Secrets to Free newspaper Advertising By A former Newspaper Editor
 Even with increased internet use, newspapers have not yet made their way into the archives of time.
Recent headlines state that newspapers are in jeopardy of going out of print forever. Not quite yet: over 57% of people in the United States alone read a newspaper on a daily basis while 67% read a Sunday newspaper.’
The easiest and best way to get free newspaper advertising is to submit a story that involves a current event in the community---or extended community within your state or province. You want to find a “hook” so that your ‘story’ is created so that your business is identified along with contact information.
Remember: it is the story that is getting your business free newspaper advertising!
Prior to using any of the methods used to get free newspaper advertising that are mentioned in this article, be sure to:
- Become familiar with the newspaper’s content and style. Is the paper’s content conservative or liberal? Is the writing style formal or informal? Does the paper accept letters to the editor or consider printing freelance articles?
- Determine the proper departments to go through and who is in charge of the various sections at the newspaper office. Take time to call the receptionist and inquire as to whom to best approach with your ‘story.’
- Make sure that you have photos on hand that are relevant to the story.
- Make sure that you, as well as any sources, are open to being interviewed for additional information.
- Be sure to list your correct contact information. There is nothing worse than for an editor or reporter to reach a disconnected phone number.
- Write a story that is not a sales pitch or you will be automatically referred to the advertising department---and PAY for advertising.
- Take the time to create your story that has no grammatical or punctuation errors.
Added Tip: Research Newspapers by Going to Their Websites before Creating a Story to Get Free Newspaper Advertising.
Depending on the size of your area, there could be more than one newspaper that is published. By going to each newspaper’s website, you will be able to locate an abundance of information including its distribution areas, delivery schedule, and department reporters.
“Hook Up” to Free Newspaper Advertising
One of the best methods to get free newspaper advertising is to find a “hook” or relevant community interest topics that you can incorporate your business into.
For example, let’s say you own an electrical repair business. If there was a recent fire in an apartment building that hurt or mortally wounded several residents, you could write about fire safety regarding regular inspection and maintenance of electrical wiring.
You could then go on to ‘just mention’: “the ABC Company located at 123 Main Street offers free yearly wiring checks to their customers and are currently offering 50% repairs for new customers. You can contact them at (123) 256-7891.”
 Be sure to mention just that information at the end of your story so that focus stays on the story---not on your business. Depending on the newspaper’s format, you may also use the byline area such as in, “Story submitted by A. Smith, owner of ABC Company.”
Consider this: if your story is published in the newspaper and is being read (and, hopefully discussed) by many in the community, your business will be considered knowledgeable and trustworthy enough for the newspaper to print a story from it. Your free newspaper advertising using stories will reward you with new customers.
Have Free Newspaper Advertising to Come to You!
Because local newspapers often deal with human interest stories for their readership, there are several ways to have a reporter come to your business to write a story for you (and also give you free newspaper advertising in the process with even more mentions of your business!):
There are several ways to accomplish getting a reporter to cover a story from your business:
- Your company’s anniversary date. If your business is celebrating an anniversary (and is especially promoting a sale in conjunction with it), be sure to let your local newspaper(s) know those details.
- Does your business have an employee who recently received an honor or award?
- Is your business hosting a charitable event?
- Has your business found a way to increase profits while finding alternative energy and materials for products?
- Has your business recently helped with education by hiring students for the summer? Or is your business going to incorporate such a program?
- Does a client have a story to tell about how your company helped his or her business?
- Does your business have a rich history? Can a story be told that “hooks” into a local event?
…you get the idea.
Free newspaper advertising involves great content and a story to tell!
By following these suggestions, free newspaper advertising is easy to pull off!
Things to Keep in Mind to Pull Off Getting Free Newspaper Advertising:
- Read newspapers you are interested in submitting.
- Send story ideas and articles to the proper departments and editors.
- Have photos and sources that can be interviewed on hand.
- Make sure your story is free of grammatical errors.
- Find current events that have to do with your business and write a relevant story involving your business.
- Announce anniversaries, awards, event hosting, and any new programs and/or environmentally-conscious production methods.
- ALWAYS send a thank you to the paper, editor(s), and reporter(s) for their coverage. They love that.
Helpful Websites for Free Newspaper Advertising:
To find newspaper information in your area: http://www.dexknows.com/
Newspapers: USA and Worldwide: http://www.refdesk.com/paper.html
To find more newspapers around the world: http://www.onlinenewspapers.com/
Chambers of Commerce: http://www.chamberofcommerce.com/Public/
Written by Shawna Newton
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