest, editorial standpoint, there are thousands of competing product and businesses like these on the market and unless they are offering something truly unique, they lack that "news peg" that will attract the media's attention. If you are launching, let's say, a new garden tool that is very similar to many other garden tools on the market, don't expect much interest from the media in putting together a feature. You can create that news peg by answering a few questions:

  • How does your product differ from competing products already on the market?

  • Why should the media and subsequent consumers be interested in your product?

  • Does it provide a solution to an existing problem for consumers?

Bottom line -- an expertly maintained publicity campaign can help forge wonderfully reciprocal, mutually beneficial relationships with the media. Reciprocal, in that the media constantly need interesting information to put together their product profiles and business features -- and YOU need constant media exposure to get the word out. If your product or business can meet the media standards mentioned above, you could benefit greatly from some solid nationwide media exposure. Getting your product mentioned in print articles and on TV/radio shows nationwide will help spread the word to customers -- and at a fraction of the cost of a nationwide advertising campaign.

About The Author

Todd Brabender is the President of Spread The News Public Relations, Inc. His business specializes in generating media exposure and publicity for innovative products, businesses, experts and inventions. Free Publicity Consultations offered online: http://www.spreadthenewspr.com; http://www.spreadthenewspr.com; (785) 842-8909

car service from Midway Burlington .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare
In The News:

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a malware app called SpyLend is posing as a financial tool, hitting 100,000-plus downloads.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Clone Robotics’ Protoclone mimics humans with 1,000 muscles – too human for comfort.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson urges you to use Apple’s App Privacy Report to see what your apps are really up to.
Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how to smoothly transfer your data from an old laptop to a new one using cloud storage or external drives.
Kurt the CyberGuy offers tips to safeguard your personal information as scammers become more sophisticated with scam texts and other methods.
WeRide's unmanned electric delivery van, the Robovan W5, has 194 cubic feet of cargo space and can carry payloads up to about 2,205 pounds
Kurt the CyberGuy recommends deleting 16 browser extensions immediately in response to a report saying more than 3.2 million web users were affected by a security breach.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
A robotics firm in China claims a robot has performed the world's first humanoid robot front flip, which is significantly more difficult than a backflip.
A digital ID may be even more secure than a physical ID. Storing your driver's license in your Apple Wallet is an ideal solution for commuters.
A cybersecurity firm has shed some light on just how common tax scams have become. Kurt the CyberGuy offers his advice for how to protect your refund.
Lifesize Plans offers immersive walk-throughs that allow customers the opportunity to tour a home's design before construction actually begins.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
A man invested $4 million in bitcoin and lost it all with a single click when he was targeted by a vishing scam, which uses phone calls to trick people.
Expandable's Touchdown is a designer trailer that promises a luxury off-grid living experience and unfolds into a home in about 15 minutes.
Major employee screening company data breach affects 3.3 million people. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains what happened and gives five ways to protect your data.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals mind-blowing tech that gives you sunlight on demand.
New malware "FrigidStealer" targets Mac computers. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson offers four ways to stay safe from infostealer malware.
Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson talks about how lab-grown muscles power a biohybrid hand for scalable prosthetics and research.
Reports of task scams have significantly risen in the past four years, according to the Federal Trade Commission. Kurt the CyberGuy offers some red flags.
iPhones have a hidden folder that eats up storage without you knowing it. Kurt the CyberGuy offers some tricks to free up storage on your device.
A recent ransomeware attack targeted Zacks, an American investment firm, and a cybercriminal claimed to have stolen records for millions of customers.
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
Researchers unveiled a new soft prosthetic hand that combines the natural coordination patterns of our fingers with the decoding of motoneuron activity in the spinal column.
Accidentally deleting a text message on your iPhone or iPad is not a problem if you still need the message. Apple has a built-in way to recover it.

R.O.I. -- O.K., Heres The Deal!

You can SO measure return-on-investment for a public relations program!Try... Read More

What Some Pros Know About PR

They know they had better do something positive about those... Read More

Monarch Health Sciences starts shipping long awaited Monavie and Monavie Active

The Acai Berry is starting to gain world wide recognition... Read More

How to Get a Story About You or Your Business in USA Today

I am often asked by clients to target USA Today... Read More

How To Share Your Success Story Without Sounding Like You Are Bragging

A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More

Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Focus on Main Points During an Interview

You never want to inundate a reporter with information, but... Read More

Publicrelationistas?

Is that what we are? Fanatic, over-the-top disciples of some... Read More

Managers: Heres a PR Template for You

Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More

PR: Your 500 Pound Gorilla

What else, for goodness sake, could you as a business,... Read More

A Great Way to Do PR

As a business, non-profit or association manager trying to get... Read More

Internet Etiquette for Business Success

You're trying to recruit a downline into your program, you've... Read More

Business Community Relations 101 - Getting the Most Out of Your Chamber of Commerce Membership

Since the major part of a small business typically comes... Read More

Anchor Your Relationships

I heard a speaker recently who was talking about how... Read More

Business Gifts for Your Clients and Employees

Tis' the season for business and corporate gift-giving! If you... Read More

Financial Planners Publicity and Marketing - Live By The Calendar

The media live by the calendar. Your story pitch might... Read More

Asian Media Relations: Increase Your Profile and Image in China

China's media is booming creating opportunities for marketing-savvy businesses. But... Read More

Attention Owners of Food Related Businesses: How to Get Publicity Any Time You Want

Attention: Who Else Wants To Get Publicity Whenever You Want... Read More

Media Relations - Ten Essential Tips to Use The Media to Market Your Business

In the 'Age of Scepticism' gaining media coverage is one... Read More

Right PR Focus A Powerful Advantage

Powerful is a strong word. But it fits here. As... Read More

The Four Seasons of Publicity - Building an All-Year Publicity

If you're like most publicity seekers, you probably think oneproject... Read More

Financial Planners Garner Free Publicity by Making it Easy for the Media

Would you advise clients to buy a stock based on... Read More

Publicity: Nailing a Media Interview, Part III (Staying on Topic)

In a media interview, always stick to your main points... Read More

Why You Should Write a Book (Even if You Really Dont Want To)

Recently, I told a friend (who's a business owner) that... Read More

Public Relations Primer, Part I: Packaging Your Story for the Media

Imagine you're in the breakfast cereal business. You make the... Read More

Media Training 201: The Reporters Have Done Their Homework. Have You Done Yours?

Just about anyone who has been in the public eye... Read More

Granger limo Chicago ..