7 Steps to Get More Earned Media for Your Brand

Get More Earned Media for Your Brand—In today’s crowded digital landscape, consumers are constantly bombarded with advertising. Paid campaigns can get your brand in front of people, but they don’t always build the same trust and authenticity that organic mentions do. That’s where earned media comes in. Earned media refers to publicity gained through word-of-mouth, press coverage, influencer mentions, and social shares—exposure you don’t pay for directly but achieve by being newsworthy, relevant, and engaging.

For brands, earned media is one of the most valuable forms of visibility. It not only expands your reach but also strengthens credibility, as people tend to trust stories written by third parties more than promotional ads. However, generating earned media doesn’t happen overnight. It requires strategy, consistency, and a focus on building real connections with your audience and the media. In this article, we’ll walk you through seven actionable steps to increase your brand’s chances of gaining more earned media—helping you grow influence, authority, and long-term trust.

Also Read: How To Analyze And Evaluate The Results Of Press Releases

Why earned media is more valuable than paid media

Paid media can quickly boost visibility, but its impact often ends the moment the budget runs out. Earned media, on the other hand, carries long-term value because it’s based on credibility and authenticity. When your brand is mentioned by a journalist, an influencer, or through organic customer reviews, it builds a level of trust that paid ads simply can’t match.

Consumers are naturally skeptical of advertising—they know a brand has paid to get that message across. But when they see independent coverage in reputable media outlets or hear genuine recommendations from peers, the message feels more authentic. This authenticity not only drives stronger engagement but also strengthens brand reputation over time.

Another reason earned media is more valuable is its compounding effect. A single news story, press mention, or viral social post can continue to generate visibility weeks or even months after publication, while paid ads disappear as soon as campaigns stop. Plus, earned media often comes with SEO benefits through backlinks and online mentions, which help your brand perform better in search results.

In short, earned media delivers more trust, longer shelf life, and greater ROI compared to paid media—making it an essential focus for modern PR and brand growth.

7 Steps to Get More Earned Media for Your Brand

Earning media attention doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of intentional effort and smart strategy. While the value of earned media is clear, the real challenge for most brands lies in knowing how to consistently secure it. The good news is, with the right approach, you can position your brand as a trusted source that journalists, influencers, and audiences want to talk about. Below are seven actionable steps to help you attract more earned media and build long-term credibility for your brand.

1. Build a Compelling Brand Story

At the heart of every earned media opportunity is a story worth sharing. Brands that clearly communicate their mission, values, and unique differentiators naturally attract media attention. Journalists and influencers are far more likely to highlight stories that connect emotionally with audiences rather than simple product promotions.

2. Cultivate Relationships with Journalists & Media

Media coverage is built on trust. Take time to build authentic relationships with journalists, editors, and bloggers in your industry. Follow their work, engage with their content, and approach them with pitches that are relevant to their audience. Strong, long-term relationships make it easier to get your story published when it matters most.

3. Craft Newsworthy Press Releases

A well-written press release remains a powerful tool for PR. To stand out, ensure your release answers the “why now?” factor—what makes the announcement timely, relevant, or impactful? Include clear headlines, concise messaging, and supporting quotes or data to make your release more compelling for journalists.

4. Leverage PR Distribution Platforms

Maximize reach by distributing your press releases through trusted platforms that connect directly with media outlets. Services like VRITIMES help ensure your story doesn’t just sit in inboxes, but actually gets published across reputable news sites—giving your brand visibility and credibility.

5. Use Data and Insights

Journalists value data-driven stories. Back up your message with research, statistics, or case studies that strengthen your credibility. Proprietary data or unique insights from your brand can turn an ordinary announcement into a highly shareable story.

6. Amplify Coverage via Social Media

Don’t just wait for earned media to work on its own—give it momentum. Share press mentions on your brand’s social channels, tag the journalists or outlets, and encourage your audience to engage. This amplification not only extends reach but also signals to the media that your brand is worth covering again.

7. Be Consistent and Measure Results

Earned media is not a one-time effort. Consistently share updates, provide valuable insights, and maintain strong communication with your audience and the media. At the same time, track the results—measure impressions, engagement, referral traffic, and SEO impact. This data will help refine your PR strategy for even better outcomes.

Also Read: How To Analyze And Evaluate The Results Of Press Releases

VRITIMES: Best Press Release Distribution Services

When it comes to getting your brand noticed, distribution matters just as much as the message itself. VRITIMES has established itself as one of the best press release distribution services in Asia by combining affordability, credibility, and reach. With guaranteed publication across a wide network of online media outlets, VRITIMES ensures that every press release doesn’t just get sent—it actually gets published where it counts. The platform is simple to use, allowing businesses to create, schedule, and track their releases with ease. From startups to established enterprises, thousands of brands already rely on VRITIMES to boost visibility, strengthen SEO through authoritative backlinks, and build lasting credibility in the market.

Ready to get your story published and seen? Click HERE for further information.