Keep a Record of All News Appearances

Before I just started asking my clients outright, sometimes I would have worked with a client for several weeks before I find out they have appeared in a news publication or on a program before.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

This question is typically met with a shrug. Or a blank look as if to say, "What, that matters?"

In a word, yes.

Remember when we talked about why you want publicity and how you can benefit -- and one reason is that it gives your organization credibility.

So if you have already had a reporter verify who you are and what you do, make sure you share it on your website under a link marked "In the News" or "Press."

And one last word to the wise: if your last media appearance was six years ago, you should be looking for fresh ways to get publicity.

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and media consultant with The Write Vision Group, Inc. With a background in print media, she has written thousands of articles for newspapers and online publications. At The Write Vision Group, Bridgette consults with nonprofits and small businesses about how their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.