What Is Earned Media?

Okay, so here's the thing about earned media – it's basically like when people talk about you behind your back, but in a good way! Unlike throwing money at ads (which, let's be real, can feel a little desperate), earned media is all that organic buzz you get when you're actually doing something worth talking about.

UNDERSTANDING THE POWER OF EARNED MEDIA (BECAUSE IT'S KIND OF A BIG DEAL)

Picture this: You know how when your friend can't shut up about that amazing restaurant they just tried? That's earned media in its purest form. It's way more powerful than me telling you how great I am because, duh, of course I'm going to say that! But when someone else vouches for you? *chef's kiss* That's the good stuff.

TYPES OF EARNED MEDIA COVERAGE (AKA WAYS PEOPLE SPREAD THE LOVE)

Let me break this down for you:

Press Coverage: When journalists write about you without you having to beg them. Like, they actually WANT to talk about what you're doing. I know, wild right?

Social Media Buzz: This is when people get all excited about your brand on social media. Not because you paid them, but because they genuinely can't help themselves. It's like when I can't stop talking about pizza – it just happens!

Customer Reviews: The real, unfiltered tea that people spill about their experiences with you. Sometimes it's sweet, sometimes it's bitter, but it's always authentic.

BENEFITS OF EARNED MEDIA (THE REALLY GOOD STUFF)

Trust me (or actually, don't just trust me, that's the whole point!), earned media has some serious perks:

People Actually Trust It: When someone else raves about your brand without prompting, it hits differently than any billboard ever could. It's like getting a compliment from someone who has absolutely nothing to gain from giving it.

It's Budget-Friendly: While you might need to put in some work, it beats throwing your money at ads like confetti at a New Year's party.

Bigger Audience: When people share your story, you reach folks you never could've reached on your own. It's like networking, but without the awkward small talk!

HOW TO GENERATE EARNED MEDIA (WITHOUT BEING THAT TRY-HARD)

Look, you can't force earned media (trust me, I've seen people try, and it's not cute), but you can definitely up your chances:

Make Cool Stuff: Create things that people actually want to talk about. Revolutionary concept, I know!

Be Actually Interesting: Build relationships with journalists and influencers by being, you know, genuinely interesting and not just sliding into their DMs with press releases.

Don't Suck: Provide amazing products and services. The bar is literally on the floor here, people.

Stay Engaged: When people talk about you, talk back! Just maybe not at 3 AM after a few glasses of wine.

MEASURING SUCCESS (BECAUSE NUMBERS ARE A THING)

You've got to track this stuff (even though math isn't everyone's favorite):

• How many people are talking about you
• Whether they're saying nice things or being shady
• If people are actually visiting your website
• Whether anyone even knows who you are now

Here's the thing – building good earned media is like making sourdough bread. It takes time, patience, and sometimes it completely flops, but when it works? Totally worth it.

Want to know more about getting people to organically obsess over your brand? Reach out to the team if you want to learn more. We promise we're way more fun than your average PR folks!