Whether your company is large or small, putting a “media room” on your website provides a host of benefits. I’m really surprised more companies don’t do it. A media room is a section -or page – of your site that includes such things as links to press releases, company announcements, a company profile, client case studies, informational podcasts, bios of key leaders, and contact information.
Why Add a Media Room to Your Site?
Legitimacy. When potential customers check you out on the web – and they all do – a robust media room shows them that you are an active and accomplished participant in your industry. In addition, corporate sites are often interpreted (with much justification) as self-serving bombast. A media room properly done offers facts, in some cases from independent sources. All this assures potential and current customers you are a credible source rather than a maker of incredible claims.
Preserve Your Record. We’ve all heard the expression, out of sight, out of mind. Salespeople forget their firm’s remarkable achievements rather quickly. Sales opportunities may be lost because nobody remembered a relevant case study. A news archive ensures that persuasive sales information is there when you need it. A quick repurposing of content such as sending a prospect a link to an archived article can make the difference between a new client and a lost opportunity.
Draw Visitors In. A media room is a popular destination for new and recurring visitors. People are curious: we love news, especially on the web. If visitors like what they see in your media room, they’ll explore other areas of your site.
Create Opportunities for Media Exposure. Reporters scour the web for sources for stories on every topic under the sun. Let them know you are experts in your field, and make it easy for them to reach you. You may be rewarded with a feature story in an influential print or online publication.
Need help setting up a media room? Let me give you a hand. A media room takes a bit of work, but delivers results.
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Chicago based SEO copywriting, blog consulting, and content strategy consulting.
Content Marketing from Word Sell
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- How to Be a Better Sales Manager, Part 2 – Keep Your Distance
- The About Us Page – How to Write a Website, Chapter 2
Interactive Marketing from Northbound
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I like the idea of a media room… Unfortunately for me, I don’t do the most fantastic job of capturing video and making announcements about my company. I do however do a good job of voicing things like upcoming speaking engagements (here is where I should do a better job of capturing photo and video).
Ricardo, You are not alone. I have the same problem, and I notice that even companies with large marketing staffs usually don’t get around to creating and archiving a record of their achievements and activities. Very ironic, really, because all of the case studies, accomplishments, and pure activity is highly influential with prospective and current customers – probably much more than the sales collateral that’s put out.
Brad, great and important point. I have a media page (that still needs work but I’m trying to escape cobbler syndrome) and work with clients on developing hosted and self-hosted media rooms. When I am searching for info, I am often surprised at how many people simply do not have an easy way to communicate with the media, and that includes many “well known” personalities. This is great advice, if you want publicity you need to be prepared for it in every way.
Karen, You and I are in the same boat with the media room – it’s been on my own to-do list for … ahem … too long!
Interesting comments, I did not know this blog and found it by clicking on something else. It’s allready in my bookmarks so you will see me back soon.