Using Free Publicity to Build Your Web Site Links and Traffic
In today's digital world, having a website is essential for any business or personal brand. However, simply having a website is not enough. To get the most out of your website, you need to build links and drive traffic to it. There are many ways to do this, but one often-overlooked method is free publicity.
Free publicity is the practice of getting media coverage without paying for it. This can include press releases, guest blog posts, interviews, and more. By utilizing free publicity, you can not only increase awareness of your brand, but also build valuable backlinks to your website.
Here's how to use free publicity to build your website links and traffic:
1. Define Your Target Audience
Before you start any marketing campaign, it is essential to define your target audience. Who are you trying to reach? What do they want? What are their pain points? For example, if you are a fitness coach, your target audience might be people who are looking to lose weight, build muscle, or get in shape. Once you define your target audience, you can tailor your messaging and outreach accordingly.
2. Identify Relevant Media Outlets
Once you know your target audience, it's time to identify relevant media outlets. This can include local newspapers, industry blogs, podcast, radio shows, and more. Look for outlets that are read, listened to, or watched by your target audience. You can use tools like BuzzSumo, Google News, and HARO (Help A Reporter Out) to find relevant media outlets.
3. Develop Your Pitch
Your pitch should be tailored to the media outlet you are reaching out to. For example, if you are pitching a local newspaper, you might highlight how your business or personal brand is contributing to the local community. If you are pitching an industry blog, you might highlight your expertise in a particular topic. Your pitch should be concise, compelling, and relevant to the media outlet and their audience.
4. Send Your Pitch
Once you have your pitch, it's time to send it. You can send a pitch via email, social media, or even a phone call. Be sure to follow each outlet's guidelines for submissions. If you are sending an email, be sure to write a catchy subject line and keep your email brief and to the point. Make sure to include a link to your website in your pitch.
5. Follow Up
If you don't hear back from a media outlet, don't be afraid to follow up. According to a report by Muck Rack, 57% of journalists say they receive more than 50 pitches a week, so it's possible that your pitch got lost in the shuffle. Follow up a few days after your initial pitch with a polite email or phone call.
6. Monitor Your Coverage
Once your pitch is accepted, keep track of your coverage. Monitor social media, set up Google Alerts, and thank the media outlet for their coverage. You can also use tools like Ahrefs or Moz to track your backlinks. This will help you measure the success of your free publicity campaign and identify areas for improvement.
7. Keep Pitching
Finally, keep pitching. Free publicity is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. Keep identifying relevant media outlets, developing your pitch, and sending it out. The more coverage you get, the more backlinks you will build, and the more traffic you will drive to your website.
In conclusion, free publicity is an excellent way to build your website links and drive traffic. By defining your target audience, identifying relevant media outlets, developing your pitch, and monitoring your coverage, you can use free publicity to increase awareness of your brand and drive traffic to your website. Remember, free publicity is an ongoing process, and persistence is key. Keep pitching, and you'll see the results you're looking for.