Join us to discuss digital media, technology & AI with guest speakers Mickey Mellen, Stephanie Richards, and Kriston Sellier! Top Floor Businesses is a networking event and moderated Q&A discussion created to help businesses that serve other businesses. Our September topic is "Thriving in Our Digital World", led by a panel with a rich knowledge of digital communications and technology. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/top-floor-businesses-2023-thriving-in-our-digital-world-tickets-699081009117?aff=oddtdtcreator  Key Event Takeaways: 1. Gain insights into which digital platforms to use to support and elevate your business. 2. Network with other business leaders. 3. Help make a difference in the community with a portion of the event proceeds being donated to the Mighty Millie Foundation Topics We'll Cover: • What are the best ways to utilize your marketing dollars to enhance your digital footprint? • How do you know if your digital campaigns are successful or not? • How do you figure out your ROI, and focus in on methods that are working? • AI: Where and when is it useful? Meet the Speakers: • Stephanie Richards (Founder and Director of SowGrow Public Relations): A business-to-business (B2B) public relations expert and entrepreneur, Stephanie specializes in increasing top-line revenue for B2B companies and offers a rich perspective on digital media from a public relations and social media standpoint. • Mickey Mellen (Technical Managing Partner of GreenMellen): Mickey has been designing websites and working in the digital space for over 20 years. He has studied AI for the past two years and provides great insights into the benefits and efficiencies involved in these relatively new software technologies. • Kriston Sellier (Founder and President of id8): Branding expert and our very own CEO, Kriston will be providing information to our audience on how to utilize digital media to blast your brand in a way that is both consistent and memorable. Admission is $30.23 ($25 + tax and fees), with a portion being donated to the Mighty Millie Foundation. In honor of Millie, the event will be a yellow-out, so wear as much yellow as you can! Virtual attendance is also an option. If you would like to attend virtually in lieu of attending in person, select the virtual ticket option at checkout. Members of id8 Collective receive free admission to this event. The Top Floor Businesses Speaker Series is a collaboration between id8, Everest Business Coaching and our regional business community in support of local, non-profit organizations. We are committed to bringing value with more speakers and partnerships throughout the year. Join us and become a part of this journey as we help business professionals rise to the next level. To learn more about the event or to sign up, visit the link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/top-floor-businesses-2023-thriving-in-our-digital-world-tickets-699081009117?aff=oddtdtcreator #TopFloorBusinesses #marketing #marketingevents #mariettaga

What is a newswire and should I use one to earn media coverage?  In a recent SowGrow Marketing Council meeting I talked about what content is newsworthy enough to write a news release.  Today I want to answer the question, “What is a newswire and do I need to post my news release on one?”  A newswire is a distribution platform for news releases. News releases are then sent to editorial offices and journalists who have opted in to receive the content. The information is also posted publicly on the Internet.  A few examples of newswires include:  • Meltwater  • Cision PR Newswire  There are also newswire services available directly through media outlets. Below is an example:  • The Biz Journals  What are the pros of newswires?  • Efficiency: You can post a news release and potentially reach a large number of editorial contacts at once.  • Searchability: News releases often come up in search results, especially when someone is searching under a “news” tab.  • Credibility: Since most newswires have some form of editorial review process and often a verification process, there is added credibility to the news release.  • Media coverage: Depending upon the newsworthiness of the release, some media outlets may publish the release or news story directly on their website.  Cons  • Most releases result in little to no quality media coverage. Quality media coverage usually requires pitching editors and journalists directly with exclusive content and tailored angles. • Depending upon the context, journalists may skip covering your story because they perceive the information as already being out there. They may not see a reason to add duplicate content to the market. • While newswire fees are generally low (between $300-$500), they can increase depending upon the services you use. If you post news releases frequently, the costs can add up. • Your news release usually get lumped in with a bunch of other news release and it can be hard to stand out.  Are newswires worth it?  It depends.  I recommend newswires when:  • A client would benefit from a searchable online history of their company.  • Industry trades tend to pick up newswire releases and publish them.  • A client needs to gain exposure in front of a hard-to-reach audience.  • A client has a small budget and does not have the funds to be able to pitch a release directly to the media.  I do not recommend using a newswire if:  • A client expects a high volume or quality media coverage just by posting a release on a newswire.  • A  client’s news release is not newsworthy content.  • A client feels that $500 to post a release is a high cost. 

Would you like more media coverage for your company? A great way to get media coverage is by publishing a news release. But what do you write about? Below are 18 great newsworthy ideas to get your company more media coverage. 1. Venture capital funding 2. Mergers & acquisitions 3. Executive personnel changes 4. Awards & certifications 5. New product launch or invention 6. Economic or industry impact of new technology or equipment 7. Raising the bar on an industry standard 8. Awards 9. Partnerships 10. Research & data 11. Charitable work / contributions 12. Company rebranding 13. Events open to the public 14. Book publishing 15. New start-up launch 16. Significant growth (i.e., fastest growing company in your industry, etc.) 17. New office or location openings 18. Real estate deals It is also worth noting that some things are NOT newsworthy. Below are a few examples of what NOT to write a news release about. • We redesigned our website! • We are hosting a party. • We are an industry leading company. • Our company is the best and we have the best team! What topics do you think are newsworthy? Leave a comment below. #mediacoverage #mediaexposure #PR #publicrelations #B2BPR #newsreleases