The Myth of “Made It” Before Media
A common misconception among many female entrepreneurs is the belief that they need to achieve a certain level of success before they are “worthy” of media attention. This mindset is not only limiting but also counterproductive, and the truth is, media exposure can be a powerful tool to help you achieve that very success.
Consider Taylor Swift; she didn't wait until she was a Grammy-winning artist to get into the press. From the beginning of her career, she actively sought out media opportunities and this visibility helped her build a fanbase, which in turn propelled her to greater heights. It didn’t happen overnight, but it did happen.
For female business owners, early media exposure can similarly attract customers, investors, and partnerships that are crucial for growth.
Building Credibility and Trust
One of the primary benefits of getting into the press early is the establishment of credibility and trust as media coverage lends an air of legitimacy to your business. When potential customers see you featured in reputable publications or news outlets, they are more likely to trust your brand and this trust is foundational for customer loyalty and can differentiate you from competitors.
For instance, imagine two life coaches offering the same services. One has been featured in Metro, Stylist and on the BBC, while the other has no media presence. The former is more likely to be perceived as credible and trustworthy, leading to higher customer acquisition and retention rates as well as more media opportunities.
Creating a Narrative
As a female entrepreneur, you have a unique story that can resonate with your target audience, and while you might not think so, the press wants to share your journey, challenges, and successes, which humanises your brand and makes it relatable.
Taylor Swift’s narrative evolved over time, but she always controlled her story. Whether she was a country girl from Pennsylvania or a pop icon, she used the media to share her evolution, maintaining a connection with her audience. Similarly, by sharing your business journey, you can build a loyal customer base that feels invested in your success.
Leveraging Media for Growth
Early media exposure can also open doors to growth opportunities such as interest from investors and partners who look to the media to discover new and promising ventures. By being visible in the press, you increase your chances of attracting the attention of potential investors and strategic partners who can provide the resources and support needed for expansion.
Let’s not foget that media coverage can drive traffic to your website and increase your social media following, directly impacting your sales and brand visibility. Every article, interview, or feature acts as a marketing tool that reaches a broader audience than traditional advertising might and can lead to so many things that you might not have seen coming….book deals, awards, events, speaking gigs the list goes on.
Taylor Swift’s journey to fame illustrates the power of media in building a successful career. Female business owners should take a page from her playbook and embrace media opportunities early on.
By doing so, you can build credibility, shape your narrative, attract growth opportunities, and overcome self-doubt.
Remember, you don’t need to be famous to get into the press; getting into the press can make you famous and successful.
If you want to take your first steps to press success, join me on 19 June at 12pm GMT as I show you how to go ‘From Unknown to Unforgettable: Get Famous with PR.
This one-hour, live session is for female business owners and founders who are eager to elevate their brand, gain media exposure, and become industry leaders.
Full details at https://natalietrice.ck.page/7862ebe643
Natalie
