3 Reasons Why You Need to Rock the Media Interview

When you apply for a job, getting the interview is a great thing. However, you know you have to rock the interview to actually get the job.

It's the same thing with the media. Pitching to reporters is the first step. And when you get the interview, it's awesome.

But here are a few reasons why the message is just as important -- if not more so -- as getting the interview itself.

Related: 3 Tips for a Good Media Interview

• If you have a dynamic, engaging interview, reporters will use you again as a resource.
• If your message is awesome, the public will heed and respond to your call for more volunteers, more donations or to check out the book or website from the wonderful tips you have given.
• You can use the clips on your website as a testament to your great speaking skill for future media interviews or engagements.

The moral of the story? The work just begins when you get the interview. Crafting your message and sharing it in a compelling way is the most important step.

Read more: 3 Ways Publicity Can Make You Money

Bridgette Outten is a journalist and publicity strategist 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 to get their programs and efforts in the news.

3 Ways Publicity Can Make You Money

We've established that getting news coverage -- minus the cost of perhaps paying someone to pitch your news -- is free.

But.

You do know that publicity can make you money, right?

Through publicity, you can:

• Ask  for donations.
• Publicize a new product.
• Generate buzz about a new program or an anniversary/continuing success of a current one.
  
  All of these can lead to bigger and better partnerships, more clients and more customers.

However, here are a few tips to keep in mind when you're using your publicity to promote your business or organization.

1. Make it about your audience, not about you. People ultimately want to know how what you're doing affects them -- or their community. Make sure people know the bigger picture of how they can help the situation or how what you're doing is going to make their lives better.
2. Don't talk up the competition. Focus only on what you do. You don't want to put yourself in a situation where you've given other people a part of your space.
3. Don't waste a moment of your interview. Make sure everything you tell the reporter is deliberate and has a purpose.

The moral of the story? If done correctly, your publicity will compel people to go to want to find out more about your business or organization, therefore increasing your reach and your potential to make more money for your business or organization.

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 to get their programs and efforts in the news. Meanwhile, she blogs on all things journalism.