I have written before about working with the press and using press releases to promote our home businesses, but I was working with a client recently to prepare the company for doing a couple radio interviews and I thought this might be a good topic for us to talk about here. It does not always have to be print and newspaper press that you generate for your business, the radio can be a great way to promote your home business.
When you send press releases to radio programs and stations, you can let them know that you are available for interviews. Putting yourself forward as an “expert” or someone who can comment on current events or your industry can make you valuable to press people as a “contact.” They are often looking for ways to make the news more personal and if you are readily available (and make sure they know that)—you might just get the air time.
In addition to doing “in studio” interviews, the great thing about radio is that you can often do an entire show from the telephone. With modern technology, you can call in, or have the radio personality call you and the entire interview, including any questions that others might ask can be taken care of over the phone. I recently listened to a radio interview where the interviewers were also accessing the business owner’s web site while they were doing the show and directing listeners to also check out the site. I thought this was a great use of a little bit of press time!
Keep in mind that with a radio interview, you are generally “live” and you need to get your information out there repeatedly so that people will remember it. They may be driving in their cars or listening while doing something else so they won’t be able to write it down (or clip out the article). Give the name of your web site and business repeatedly and keep your message simple and solid—this way people will not be confused and will remember what you had to say long after the program has ended.
Additionally, follow up with the radio station and personality after the program. Send a thank you note or a little gift and make sure to let them know you would be happy to help out any time in the future.