How to Get Great Media Exposure on the Internet

Media exposure is a hot topic for many businesses as they look for ways to promote themselves. And many businesses are successful in getting exposure in big media outlets like magazines, daily newspapers, TV and radio.

But there's more to the media than these big channels. Much more. The Internet is home to more media than all the TV, radio, magazine and newspapers combined. It's reach is global. Better yet, access to the Internet is available to ANYONE.

So, here are some tips to help you use the Internet to get effective media exposure for your business.

1. Have a plan

Know where media exposure fits into your overall marketing plan. PR can be great for building credibility and awareness. It's not so strong in generating direct business. Understand what you can realistically accomplish with your PR and plug it into your marketing plan.

2. Define what media exposure you want

Once you know what you want from your PR, define what media exposure will help you accomplish it. Do you need big media exposure like TV, radio, large business publications or national dailies like USA Today? Or would niche publications in a specific industry work better? There are endless media opportunities for media exposure beyond the big media we usually think of:

• Blogs (some have millions of readers)
• Information portals
• Association websites and newsletters
• Chamber of Commerce websites and newsletters
• Professional and industry groups
• Non-profits, churches, networking groups
• Online magazines
• Email newsletters or "ezines"
• Other information-based websites

3. Create content

If you like to write, then write articles, ebooks, books, white papers, special reports and, of course, a blog. If you'd prefer to speak then record your wonderful voice and publish podcasts, MP3 audio files or CDs.

If you really want to strut your stuff, create mini videos with compelling content and publish them on video websites like YouTube.com. Millions of people use this site daily. And you can display on your website easily, with no fancy programming or tools required.

Great content gets you noticed. The Internet is designed to help people find stuff. So, put your stuff out there where it will get noticed...and it will!

4. Publish in multiple places

If you write articles to promote your business, publish them on your website using blog software. This enables more people to find your website because search engines love blogs. But you need to do more. Find other information based websites that relate to your topic and publish on them. The best sites evaluate articles before publication (this keeps the quality higher) but if you write well and offer useful information you'll have no problem.

Some suggested places to publish:

EzineArticles.com
AmericanChronicle.com
ExpertMagazine.com
Work.com

5. Focus on your topic

Whatever you write about (or created podcasts and video about) keep it focused on the topic(s) you are expert in. The Internet is all about keywords. And it remembers everything. The more you publish on your topic, the more the Internet will consider you a thought leader on that topic. If you spread your content over many topics, you'll dilute your reputation as an expert on those topics.

6. Get to know bloggers and other experts

Networking with other online content creators is easy, fun and a great way to expand your reach. Bloggers are always looking for content. And bloggers typically write about what other bloggers are saying. By developing relationships with other bloggers, you increase the odds they will mention your blog or articles to their readers. You can also "guest write" for each other, which also exposes you to other audiences.

7. Create news

If you write a white paper, book, ebook or special report, it's newsworthy. If you create a CD, video or online audio file (MP3) it's news! Other ways to create news is to survey people in your industry and publish the results. Take what you know (your expertise) and package it. Then issue online press releases about it. use pr.com, prweb.com and others. Many are free. Also, write about on your blog.

8. Build relationships with reporters

As you read articles (especially in your topic area) email the reporter and let them know you liked the article. Reporters live or die by their relationships. As you build your relationships with them, offer them story ideas. Don't make them complicated or lengthy - just brief ideas that connect to what they typically write about. And don't just pitch yourself. Offer stories about other companies, trends, or experiences you've had.

9. Use a service (Like PRLeads.com)

A great way to connect with reporters and freelancers is to use a service where they come to you. PRLeads.com provides the opportunity to respond directly to reporters and writers who are looking for experts for current stories. It brings reporters directly to you.

10. The more you give, the more you get

The Internet has an insatiable appetite for content. And it rewards those who feed it the most. If you just write an article here and there, you won't even get noticed. But if you consistently and frequently publish quality content (in your topic area) the Internet will reward you with huge exposure. So, develop a schedule and stick with it. The more frequently you publish, the more reader's you'll get. And the more readers you get, the more you will build awareness of your business which will lead to more customers, clients, patients, members or whatever you call the people who do business with you.