By Arnab Dey
If you run a business, then you already get it—good press can go a long way. Just one solid article can bring in new faces, build trust, and give your brand some real traction.
But staying in the news for the right reasons? That’s a whole different ballgame. It takes a bit of strategy, a dash of consistency, and a few smart tools.
This isn’t about gimmicks or spin—it’s about creating a reputation that sticks, for all the right reasons. Let’s dive into how to get your business featured on the news.
Why Positive Press Matters More Than Ever?
People tend to believe what they read in the news more than any ad. Cision’s State of the Media Report found that 68% of consumers trust earned media more than paid advertisements.
Basically, when the press talks about you in a good light, it means more than anything you could pay for.
I once chatted with a boutique gym owner who got featured in a local piece about their community classes. They saw a 30% spike in sign-ups right after. “We didn’t even expect the story,” she said. “But it did more than all our ad campaigns that month.”
Bottom line? When the media shines a light on you, your brand stays top-of-mind and ahead of the pack.
How To Get Your Business Featured On The News?
To know how to get your business featured on the news, here are a few of the best ways to get the word out.
1. Create Newsworthy Events
Journalists are always on the hunt for stories. Give ’em something worth covering. Host events that connect to what’s happening locally, tap into trends, or mark fun milestones.
One coffee shop in Austin hit its 10,000th customer and celebrated by handing out free drinks for the day. That little celebration got picked up by three local outlets and had people lining up outside.
Even simple ideas can make headlines—just make them visual, make them fun, and you’re halfway there.
2. Leverage Social Media To Spark Interest
Reporters are people, too—and they scroll just like the rest of us. Share stuff that feels real. Behind-the-scenes moments, customer shoutouts, and even little mess-ups can grab attention.
Take this bakery owner who posted a TikTok of a croissant gone wrong during the morning rush. It was honest, hilarious, and relatable. The clip blew up locally, and before she knew it, she landed a feature on a local food show.
You don’t need perfect content. Just make it real and let people connect with it.
3. Build Relationships With Local Media
Skip the mass emails. Reach out directly to reporters who write about your type of business or your community. Mention something they’ve written—it shows you’re not just blasting pitches to everyone.
One landscaping company did exactly that. They emailed a journalist who’d just written about drought-resistant gardens, offering tips and insights about native plants. That pitch turned into a full feature.
The real win? When that reporter needs a source again, guess who they’re calling?
4. Respond Quickly To Trends
News moves fast. If your industry hits the headlines, don’t wait. Be the one offering insight before the window closes.
A cybersecurity firm jumped on a national data breach by posting actionable tips the same day. Within 48 hours, they were quoted by three different outlets, just because they were quick on the draw.
Speed matters. Set alerts for your industry and keep a few go-to responses ready to roll.
How To Avoid Bad Publicity?
The thing about good press? It can vanish the second bad press shows up. Ignoring feedback or letting online reviews pile up? That’s asking for trouble.
There’s this Chicago restaurant that left a bunch of 1-star reviews hanging for months. Eventually, a local blogger caught wind and dubbed it the “worst-rated spot downtown.” From there, it spiraled.
Lesson? Keep tabs on your reviews—weekly, if not more. Respond calmly. If something’s off, like a fake review, report it and appeal eligible reviews. Taking action shows both customers and the media that you care and you’re paying attention.
Top Tools And Services To Keep Your Brand Positive
Here are a few tools and services that keep your brand positive.
1. Erase
Erase is all about scrubbing outdated or damaging stuff from your search results. If there’s something lurking online that doesn’t reflect who you are today, they help push it down—or remove it entirely.
One fitness coach used their service to get an old lawsuit buried. “I didn’t even know it was still showing up until a client brought it up,” she said. “Total lifesaver.”
2. Reputation Recharge
This one’s for anyone struggling with ratings. Reputation Recharge helps you gather new, legit reviews and keeps tabs on your overall reputation. They automate the process, so you don’t have to nag customers.
A salon owner I spoke to said, “We jumped from a 3.8 to a 4.6 in half a year. That consistent stream of good reviews helped big time when a reporter looked us up for a feature.”
3. Brandwatch
Brandwatch is like your brand’s radar system. It tracks mentions across news sites, blogs, forums, and social media. If someone’s talking about you—good or bad—you’ll know right away.
A SaaS founder told me they dodged a PR bullet thanks to Brandwatch. They caught a negative thread early and handled it before it hit major press. Definitely worth it.
Quick Tips To Keep Your Brand Positive
- Pitch regularly: Even just one new idea or update each quarter keeps you on the radar.
- Use visuals: Good photos and videos? Instant boost in your chances of getting picked up.
- Shout out to your customers: Testimonials and success stories = media gold.
- Google yourself: Seriously. Monthly. Catch any surprises early.
- Set up alerts: Brandwatch or even Google Alerts can help you jump on mentions fast.
Knowing How To Keep Your Business In The News And Maintain A Positive Press Is A Habit
You don’t need deep pockets or a fancy PR team to stay in the headlines. What do you need? And how to get your business featured on the news? A bit of hustle, a plan, and the right tools to spot trouble before it snowballs.
Start small. One creative event this quarter. One pitch to local media. Add a simple review strategy and some media monitoring to the mix. Before long, you’ll notice the momentum.
Positive press doesn’t happen by luck—it’s a result of showing up, being prepared, and knowing how to shape your story. Get into the rhythm now, and soon enough, staying in the news (for good stuff) will feel second nature.
Read Also:
