Meaningful Messaging with Anika Jackson

Hi! I’m Anika Jackson of Anika Jackson, PR. For my entire life, I’ve enjoyed creating meaningful ways for people to connect, collaborate, and celebrate. My passions include the written word and strategic planning.

I’ve found my purpose in creating and executing strategic communication strategies for brands and individuals to let the world know who they are, why they matter, and why it’s important. In this new addition to The Spot Mag, I’ll be sharing quick tips that anyone can use to further their mission, vision, and goals. These are easily executable strategies, websites, tools,and tricks from my own experience, as well as those of experts in the field. And, I hope they help you craft Meaningful Messaging!

For this edition, here are a few tips to become an Expert In Your Field. Before using any of these strategies, however, make sure that you have the following readily available: a photo, bio, media kit, web links, and info about yourself and your products.

And, away we go!!

Facebook Groups – Join any and all women entrepreneurs, women founders, women creatives, and other women networking groups that you can. Although I primarily skim these, I have gotten access to amazing resources, such as a list of over 2,000 tech blogs and over 4,000 tech reporters. I then use these lists to hone in on targeted contacts to whom I can pitch stories for my tech clients. If you have a user survey, need assistance with business operations, or just need the support of other women in business, these groups have all of these resources in spades.

HARO – Help A Report Out. This resource, part of Cision, is a three-times-a-day/weekday email digest of reporter queries. Broken down by subject matter, it allows the reader to skim past sections that may not be relevant. If you find that you can answer a query, pay special attention to the deadlines so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity. I have found this especially useful for helping clients get into consumer blog gift guides during holidays, back to school, and other special times throughout the year.

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com

Podcasts and Blogs – Check out the websites of your favorite podcasts in your brand category. There’s often information on how to apply to become an interviewed guest. Many blogs like to include guest bloggers, and it is another way to get the word out about your message. (Helpful hint: if you’re interested in guest blogging, pitch me your topic for the Real Beauty Real Women Blog - rbrw.org/blog - at anika@anikapr.com.)

SourcedbyPeer.com – This is a newer website where one can register as a subject-matter expert, either for free or a charge for boosted services. Their mission is to increase the number of women and people of color who are quoted as subject-matter experts in the news.

Voyage – Voyage Magazine is ubiquitous. Search online for your local Voyage magazine, and submit yourself for an article. These articles are self-written, so know that your exact message, down to the grammar and spelling, will likely be used. Although you’re writing the answers yourself, you should have all of this information as part of your origin story, your bio, and your business plan. One article in the press often leads to more, so this is a great place to start and hone your message.

Women Empowerment Websites – Groups such as Girlboss and Alice cater to women’s networking via their websites. The key is to join specific groups (for instance, on Girlboss I’m a member of Los Angeles, Marketing, and a few others) so that you may find the right types of collaborations. A recent instance of success pitching clients as experts in their fields comes from another member who was looking for new interviewees for her radio show and podcast. I pitched six clients that fit her outline, and all of them are now being scheduled to be on either one or both of her shows!

Don’t want to sift through the noise? Need someone to help craft your materials? Find me at anika@anikapr.com or www.anikapr.com and Best Of Luck with all of your ambitions and dreams.