How to Use Social Media for Media Relations

Using Social Media for Media Relations

Laura ClickBlue Kite Marketing

@lauraclick

What is media relations anyway?

Media relations is…Working with the media toprovide credible informationabout your brand toencourage positive news coverage

Can social media help?

Yes, social media can help youget media coverage.

Here’s how.

Find the right reporters

This was the old

way

But, now we have online tools

Search Twitter bios

Gain intelligence on reporters

(research)

What you can learn

• Read their blog / articles to see what they write about

• See what they’re sharing on social networks• Discover their hobbies & interests• Find mutual connections

Monitor relevant conversations

Monitoring tools

Twitter advanced search

Build relationships with reporters & influencers

But what does that MEAN?

Josh DeVineReporter, WSMV@WSMVJoshDeVine

“It's a wise idea for PR professionals to use social media not only to pitch stories or angles, but also to join the conversation on stories and build a relationship.

I think a lot of PR professionals miss an opportunity to become recognized by reporters. I hope it doesn't sound callous, but the more I know you, the more inclined I am to pay attention to your Tweets, mentions and DMs.”

“Relationships with media is just that - RELATIONSHIPS. Social media makes it easier to develop those relationships and stay top-of-mind.

But the tools should not be used to pitch a story. Rather to begin the relationship. You still have to use traditional methods to build on it.”

Gini DietrichCEO, Arment Dietrich@GiniDietrich

“Don't forget to read journo's blogs and content. Reference these works in a tweet as an intro and slowly create relationship based on what the journo is covering.

Retweet and share their posts, too. When a two-way link is established, don't pitch outright; patiently build the opportunity for a story pitch on a gradual basis.”

Jayme SoulatiPresident, Soulati Media@Soulati

How do you do this?

• Join conversations• Comment on articles and blog posts• Share their content on social networks• Talk about your shared interests• Share useful information or news tips

Promote your content

Build an online newsroom • Package content into a comprehensive story– Images – Video– Blog posts / releases– Data– Sources– Quotes

@lauraclick

DO

• Encourage your fans / followers to spread the word about your news

• Make it easy for reporters to find and share your content

• Send tips and story ideas – but ONLY if you’ve developed relationships first

Don’t

• Just share press releases • Blindly pitch reporters• Spam reporters• Send information that’s not relevant to what

they cover

You can do it!

Any questions?

@lauraclick

Laura ClickFounder & CEO - Blue Kite Marketing

www.flybluekite.com

Connect with me!Email: laura@flybluekite.comTwitter: http://twitter.com/lauraclick Facebook: http://facebook.com/flybluekiteLinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lauraclick