Are you aiming to expand your blog and business? No matter what kind of business you have, getting featured in the media can boost your market reach, page views, income, and more.
Today, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Selena Soo. Selena has been featured in major publications like Forbes, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, and Inc., as well as on top podcasts like Entrepreneur On Fire and Smart Passive Income. I’ve heard great things about Selena over the years, and we eventually connected when we found out we were both in the same small town in Puerto Rico for a few months.
Media features are always a big win for me, and I know they do wonders for a blog. In 2021, I’m aiming to land even more features. I’ve been featured on Oprah, Reader’s Digest, Forbes, CNBC, Business Insider, and many more. From my experience, I know how valuable media mentions can be.
I often get asked how I’ve secured so many media features, and today, you can learn how to get your blog and business featured more often. In this interview, you’ll learn:
– How publicity has transformed Selena’s life.
– How it can help grow your blog.
– The first step to getting featured in the media.
– What makes an effective pitch.
– How to build authentic relationships without being annoying.
– And much more!
You can also get free access to her 2021 Publicity Calendar, which includes 179 story ideas, dates, and hooks to help you generate endless media buzz. If you want to get featured in magazines and popular websites, this is a must-have.
Enjoy the interview with Selena below.
1. **Tell me your story. Who are you and what do you do?**
I’m a publicity and marketing strategist who has worked with everyone from eight-figure business owners to new entrepreneurs. I help them showcase their expertise through the media. But my seven-figure company didn’t appear overnight. In my mid-20s, I had a quarter-life crisis while working for a nonprofit. During that time, I discovered a network of inspirational authors, coaches, and entrepreneurs. Their wisdom and mentorship helped me through a tough period, and I felt inspired to help them reach more people. I started my publicity agency to help them create a bigger impact, and I’ve since expanded my brand into other offerings, like my best-selling online program, Impacting MillionsⓇ.
2. **How has publicity changed your life and business?**
Helping others get attention came naturally to me, but as an introvert, I avoided the spotlight. However, I knew I needed to become visible to make a significant impact. After my first guest post, I doubled my email list with over 1,000 sign-ups on the first day. Since then, I’ve been featured in top publications and podcasts, which has helped me grow my audience, increase my credibility, and build a multi-seven-figure business.
3. **How and why did you start connecting with influential people?**
I started connecting with people who inspired me because I wanted to help them spread their message. I followed their work closely and saw opportunities to support them. I reached out with helpful suggestions and connections. Today, I count many amazing people as my friends, mentors, and clients.
4. **How can publicity help grow a blog and other businesses?**
Publicity is the quickest way to gain credibility in your industry. It’s one thing to claim you’re the best, but it’s another to have media and influencers vouch for you. Our students have used publicity to establish themselves as authorities, sell their courses, find new clients, and elevate their businesses. Many have increased their rates, consistently earned $10,000 per month, secured book deals, and significantly boosted their revenue.
5. **Can you go over the steps it takes to get featured in the media?**
The first step is to prepare yourself mentally for the opportunity. Many of my clients and students dream of media features but are terrified to put themselves out there. In Impacting Millions, we help you adopt the right mindset so you can confidently reach out to media contacts. It’s also essential to position yourself as an expert and have a compelling story idea.
6. **What is an effective pitch? What does it consist of?**
Email is the best way to reach out to the media. A strong pitch includes an attention-grabbing subject line and an email body that establishes why you’re an expert worth noticing. Include your story ideas and relevant work samples, like writing samples for guest posts or video clips for TV appearances.
7. **How can a person make themselves stand out to get media features?**
Offer the media a compelling story idea with a headline that grabs attention. Outline tips with fresh, surprising perspectives. Highlight your unique insights by offering advice they haven’t heard before.
8. **How can a blogger build authentic relationships without being annoying?**
Take a genuine interest in others by understanding their needs and goals. Small actions like leaving thoughtful comments on social media or sharing their content can make a big impact. Suggest virtual coffee dates to learn more about their projects and how you can help.
9. **What advice would you give to an introvert afraid to put themselves out there?**
Reconnect with your why. It’s natural to have fears, but remembering that your work serves a greater good can help alleviate some of that fear.
10. **Can you tell me more about your program, Impacting MillionsⓇ?**
Impacting Millions is for entrepreneurs, experts, coaches, and service providers who want to reach more people with their message. You’ll learn to create a strategic media plan to land dream publicity opportunities and become a sought-after leader. This will help you attract clients more easily and make a bigger impact.
11. **What is your best tip for someone who wants media success?**
Focus on stories that the media outlet’s audience wants to hear. Aim to be the first to highlight a trend, offer original advice, or drive traffic to their site. Also, promote your media appearances to create excitement and encourage sharing.
12. **You have a free gift for readers who want more publicity. Can you tell us more about that?**
Yes! I have a 40+ page Publicity Calendar with hundreds of story ideas, key dates, and hooks to get into the media. Making your pitches timely and relevant is crucial, and this calendar helps you do just that. You can download your free copy instantly.
Are you trying to grow your blog or business? Have you tried getting featured in the media? What other questions do you have for Selena?