Securing stories in the press for a charity can be incredibly valuable, providing new sources of support and raising the profile of the organisation. But what does it take to get good coverage for a charity?
Media Coverage for a Charity: How to Get It
As ever, it is all about the story. A charity may be doing a range of interesting and important things, but simply being a charity is not enough. Think about current events, changing circumstances and topics of discussion, and what the charity can offer in terms of a relevant angle or update. Having a good human interest hook can be particularly useful, as it provides a real person who the media can relate to the story.
Charities, Good Causes and Tips for Generating Stories: Ideas for the Press
There are a range of angles that charities can utilise for press coverage, including, but not limited to, fundraising challenges, new projects, innovative ideas, partnerships with other businesses, community initiatives and others. Awareness days and events can also be excellent opportunities, especially if the charity can provide something new. A good angle is essential, as it will help to differentiate the charity from the dozens of other similar organisations, giving the press something to work with.
How to Tell Better Stories for a Charity: Ideas for the Press
Stories about charities and good causes are not that different from any other stories, in that they should have an engaging hook, supporting facts and figures, a human element and so on. The human element should be a real person, where possible, telling a real story. Quotes should be realistic, as the journalists will be attributing words to specific people, so it is best to make them sound genuine. Photos and video evidence can also help, as they add a personal touch, allowing the journalists to create a more engaging piece using the charity’s own material.
How to Promote a Charity Fundraising Campaign for the Press
When it comes to promoting a fundraising campaign, it is a good idea to think beyond asking for donations, as the press will not be particularly interested in simply asking for money. Instead, provide them with a figure to reach, a challenge to meet, or a deadline by which things must be achieved. Journalists can then use this as the basis of their story, providing readers with something to aim for and work towards. Alternatively, the focus could be on the people involved and their particular reasons for supporting the cause or taking part in the campaign, or on any particularly interesting challenges which they face. The more angles that can be explored, the more likely it is that the press will pick up the story.
How to Launch a Charity Campaign for the Press
The launch of a charity campaign is all about publicity, and it is important to think about how best to promote it. This means preparing any press releases, social media posts, photos or videos for upload, quotes for sharing and more. Particular care should be taken to think about timing, both in terms of when the story is due to be published and whether there are any other exciting events happening at the same time. It is also a good idea to ensure that there is someone available who can speak knowledgeably about the campaign, perhaps by utilising a case study or spokesperson. Ideally, the launch should have something for the press to work with, rather than simply stating facts.
How to Get National Press Coverage for a Small Charity
A small charity has every chance of getting fantastic press coverage, even if it is a local organisation. National newspapers and magazines are always looking for interesting angles, and simply having a campaign which affects everyone, even if it is based in one town, can be enough to attract their attention. Think about whether the issues the charity is addressing are ones which could have national appeal, or whether there are any particularly intriguing angles which could be pursued. The charity should also think about the people that it works with or serves, as a particularly interesting case study or an engaging spokesperson could get fantastic coverage in the national press. Everything comes down to the story, and small charities should think about what theirs is, rather than focusing on the size of the organisation.
Charity Events: How to Get Good Press Coverage
Charity events can be excellent opportunities to promote a good cause, and are particularly useful when it comes to getting press coverage. It is important to think about possible angles for the event, and to contact local and specialist press in advance to promote it. Photos and interviews at the event will also be useful to the press, and the results of the event can provide another angle for future coverage.
How to Find the Human Story Behind a Charity Campaign
Ultimately, the human story is what will get any charity campaign covered in the press. This could be a beneficiary of the charity’s work, a fundraiser who has gone above and beyond, a family member, or even a member of staff. Anyone who can provide a human face for the charity and engage the public or press should be considered, as they will provide a hook for any campaign, allowing the press to connect the readers to the charity. After all, people like people, so it is always a good idea to put a face to a name.
Find Out More About PR Services
If you wish to find out more, we would love to hear from you. Why not visit www.quitegreat.co.uk and get in touch?
