Professional home stagers are in a unique position to offer interesting content and photos simply by bragging about the work they have done.  Media writers are always looking for good ideas and visuals to write about.  Put the two together, and you have publicity. 

§      Write a column for your local newssheet with before-and-after photos.  Sometimes they'll even give you ad space for free when you do this! 

§      Send notices of newly staged homes to the real estate section of your paper.  

§      Treat the media with respect.  Think of them as your prospective clients and that your story idea is the item they've been waiting for. 

§      Learn about the media outlet before you contact them and frame your story idea around their customer’s needs and interests. 

§      Request media kits from the publications you are targeting to get demographics and editorial calendar.  For example, if they are doing a magazine on no-cost home improvements, you want to be listed as a redesigner.  

§      Do your research.  Put together interesting content.  Be patient.  

Here is a quick rundown of how to get good public relations:

§      Research exactly who to contact. – Every publication will have the author’s name and contact information.  Build your local media list by finding out who the editor of the real estate section in your paper is or who does the writing in local publications that center around what you do.  Do this for your local magazines and real estate publications. 

CLICK HERE for an online list by state!

§      Cultivate the art of a good email. – I know you’re probably not fond of the idea of picking up the phone and pitching your idea, so don’t.  Craft a short email news story with a link to your Kodak album that will interest their readers.  Include your quotes and any other people’s that would have interest to the story, for example, “‘This was the best money I’ve ever spent to market a home!’ said Jane, a Coldwell real estate agent.”  You can also include a press release on the bottom of the email.  Make sure the subject line of the email pertains to what they would be interested in, e.g., “Unique Home Selling Story”.

§      Cultivate the art of a good press release. – You can also include a press release in the body of the email or on the bottom of the email.  Below are some good examples in the Resources section.

§      Be professional. – Watch what you send and don’t be too pushy.  If they like it, they’ll use it.  Make sure you send success stories, special interest stories and lots of photo links to keep it interesting.