Strike while the news is hot

Moneywatch just came out with a story about the top five renovations homeowners can make for relatively low cost. It’s nothing terribly unexpected, but it’s a helpful list of things consumers can do to maximize their remodeling dollar.

As a building or remodeling contractor, or as a manufacturer or provider of products or services for the remodeling industry, this story is great news. It helps to motivate consumers to action, or at least gets them thinking about it.

But you can’t expect this story to cause people to line up at your door. You have to build a bridge between the news and your brand. How do you do that? Here are some ideas:

1. Link to the story on your blog (you do have a blog, right?). A blog is an excellent way to keep your Web site content fresh, and linking to media stories help your customers find you in search engines. You might also include a list of design ideas or tips.
2. Share the article with your friends and followers on sites like Facebook and Twitter.
3. On your blog, Facebook page, or even your standard Web site, list products or services you offer that answer what’s said in the story. In this case, you could even have a promotion with special prices on flooring, countertops, or whatever. The point is to provide a solution for consumers.
4. E-mail the story to the home building/remodeling/design reporter at your local newspaper, along with an offer to be interviewed as an expert.
5. Put signage in your showroom or store (if that’s your business) and on certain products that may have been mentioned in the article.

These are just a few ideas. I’ll post more as I think of them.