Get on Talk Radio
Entire businesses can be launched on the radio. Combined with press releases, radio appearances reach a whole new audience, create tons of credibility and build goodwill.
There is a specific system of steps to use to get on the radio—and effective methods to use to create inteerest and listener action when you’re on the air.
Step 1 – Listen to the radio, read newspapers, watch TV news, subscribe to news blog rss feeds, and setup a Google Alert that tracks your area of expertise. These actions will help you stay current with what’s in the news and how your message might tie in with it.
Step 2 – Once you’ve discovered an angle or obvious tie-in to a current news story, write a press release that both illustrates your expertise on this issue, has a unique take and clearly explains to them the reason their listeners will benefit from hearing you as a guest. Remember, pitch your expertise as a solution to the problem that’s making news.
For example, computer security firms could write "10 tips to Secure Your Online Identity" press release and then back that up with their track record and unique position in the market. A meat market might write a press release about "7 Reasons Local Fresh Meat Is Safer and More Nutritious"… you get the idea.
Think outside the box! Radio is a bit different and they like guests with unique and useful takes on situations.
Your key will be to connect your product, your service, or simply your own industry knowledge to either a current news topic or a relevant topic that a particular talk show host is looking for.
Step 3 - In many cases, it might be some time until there is a logical or even illogical but useful tie in to your service or expertise. This is where you can build a relationship with the host.
Most times you will be offering your story directly to the show’s host before getting invited on the air. (With larger shows, you’ll probably speak with the program director or producer.)
Sending out a general press release that talks about your company, your area of expertise and your availability to talk on short notice about that area plants seed that media people will appreciate. If you follow up on the phone and have a quick conversation, just to show that you are normal, and sound good with a good mind, that will really help.
Always be mindful of their time.
Radio hosts are under a lot of pressure… sifting through, evaluating and producing a tremendous amount of information each day. If you can show them how you can be a trusted resource to make that job easier, you will be on the radio quite a bit.
The Best Hook
The best hook when first approaching talk show hosts and producers…
Build a Top 7 or Top 10 list that relates to a recent news item.
Remember: talk radio is entertainment that has a purpose to inform and engage the audience. It’s about interaction. The more interesting and lively you can be on the air, the longer the show’s listeners will stay tuned.
To take maximum advantage and make income while you’re on the air, remember a short summary sentence, so that you sound natural when you deliver it. You might offer every listener a free report if they join your mailing list, for example. Use a short url for the landing page.
Whatever you decide to offer, make it especially easy to respond.
A large percentage of listeners are hearing you while they are driving in their car. Get a toll-free number and have a 24hr recorded message, and register a website domain that is easy to write down. Then, be prepared to receive potentially hundreds of calls and responses within minutes of your being on the air.
Other Posts online…
Are You Ready For Radio? – One little mention on the radio can do wonders for your business. But it takes a lot of preparation to get mentioned, to sound eloquent, and to be ready for the listener response. Here are some tips to help you through the process. …
Get Interviewed – Live Radio Show – As I’ve posted before – we’re in the process of writing a book about “go getters” people who found their passion , embraced it, and started a business with it… or at least has landed on the path to fulfillment. …
Filed under Business Consulting, Business Development, Interview by Michael Walsh.
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