Earned Media
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Published on August 31, 2025
What is Earned Media?
Earned media refers to any unpaid publicity or mentions a company receives through its public relations or social media efforts. Unlike paid advertising or owned media (content on company websites), earned media is generated organically through positive word-of-mouth, media coverage, social media shares, and user-generated content. It’s a powerful form of marketing, as it’s perceived as more authentic and trustworthy than paid advertising. Positive reviews, mentions in news articles, and viral social media posts are all examples of earned media. Building strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and customers is crucial to securing positive earned media.
Q&A
How is earned media different from paid media and owned media?
Paid media involves advertising campaigns where a company pays for exposure (e.g., Google Ads). Owned media includes content created and controlled by the company (e.g., a company blog). Earned media is any unpaid positive mention or publicity generated organically through positive brand perception and customer interactions.
What strategies can businesses use to increase their earned media?
Businesses can increase earned media through proactive PR strategies like press releases, pitching stories to journalists, and influencer marketing. Excellent customer service, engaging social media content, and participation in relevant online communities can also lead to more positive online mentions and word-of-mouth referrals.
How can businesses measure the effectiveness of their earned media efforts?
Measuring earned media effectiveness involves tracking metrics such as media mentions (volume and sentiment), social media shares and engagement, website traffic from media sources, and changes in brand awareness and sentiment. Tools like social listening platforms can assist in monitoring mentions and analyzing the overall impact of earned media initiatives.
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