4. Contact the media outlet and ask to speak to the particular journalist. If you can't get through, leave a message.  Ask for their email address and send them an email (we'll be covering how to pitch your story in future articles).

5. Create a list of journalists who regularly write about your topic. Each time you read an article that relates to your industry or topic, take note of the journalist who's written it.  Send them some information about you and your product and let them know you're available for comment should there be any follow up stories.

6. Present your information in a manner that suits the media outlet. Many media outlets run long feature stories, but you could find that a short few sentences about your product in a Tips and Advice section can have just as much of a positive impact.  Your target media outlet might run lists such as a column of Top 5s (eg the top 5 baby web sites, or top 5 bargain shopping outlets for kids etc).  Count how many words feature in these lists and then write your information in the same way.  If a journalist can simply copy what you've provided for use in their own format it makes their life easier - which is one of the biggest factors in securing media coverage.

For more detail on how to generate free publicity, there are plenty of articles relating to this at HomeBizChicks.com including:  Sue Papadoulis