Is A Forbes Mention Right for Your Business?

Many business owners dream of being featured in big-name publications like Forbes or Fast Company. It's an enticing thought, isn't it? The prestige, the wide audience, the validation—it's a powerful allure. However, the reality is that these might not be the best fit for your business. Here's why.

If you're a startup aiming to attract investors, getting into Forbes could be beneficial. It provides credibility and visibility in the eyes of potential investors who read these publications. However, if you're a small local business, your focus should be on local media. This might seem less glamorous, but it's often far more effective.

Why Local Media Matters

Local media outlets are where your customers are. They are read, watched, and listened to by the people who are most likely to walk into your store or use your service. Imagine you're a local coffee shop in Baton Rouge. It's unlikely that Forbes will cover your story. Even if they did, how many of their readers are going to be in Baton Rouge, looking for a new coffee shop? Probably not many.

And if a PR company promises they can get you featured in a national publication, be wary. They might be overstating their capabilities and wasting your money on an effort that won't yield the best results for your business.

Building Local Relationships

Instead, channel your energy towards local outlets and reporters who understand your niche. Local journalists are often looking for stories about businesses in their community. They want to highlight what's happening in their own backyard.

Here’s how you can make this work:

1. Identify Local Media Outlets: Make a list of local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and TV channels. Don't forget about community blogs and social media pages that have a strong local following.
   
   

2. Find the Right Contacts: Look for reporters who cover business, lifestyle, or your specific industry. Most media websites have contact information for their journalists. Twitter can also be a great resource for finding and connecting with local reporters.
   
   

3. Build Relationships: This is crucial. Invite local journalists for a cup of coffee at your shop. Share your story with them, and more importantly, show them why your business matters to the community. It's about creating a personal connection and giving them a reason to care about your business.
   
   

4. Create Newsworthy Stories: Think about what makes your business unique. Are you hosting a community event? Launching a new product? Doing something innovative? These are the kinds of stories that local media love to cover.
   
   

5. Be Persistent and Patient: Building these relationships and getting media coverage takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Keep reaching out, keep inviting, and keep sharing your story.

The Benefits of Local Coverage

Local media coverage can have a significant impact on your business. It builds credibility within your community, drives local traffic to your business, and can even improve your local SEO. When people see your business being talked about in local publications, it builds trust and recognition.

In the end, it's all about connecting with your actual audience. Your customers are the lifeblood of your business. National media might give you a brief moment of glory, but local media can create lasting relationships that drive real, tangible results.

So, remember: Go where your customers are. It's not the easiest way to get covered, but it is the right way. Focus on building genuine relationships with local media, and you'll see the benefits for your business.