With all the new social media marketing tools available, many people believe some of the traditional marketing methods are dead. Not so; but perhaps the way we distribute them has changed. Take press releases for instance. How much success do you get from faxing or emailing a press release to media outlets?
For one Franklin entrepreneur with a marketing budget of $0, social media was her only option. Her marketing and communications background led her to write a press release about the launch of her business and new product, but her passion for social media compelled her to distribute it differently.
Using only Twitter, she posted her press release to her website and then tweeted a link to each local news outlet. Before she knew it, Williamson AM picked it up and WKRN News 2 requested a live interview for their Positively Tennessee series. Now this business owner hears, “Hey! I saw you on TV!” a lot. All because of the power of Twitter.
You see, reporters are always on the hunt for a good story. And Twitter is a favorite watering hole because of the constant stream of news and information. But you do have to be strategic. You can safely assume that any tweet you post will only be viewable in any given Twitter stream for 5 minutes, at most. So instead of using the shot gun approach (posting and praying), use your tools wisely. DM (direct message) or @Reply your message to every individual news outlet or reporter. And while you’re at it, create a Twitter list of local news media for future use (there's a short list in the right sidebar on this page).
Twitter can be an effective and efficient method of spreading news. Go on, give it a try. Just remember that traditional marketing methodologies still apply (reporters want to know who, what, where, when, why and how so be sure to include that important info).
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