10 ways to Hype Yourself without using a press release
Why you don’t need to be a media relations expert to promote yourself
--
People think PR is only about getting yourself into a newspaper. However, there are so many more ways you can grow your audience, drive sales, build your brand and promote your business. Here are some of my favourites.
1. Podcasts
Business. Personal. Hobbies. Passions. Parenthood. Creativity. You name it. There is a podcast around it. I’ve done a real mixture of podcasts, and I make new connections and learn more about my messaging every time. It’s a little bit like a permanent dress rehearsal.
2. Newsletter
I’ve slowly cultivated my newsletter and constantly kicked myself that I give social media way more attention than my monthly newsletter. However, it has a great open rate, and I get some lovely notes back. It also gives me some security that I own some database of my consumers.
3. Social media
I treat social media as an honest micro-billboard campaign. It’s there to show people how to work with me and what I’m about and remind them I’m there. You can start having fun when you treat it like this, not a popularity contest.
4. Medium
A new avenue for me. I’m enjoying experimenting with a new medium (excuse the pun) and format to connect with a different audience. My nightly doom scroll has moved from social media feeds
5. Guest articles
Similar to Medium but pitching to write for other small business owners' websites, brand blogs and national media. Many of these opportunities generate income, but this is a chance to build my audience.
6. Public Speaking
Hands down my most effective new business tool. The more expertise and information I give away for free, the greater return on investment (ROI).
7. Writing books
I’ve written two. To date, my first book, baby (which gets most of the love and attention — sorry Brand Yourself), whilst it doesn’t sell as it did in the beginning, still manages to sell about x2 copies a day on a good month. Not bad for a 3-year-old niche book.
8. Workshops
Free workshops, paid-for workshops for myself or teaching for other organisations. It doesn’t matter which way the format goes. It is, without doubt, my favourite way to connect with people. It’s where I feel I can give the most value and make the most change.
9. Collaborations
With brands, other small business owners, and other PR industry folk. Collaborating is one of the easiest ways to Hype Yourself.
Be warned though: its also the biggest trap I see freelancers fall into. They grab every opportunity to collaborate without thinking about the long-term ramifications of how that might reflect on them. Think less about their audience numbers and more about do they align with your values.
10. Products
I’ve written previously about why I made a product to launch a new service arm of my business. The product was a great way to get my name out there and be known for something. It set me apart from my competitive set and was a fun gift.
Knowing where to start or what to say is the biggest roadblock I repeatedly see when it comes to people hyping themselves. Pick one of the above and focus on it for three-months.
Let me know how you get on or if you have other methods.
If you enjoy reading stories like these and want to support me as a writer, consider signing up to become a Medium member. It’s $5 a month, giving unlimited access to Medium stories. I’ll earn a small commission if you sign up using my link.
PR is more than just pitching to journalists. If you want to improve your DIY PR, grab a copy of my book Hype Yourself or join my monthly newsletter.
