Reporters are often looking for ordinary people who are experts in particular subjects to quote in articles. Sometimes reporters seek people who have had unique experiences or who have overcome obstacles.

If you work from home of have a home business you may have a story of interest to reporters. Reporters sometimes look for people to interview through online bulletin boards, association directories, and online expert’s directories. A reporter may also seek you out through your home business website or articles you have written.

It’s great to write your own articles, but when a reporter is seeking people to interview, you could consider it as free publicity; you won’t have to do your own writing and article promotion.

People hire publicists for the opportunity with connect with reporters; so, jump at the opportunity to be interviewed by a freelance writer. There are, however, some steps for branding yourself as a professional which may lead to future articles with other staff reporters and freelance writers.

First, provide any background information requested by the reporter. The reporter may ask you for pictures of your product, your picture, or historical information about you and your online or work at home business. Offer the reporter promotional material, a written biography, and articles previously written about you and your business.

In most cases, it’s ok to ask the reporter for a general idea of questions she may ask. You can also ask the reporter about the article’s slant. This information will give you an idea of whether the article will cast you in the best possible light. It’s ok to decline an interview, but do it early in the process.

Otherwise, keep your commitment for the interview. Never pull-out of an interview on the same day of the interview. Always give prior notice if you are unable to help the reporter. Suggest someone else who may help or offer to reschedule. Sometimes, however, it’s not possible for the reporter to reschedule an interview with you. Unless you are in a niche field, and you are the only person who can give the reporter information on her topic, you may have to consider the missed interview as a missed opportunity.

Freelance writers, in particular, may submit articles to several different publications. The reporter may tell you that the article is for a blog, and your story may end up in the New York Times. The reporter may also plan to distribute the article as free content on the web. This means that your story, may end up on hundreds of websites and ezines. Ask the reporter if she could include a link to your website in her article. Some editors or publications may not allow her to do this. Editors may also delete certain information when the reporter submits the story. Therefore, you should ask for the link, but understand that there is a chance that it may not be included.

If you do not have a website, you may be asked to provide contact information that the writer can publish. Her readers will want to contact you for additional information. Be prepared for web traffic and possibly hundreds of inquires after the article is published. Always provide a means for readers to get in touch with a live person. You may have to constantly empty your e-mail box and your voice mailbox. Because other reporters have the tendency to “pick up” article ideas based on published work, it’s important that you are available for follow-ups and additional interviews.

It’s taboo to ask a reporter to read her article before it’s published. Don’t ask. Experienced reporters will probably decline your request. You should offer your availability for follow-up questions, however. If possible, offer a cell phone number so you can answer questions immediately. If you are communicating via e-mail or fax, constantly check your e-mail and your fax machine.

Find out when the article will be published. It takes months for a print publication to publish an article, yet Internet articles can be published immediately. Ask the reporter where the article may be published. Freelance writers may not have specific placement information for the article, but they will have an idea of where the article will be pitched.

People who are interviewed for articles often ask reporters for a copy of the article or a link to it. Writers interview dozens of people a week, and although they would like to help you, they usually don’t have time to send out copies and links. Try searching for the article in a search engine, placing the writer’s name in quotes. You can buy a copy of the print publication in which the article appears.

Working with writers can be a rewarding experience. A single article could boost your business exponentially. Never underestimate the power of the press.

Posted by Claudine in Make Money at Home