Be Memorable: 5 Tips to Show You How

Strong media coverage can build your credibility and put you on the radar of funders, donors, volunteers, and key leaders. That attention can help advance your mission. The question is: how do you earn exposure that moves the work forward? My answer is simple.

If you want favorable media coverage, you must stand out. Journalists are inundated with content, pleas for coverage, and a grueling 24/7 news cycle. There is no shortage of people and ideas competing for attention. To be noticed you must stand out. Here are five tips to help you do so:

You’ve heard the saying, its not what you say but how you say it. That’s true when it comes to landing a message, but it’s also true when it comes to standing out. You can say a common thing in an unconventional or unexpected way. If you do this long enough, you are likely going to attract attention.

If you work in the social justice sector, the media will expect you to be supportive of social justice issues – equality for all, fair housing, quality education, climate change, etc. To the extent that you have an unconventional approach for achieving these things or a compelling perspective on why these issues matter, is the extent to which journalists will be eager to not only speak with you but include you in their coverage.

When you engage with the media, and certainly the public, be yourself. There’s no need to speak like anyone else, nor do you need to adopt the same approaches as others. It’s important to bring your full self to every interview and every discussion. When journalists feel they’re engaging with someone who is unique, different, and interesting, they are more likely to be interested in what that person has to say. If your whole self is eccentric, don’t be afraid to let that part of you show.

When you accept an interview, come out of the gate swinging. No need to wait for the right question. Prepare your main messages in advance and immediately get to work sharing those. The goal is to capture the attention of the journalists, and by extension, their audience as quickly as possible. You may not get a chance to gradually build, so get to the point quickly. One way to support you in doing this is to deliver the Bottom Line Up Front, and then unpack that bottom line with potent and unforgettable examples.

If you are responding to breaking news, you want to be among the first to do so. Waiting to respond even 48 hours after breaking news may be too late. Aim to respond within the first day, when possible. If a reporter emails you, aim to give them a response within a couple of hours. We explain how to do this here.

I know your work is important, and it deserves attention. It is indeed possible to get the spotlight you deserve. Click on the blue ‘Schedule a Consultation’ button in the top right corner of our website. Your current and future self will thank you.