In today’s digital era, small businesses can use smart, affordable strategies, including press releases, to get featured on top media sites, attract customers, and build brand authority without spending thousands.
Here’s a simplified guide on how you can do it.
Why Media Features Matter for Small Businesses
A media feature (or even a simple press release mention) can instantly elevate your brand.
Here’s what it gives you:
✔ Instant credibility
People trust news websites more than ads or sponsored posts.
✔ Brand awareness
Good coverage introduces your business to thousands of potential customers.
✔ SEO benefits
Media mentions come with backlinks that improve your Google ranking.
✔ Better conversions
Customers are more likely to buy from a business that appears trustworthy and reliable.
✔ Opportunity to attract investors or partners
A single feature can catch the eye of someone important in your industry.
The best part? You no longer need an expensive PR agency to make this happen.
1. Start With a Strong, Newsworthy Story
Journalists don’t publish ads, they publish stories.
To get media attention, you need to frame your business update as something newsworthy.
Here are good reasons to publish a story:
- Launching a new product or service
- Opening a new location
- Adding new leadership or partners
- Hitting a milestone (e.g., 10,000 customers)
- Winning an award or recognition
- Introducing a social or community initiative
- Celebrating an anniversary
- Entering a new market
- Organizing/participating in an event
If your story helps people, solves a problem, or has genuine impact, it’s newsworthy.
2. Write a Clear, Professional Press Release
You don’t need a PR expert to write a press release; you just need a clean structure.
Here’s an easy format:
Headline
A short, clear announcement.
Example: “Mumbai Startup Launches Affordable Wellness App for Senior Citizens”
Lead Paragraph
Cover the 5 Ws (What, When, Where, Who, Why).
Story Section
Explain why this announcement matters.
Share your mission, background, or market relevance.
Quotes
Add one or two quotes from the founder or spokesperson.
Key Details or Stats
Numbers make stories convincing.
Boilerplate
A 2–3 sentence description of your company.
This format is easy to follow and works for every business.
3. Distribute Your Press Release Through Affordable Platforms
This step is where most small businesses get stuck.
They think they need a PR agency to distribute their press release—
but that’s no longer true.
Platforms like PressRelease.in allow you to:
- Submit your press release
- Get it published on 10–50+ Indian media and news websites
- Improve search visibility
- Build brand credibility
- Be seen by journalists, bloggers, and potential customers
All at a fraction of what traditional PR firms charge.
You simply upload your press release—and they handle the rest.
4. Use Social Media to Amplify the Media Coverage
Once your press release is published, don’t stop there.
Share it everywhere:
- WhatsApp groups
- Email newsletters
- Community forums
- Your website’s “In the News” page
Tag:
- Journalists
- Industry pages
- Business influencers
- Local news handles
This multiplies visibility and can bring more attention to your story.
5. Build a Simple Journalist Outreach List (Optional)
If you want additional media coverage beyond distribution, you can reach out to journalists directly.
Tips for creating a small outreach list:
- Search Google News for writers covering your industry
- Follow journalists on LinkedIn & Twitter
- Check business magazines and regional publications
- Look for reporters who write about SMEs, startups, and local businesses
You don’t need a big list—even a small, relevant outreach list works well.
When writing to a journalist:
- Keep the email short
- Add your press release
- Mention why the story matters
- Include your contact info
Most small businesses get replies when the story is genuinely interesting.
6. Position Yourself as a Local Expert
Local media loves local experts.
You can become a go-to source by:
- Writing helpful posts on LinkedIn
- Speaking at local events
- Sharing industry insights
- Publishing useful content on your blog
- Appearing in podcasts
Over time, journalists may start reaching out to you for quotes and comments.
7. Maintain a Consistent PR Habit
Don’t issue press releases only once a year.
Make it a habit to publish at least every 2–3 months.
Topics could include:
- Seasonal launches
- Customer milestones
- CSR activities
- Collaborations
- Case studies
- New products
Consistency builds long-term brand authority.
Final Thoughts
Today, media visibility is accessible to everyone—not just big brands.
Small businesses can create their own PR success with:
- A good story
- A simple press release
- Smart, affordable distribution through platforms like PressRelease.in
- Consistent visibility on social and local networks
With these steps, you can get featured on top media websites, build trust, strengthen your online presence, and grow your brand—all without hiring an agency.