November 10, 2026
The Daily Social: How to Use Social Media to Get Local Press Coverage
By Curtis Carpenter, Founder, Vero Beach Social Media
Local reporters, bloggers, and newsletter editors are always hunting for good community stories, and they often start their search on social media. If your profiles make it easy to see who you are and what is newsworthy about your business, you can earn free coverage that builds trust far faster than an ad. Here is how to put your social media to work as a local press magnet.
1. Make your profile press-ready
A reporter should understand your business in five seconds. Use a clear bio that states what you do and where, add a contact email in your profile, and pin a post that tells your story. If a journalist cannot tell who you are or how to reach you, they will move on to the next business.
2. Find the newsworthy angle
Journalists do not cover ads, they cover stories. A grand opening, a milestone anniversary, a charity drive, a new hire from the community, or a unique product can all qualify. Ask yourself what would make a local reader say, I did not know that. Lead with that angle in every pitch and post.
3. Follow and engage with local media
Follow local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, podcasts, and neighborhood bloggers. Like and comment thoughtfully on their posts for a few weeks before you ever pitch. When your name is already familiar, your message will not feel like it came out of nowhere.
4. Pitch through a short, friendly DM or email
Keep your pitch to three or four sentences: who you are, the story, why it matters to local readers, and what you can offer such as photos, an interview, or a behind-the-scenes visit. Link to a social post or highlight that shows the story in action. Make it easy to say yes.
5. Share and tag every feature
When you earn a mention, reshare it to your feed and stories, tag the outlet, and thank the reporter publicly. This gives the coverage a second life with your followers and builds goodwill, which makes that reporter far more likely to call you again.
6. Keep a simple press highlight
Save every feature, interview, and award to a Highlight titled In the News. New visitors see instant credibility, and future reporters can see that other trusted outlets have already covered you.
Press coverage is one of the most powerful and affordable ways to grow a local business, and your social media is the front door. If you would like help polishing your profiles and finding your story angle, reach out to Vero Beach Social Media at curtis@verobeachsocialmedia.com.
