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OHIO LOCAL BUSINESS DIGEST
Want Free Publicity? Here is How to Get It
Local news outlets are DESPERATE for good stories.
Newspapers. TV stations. Radio shows. Blogs. Podcasts.
They all need content. Every. Single. Day.
And your business could be that content.
Here is exactly how to get featured.
📰 What Journalists Want
Reporters do not care about your business.
They care about STORIES.
Specifically, they want:
1. Local Angle - What makes this Ohio-specific?
2. Human Interest - Who is the person behind the business?
3. Timely Hook - Why does this matter RIGHT NOW?
4. Impact - How does this affect the community?
Give them these four things and they will write about you.
🎯 Story Angles That Work in Ohio
Angle #1: Local Success Story
Example: Columbus startup grows from garage to 50 employees in 2 years
Why it works: People love local success. It proves Ohio is a great place to do business.
Angle #2: Solving a Community Problem
Example: Cleveland bakery creates jobs for formerly incarcerated workers
Why it works: Business + social impact = media gold.
Angle #3: Unique Local Twist
Example: Akron coffee shop only serves Ohio-roasted beans from Ohio farms
Why it works: Local pride. Ohio supporting Ohio.
Angle #4: Milestone or Achievement
Example: Toledo manufacturer celebrates 100 years, still family-owned
Why it works: Longevity. Tradition. Local heritage.
📧 How to Pitch Your Story
Step 1: Find the Right Reporter
Google: [Your City] business reporter
Look for reporters who cover local business, entrepreneurship, or community news.
Step 2: Write a Simple Email
Keep it SHORT. 3-4 sentences max.
Template:
Subject: Story Idea - [Your Angle]
Hi [Reporter Name],
I run [Business Name] in [City]. We just [milestone/achievement/unique thing].
I thought this might make a good local business story because [why it matters to the community].
Happy to chat if you are interested. I am available [days/times].
Thanks,
Step 3: Follow Up Once
Wait 3-4 days. If no response, send one follow-up.
Then move on to the next reporter.
📺 Real Ohio Examples
Case 1: Dayton Manufacturer
Pitched: We just hired 25 veterans - first Ohio company to commit to 100% veteran workforce
Result: Featured on Dayton Daily News, local TV, statewide radio
Case 2: Cincinnati Restaurant
Pitched: We donated 10,000 meals to Cincinnati families during the pandemic
Result: Cincinnati Enquirer front page, two TV segments, surge in customers afterward
Case 3: Columbus Tech Startup
Pitched: Our app helps Ohio farmers reduce waste by 30%
Result: Columbus Dispatch feature, statewide agriculture podcast, investor inquiries
💡 What NOT to Do
❌ Do not send press releases full of jargon ❌ Do not pitch We exist (nobody cares) ❌ Do not spam every reporter in Ohio ❌ Do not be pushy or salesy
Keep it simple. Keep it local. Make it newsworthy.
📰 This Week in Ohio Business
• Ohio leads Midwest in small business growth - 12% increase in new LLC filings
• Cleveland wins Amazon logistics hub - 2,000 jobs coming by 2027
• Columbus named Top 10 startup city - Tech talent and low costs cited
🎯 Action Step: Pitch ONE Story This Week
Pick your best angle. Find one local reporter. Send the email.
That is it.
One email could lead to thousands of dollars in free publicity.
Worth 10 minutes of your time.
To your success,
Shawn Miller
P.S. Need help crafting your story pitch? Reply to this email. I will help you find your best angle! |