Build Your Online Media Room

An Online Media Room is an interactive area on your website that features company information that is easily accessible and downloadable for immediate use by: the media, potential investors, your customers and others. Below is a list of items to include in your media room.

1. Contact information. Includes contact name, phone number and email address for your readers to use if they require more information.

2. One Sheet or fact sheet is a single document that summarizes a product or service for publicity and sales purposes.

3. Electronic Press Kit is a saved into a PDF file format that is easily accessible and downloadable.

4. Interactive Press Release (news release) is one that has links, images, videos and social media tags embedded within it.

5. Photos and images for stories help to illustrate your point visually, which is great way to hold your reader’s interest.

6. Previous Media Mentions. Always post your media mentions on your site to let others you are newsworthy. This instantly ups your creditability factor too.

7. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) allows you to digitally communicate your message or content directly to those who want to hear it.

8. Video and audio messages are very powerful as it adds a visual and human element to your company.

Coaching Exercise

List the types of information that will be included in your Online Media Room. Start by looking at other business websites for inspiration.

Checklist

* Make sure information is easy to access and download.
* Include your downloadable press releases, one-sheet, media kit, videos, etc.
* Consider offering an RSS feed, to keep readers engaged.

Remember to start where you are by using the press materials you have already developed throughout this guide (e.g. press release, media kit, one-sheet, etc.). To learn more about marketing strategies, visit http://www.blackecommerce.com and download a free copy of Top 5 Secrets Smart Business Owners Use to Market Online.

Deshawn Johnson is a Small Business Coach and founder of Black e-Commerce, a new media company that provides business and lifestyle solutions for entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners. She is the author of PR Secrets Unplugged, a Do-it-Yourself guide that includes a customized media list, publicity plan and social media plan to make your PR efforts easier. Deshawn has appeared on Black Enterprise Business Report and WOKB 1680 AM and was featured in the Delta Journal, Tell US USA News Network and Black Enterprise Digital Digest.