Did you know that there are over 56,000 PR lists out there in the United States?
If you are trying to get on a PR list to make a PR deal, then you better get networking soon!
There are so many reasons that you may want to get on the PR list. From journalists trying to spread the word about news through different press releases to influencers getting on PR lists to promote brands and grow their own businesses, there are many reasons to do some industry networking.
But do you know how to get on PR lists? If not, then you’ll want to keep reading this guide to learn more!
Build Your Overall Presence
One of the most important things that you can do to get on PR lists is to build your overall presence on the platforms that you want to get attention. If you are an influencer, you will want to spend more time building up your network on Instagram or TikTok as well as YouTube.
If you are a blogger and want a presence that way, definitely spend time honing your blog and building the presence and search engine optimization on it.
You could also be a journalist and want to get a press release with a firm.
To do this, you will want to create high-quality videos and content across your platforms. While doing this, make sure that you are uniquely you. This means having your own brand voice and not trying to be anyone else.
Ensure that you are consistent with when and how much you post so that your audience knows what to expect from you as well. This will increase your engagement and presence on the platform.
Growing a Following
When you are building your presence as an influencer, one of the most important things you have to do is also grow your following. This is what shows PR lists and brands that you already have some type of influence because people are following you.
Ideally, you will have a couple of thousand followers before you start reaching out to brands.
But how do you amass that following?
Start by posting consistent content. It is better to be high-quality content than frequent content. If you can do both, that is even better!
You also do not want to overlook the importance of engaging with others. The more you engage with others, the more that they will engage with you. To do this, create posts that ask questions or have a call-to-action.
You can also respond to all comments on your post, add GIFs to your story and slide bars so people can engage with it, and more.
Additionally, use hashtags on your posts and in your stories to attract more followers.
Create Organic Posts for the Brands
If you really want to work with specific brands, you need to start posting about them organically.
This means that you are posting on your stories, Reels, and posts with the brand in them.
For instance, if you are a travel influencer, you can easily incorporate various brands that you could work with organically into your content. Here are some examples:
- Post a story about your favorite deodorant brand when you go on a hike to keep you smelling good throughout the day
- Create a reel about your favorite carry-on items and tag the brands that you love to use
- Create a packing list for your camping trip and tag the brands that you love to bring with you on your camping outings
By doing this, you will get the brand’s attention that you want to work with. This will increase the chance that you are put on your favorite brand’s PR list.
Get creative with it! There is no one right way to do it all!
In addition to this, you should also be tagging all brands that are in your posts. So if you are posting a Reel, TikTok, or photo just because you like it, this is still a good chance to tag a brand.
For instance, you may love a photo of yourself on the beach in your favorite bikini.
If that’s the case, tag the bikini! Tag the beach you’re at! Tag your sunglasses. These are all brands (even the beach tourism board) that you could end up working with if you start tagging organically!
Approach the Brands
If you really are eager to get on the brand’s PR list, then it is time to start taking the bold steps. This means you can approach the brands yourself!
You shouldn’t wait for brands to come to you! You have pull for your own audience, so you should own that! Go up to the brands, email them, message them on Instagram – do whatever you have to do to get their attention (without going overboard, of course).
You can research the companies that you want to work with that align with your niche on your platforms. Reach out to them to specifically ask to be put on their PR list. To do this, you can find the PR contacts online through various sites to contact them directly.
The last thing you want to do is contact the wrong person as this can hurt your chances of getting noticed or responded to. This is why it is important to try to figure out the right contact before you start sending emails.
How to Make the Approach
But how do you send the right type of email? What do you say? How do you pitch them?
For starters, you want to ensure that you are professional in the email that you send.
You should start by introducing yourself to the brand and explaining why you are reaching out. You should also state how being on their PR list could be beneficial for not only yourself but the brand as well. They will want to know how you can help them. Make sure that you make this clear!
Collaborate With Others
If you grow a following, you may notice that you start talking to more and more people on Instagram that also have followings. If you do that, you could even choose to collaborate with them!
Whether you are collaborating on a giveaway or just a post when the two of you get together, this will expand your reach because not only are you reaching your own audience, but you are also reaching theirs.
You could also go live with another content creator or influencer to expand your reach as well. By doing this, you are increasing your chances of being put onto a PR list.
Make sure that if you choose to go this route that you and your collaboration partner are in the same niche. If you are a travel influencer and try to partner with a beauty influencer, this may not go well for either of your followings. This could do more bad than good.
Always Follow Up
One of the most important things that you can do when you are trying to make a PR deal is to follow up. When you are networking within the influencer industry, follow-ups are very important.
Emails are easily lost because brands and PR agencies are constantly getting requests from people to be on their PR lists. If you want to stand out, you need to make yourself stand out. To do that, following up shows your determination and consistency.
When you do this, make sure that it is done professionally. You shouldn’t follow up every single day, either.
You should give it 48 hours before you start following up to the PR agency or brand. From there, you can follow up every 24-48 hours for 5 days. After that, it is best to move forward without following up again.
You can always try again in a few months if you don’t hear back but you do not want to overdo it.
How to Get on PR Lists
This is your ultimate guide on how to get on PR lists. If this is something that you have been wanting to do for quite some time, you now know how to do it!
Because of that, you’ll feel more confident in knowing what you are doing. And that confidence will show!
Start growing your audience, tagging brands organically, and start reaching out!
If you want to submit a press release, we want to help you do that as well! You can contact us at eReleases today.