Increasingly, we’re abandoning traditional news sources like morning newspapers and evening network news broadcasts. Some people now get their news from Comedy Central or Saturday Night Live. Others go to Facebook or the Drudge Report. What’s consistent among all consumers seeking news is that they’re looking for a news source they can trust. According to the Pew Research Center, on both Facebook and Twitter, more users are getting news than in the past. As of early 2015, 63 percent of Facebook and Twitter users get news on those sites. This is up substantially from 2013, when about half of each network’s users reported getting news there.
If your facts are reliable and your writing is clear, you can build trust and establish yourself as an authoritative voice by doing your own journalism. Attorneys shouldn’t hesitate to report on high-profile cases, recent rulings, and current legislative proposals. Real estate brokers should report on market conditions, interesting community events, or anything that might be of interest to homebuyers or sellers. Use your imagination – the only limits are the basic rules of online marketing. Give your visitors practical and engaging content, make sure your facts are accurate, and add your own take or insights. You’ll establish credibility, you’ll show visitors that you care about what’s important to them, and you’ll slowly build a growing readership base.
You need not confine your “journalism” content to a blog. Professionals and even small businesses now use podcasts, video, and more to “report the news.” Several law firms and other businesses have created separate websites devoted entirely to news. Let the experts at an internet marketing firm explain the many options that are available to you. As your content is liked and shared by followers and friends, your influence – and your readership – will grow, and you’ll turn some of those readers into clients and customers. If you don’t feel comfortable adding “journalist” to your list of obligations, or if you are as busy as most business owners and professionals, get some help from the experts at an internet marketing firm. Make the call promptly and start putting the internet to work for you.
