If you’re wondering how to get free publicity for your small business, start up or current project, Facebook groups are a great source. Some groups are set up just for finding people like yourself to quote, while others focus on a topic in your field that might have a writer looking for information. Many writers like to use this in addition to HARO and join several Facebook groups to ask for tips from reliable sources. It can be a faster way for them to access experts that can shed light on a topic. If you ask around, you might be able to get in one. The following are tips to land press while using this social media platform.
1. Answer promptly
If someone drops a request into a Facebook group and wants you to email them, getting your tips in right away makes a difference. You will give the writer ample time to soak in your ideas for the piece before their deadline. This allows your response to marinate a bit and they can begin to think about the context they will wrap around your answers.
They can also start to group other responses that go together. This not only gives them more time, it shows your willingness to collaborate efficiently in the article. Many writers have fast turnaround times and need information on short notice. If you’re able to deliver, you will become known as a great source and they could hand your name off to other writers. If they request tips in the Facebook group but ask for a response via email, make sure to let them know that you’re sending some over on the thread. This way they’ll know to look out for yours.
2. Over deliver
Give multiple and varied tips so the writer has options. Someone else could have unknowingly emailed over similar tips that sound exactly like yours or they could have already responded on the thread. You can potentially get cut out of the article if their response makes it there first. So if you want to still have a chance, give at least three tips unless they specify otherwise.
If the tips aren’t sent privately and they ask you to comment directly on the thread in Facebook, put ones on that aren’t as common. For example, if you’re asked to participate in an article about 8 Money Mistakes You Might Not Be Aware of (and How to Fix Them), avoid saying something like “stop buying lattes.” Everyone has heard that before. People don’t want to read the same tips over and over. They tune those out and often click away. Offer a fresh take or highlight something new like an app or hack that’s easy to use.
3. Take the initiative
If you’re unsure about the writer’s request or you need more details to respond, still offer something. The writer can ask you questions or you can ask for more clarification in the same email or on the thread after giving your response. Don’t wait around. It’s better to submit something than nothing. Also, once they give the specifics, be as detailed as possible. It’s easier for them to cut out or pare down what you wrote versus adding more information. You don’t want to go back and forth too much on email unnecessarily either. Be thorough from the start and you can easily become a go-to source for your area of expertise.
4. Check over what you send.
While everyone makes a typo or grammatical error (myself included). Make it as easy as possible for the writer to share your insight. If they have to spend extra time cleaning up your work, don’t be surprised if they don’t use you as a source again. If you’re not the best at editing your own work, have a friend look it over first before sending it.
5. Do what you’re told
If the writer gives detailed instructions like send your name, title and website along with the tips, do that. If they have to hunt you down for any of these details, it’s frustrating and you can get your response eliminated right off the bat. They will be able to separate professional from amateurs if you do this on a regular basis. Also, you don’t want to be perceived as someone who can’t follow basic procedures.
The Bottom Line
If you want to be more effective at getting quoted for articles, try these tips to land more press. Soon enough writers will start including you and then you’ll have bragging rights to share their article on Facebook.
