Using radio to promote your business ? part one
I recently was invited to give a radio interview, so I thought I?d share with you my tips for getting on air and how you can use the radio to promote your business or your favourite good cause.
In September I ran a charity event, so a couple of months beforehand I sent out a press release to a number of local magazines and papers. I live in Berkshire and the event was being held just over the border in Oxfordshire, so I put together a targeted list of journals that cover each area, which are read by the sort of people I wanted to tell about the event. One of the magazines sent my details to a freelance journalist who asked me if he could come to the event and interview me and take photos ? I jumped at the chance!
After the event, a two page spread, including photos, appeared in the magazine ? a great result in itself. A week later I received an email from BBC Radio Oxford, asking if I would go into the studio to give an interview ? another chance I jumped at. I was asked to send some background information and then the interview was booked for 30 November.
I arrived early so I could have a chat with the presenter and talk to her producer. This was definitely worth doing, as I discovered some common ground with the presenter. Afterwards, both she and her producer asked me to keep in touch with news of the project ? something I will definitely do, as it may result in more air time. I have also invited the journalist who wrote the article to next year?s event and who knows what that will result in!
So, in summary:
- Compile a targeted list of journalists and radio stations that can give you coverage
- Send a press release and follow it up if you have time
- Agree to any interviews you?re offered and send plenty of background information
- Spend time getting to know your interviewer and keep in touch with them!
Sounds simple, doesn?t it! It can take a bit of persistence and it will pay off.
In part two, coming soon, I?ll share with you some tips on how to give a great interview.