Get Your Business Out There

October 13, 2020 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

Need to stand out from the crowd? One of the ways to do so is to secure media coverage to generate buzz around your business. Not only can media coverage amplify your brand’s messaging, but it can also help you gain the attention of potential customers and investors.

It's not as impossible as it may seem (we get lots of press releases and requests for interviews from entrepreneurs just like YOU). Lunice Johnston, founder of the public relations company Lunice Johnston Communications, shared the following for successfully gaining media coverage: 

1. Know what it is that you want to say about your business – What you share should link to what's relevant or part of the current news cycle. 

2. Develop key messages before any media interview – key messages are salient points you want to leave the audience with and that will entice them to further engage with you and your company. 

3. Know who the target audience of the specific media publication is and direct your key messages to them. 

4. Develop stories to give your content a human element i.e. if you’re developing a new app demonstrate it live for the audience and share how it can benefit them. 

5. Be selective with which publication you approach. Get advice on how to choose the right media publication for your messaging, PLUS how to contact the media, here.

FYI - Before you invite attention to your business - MAKE SURE YOUR (ONLINE) HOUSE IS ORDER (See how below).

In this week’s newsletter:

- How to write a press release and get it published.

- What you need to look professional online.- Read our review of payroll software products (PaySpace versus Sage).

Stay safe and healthy.

Quote of the week 

"Generalists often find their path late, but they are often more creative, more agile, and able to make connections that specialists can’t see." - Dov Girnun

5 Ways to Create a Professional Online Presence for Your Business:

  1. Get a professional business email.

  2. Tackle your LinkedIn profile.

  3. Set up a website.

  4. Create an effective customer journey map through your website.

  5. Make sure customers can find you online.

Must-knows for Writing an EffectivePress Release:

- Have something to say!- Head the press release with “Media Release” and date it.

- In your first paragraph include information that answers the Who, What, How, When and Where.

- Write short sentences and short paragraphs.

- Make sure that you insert a quote(s). Ensure the quotes are newsworthy.

- Use a catchy headline.

- Use hyperlinks.

- Try to keep the press release to one page.

- At the end of the release, add “for further information, contact. . . ” The contact details should include name and telephone number, including an after-hours number.

- Try to send photos of the people quoted in the release, or of your product, if the release pertains to that. More info here

Let Us Guide You On Your Next Tech Purchase - Payroll Software

Gone are the days of manual processes such as spreadsheets, cloud-based payroll software not only allows small business owners to access their data at any time, but it can also help them automate many of the tasks associated with payroll. Did You Know South African businesses lose more than R7.2 billion a year on avoidable business administrative costs?

What your Payroll Software should do for you: 

- Manage employee records- Perform payroll calculations and issue payslips - Handle monthly employee tax submissions (PAYE, UIF, tax certifications)- Generate compliance reports

Looking for a Payroll system for your business - We Review 2 brands - Sage & PaySpace. 

Read the Full Review Here