One of the simplest ways to spark earned media is through strong customer relationships. Treating clients well creates natural advocates who will tell your story for you. Beyond that, think about event sponsorships, community involvement, and creating strong relationships with media so your press releases get attention, especially when you have important news to share. These strategies can catch the attention of local journalists and industry blogs.

Earned media builds trust, widens your audience, and establishes your reputation as part of the community. The best part? It’s often free, relying on your ability to connect and communicate, creating relationships with people instead of relying on your marketing budget to do it for you.

Another way to build earned media is by creating memorable customer experiences. A unique product launch, a behind-the-scenes video, or even a small gesture of kindness can inspire people to share your story online. These organic conversations often travel further than planned campaigns, especially when they tap into emotion or surprise.

Don’t underestimate the power of partnerships. Teaming up with another local business, not for profit organization, or school can generate buzz that benefits everyone involved. Joint events, co-branded promotions, or community projects create natural story angles for local media and show your commitment to collaboration.

Finally, make it easy for people to share your story. Encourage reviews, provide high-quality photos on your website and social pages, and thank customers when they give you a shout-out online. The more you encourage and celebrate those authentic voices, the stronger your earned media presence will become. Over time, this network of goodwill becomes one of your greatest assets.

We hope you enjoyed this post. We will expand on earned media in upcoming posts, including how to create good relationships with media and Corporate Social Responsibility. “Write. Speak. Share.” posts new content every other week. We focus on writing, voice work, audio production, and tips to make your public relations campaigns shine. If there is something you would like us to cover, shoot us a message. We’d love to hear from you!