Getting Into Local Media

The Sharehood is local, so local media is the ideal way to promote your hood. The more you get your community out there, the more it will grow. Local newspapers, community radio stations and local bloggers are great ways to spread the word. Better yet, these organisations are always on the lookout for neighbourhood news, so they'll be happy to hear from you.

For papers and radio stations, it's as easy as calling their switchboard and saying you've got a local news story to tell. Some local papers even have news tip-off forms you can fill in on their website.

Media outlets can be pressed for time, so plan what you're going to say before you call. If you send an email, make it as simple and straightforward as you can.

It's best to have an event to promote, rather than just explaining that your Sharehood exists. Get in contact at least a couple of weeks in advance to give them a chance to plan the article, blog or program.

Newspapers and bloggers might be interested in running photos, so be sure to tell them if there are any great photo opportunities, and offer to provide images if necessary (if they want photos, remember to check their image size requirements).