You don’t need a big PR budget to get your business featured in local media.Community newspapers, radio stations, and online neighbourhood groups are always looking for local stories.If you know what they want—and how to pitch it—you can turn free publicity into new customers and a stronger local profile.
Here’s how to make the media notice you.
1. Find the Right Media Outlets
Start withlocal-focused channelswhere your customers hang out:
Community newspapers– ThinkMaribyrnong & Hobsons Bay Star Weekly.Local radio– Stations like3CR Community RadioorInner West FM.Neighbourhood Facebook groups– Yarraville Village and inner-west Melbourne pages often share local business news.
Pro Tip:Write down names of editors, journalists, or group admins—you’ll need them for pitching.
2. Give Them a Story, Not an Ad
Media outlets don’t care about your sales pitch—they care about stories.
What’s new?– “Yarraville café launches Melbourne’s first vegan lamington.”What’s special?– “Family-run boutique celebrates 20 years serving locals.”What’s happening soon?– “Local salon offering free haircuts for charity this weekend.”
Thinkhuman interestorcommunity value, not “buy from us now.”
3. Write a Simple, Catchy Pitch
Your email or message doesn’t need to be fancy—just clear.
Subject line:“Local Yarraville Café Hosts Free Tasting for Yarraville Festival Visitors”
Body:“Hi [Name],We’re hosting a free coffee tasting this Sunday as part of the Yarraville Festival. We’d love to invite the community to try our locally roasted beans. Happy to provide photos or an interview if helpful.”
Keep it under 150 words.Attach 1–2 great photos—editors love ready-made visuals.
4. Time It Right
Send pitches early in the week—most community papers plan stories Monday–Wednesday.For events, pitch 1–2 weeks beforeso they have time to include it.
5. Be Easy to Work With
Journalists are busy. Make their life simple:
Reply fastif they ask questions.Be available for a quick interview or quote.Thank themand share the story on your social channels once it’s live.
6. Repurpose Every Bit of Coverage
Once you’re featured,make it work harder for you:
Share the link on Facebook, Instagram, and your Google Business Profile. Print and display the article in-store—customers love supporting featured locals. Include it in your email newsletter:“We were featured in Star Weekly!”
Quick Free Publicity Checklist
Research local papers, radio, and groups Pitch a real story, not a sales ad Write a short, clear email with photos Send it 1–2 weeks before events Reply fast and be helpful Share any coverage everywhere
Getting featured locally builds credibility fast.Customers trust businesses they see in the news—and best of all, it’s free.
