Good ideas. Giving this some thought... :)

Some more ideas: Features is your best bet. Is your craft very unusual? Do you take inspiration from the local area? Would the office like to borrow some art? At work we have pictures from local artists for sale in the office for a month...it brightens up reception, people who pop in see it and they get a write up when we change it. Get involved with local events. Enter craft shows or have a stall at a craft fair...then be photogenic and quotable (I'd be glad for someone who doesn't sum up a day as great and that everyone enjoyed themselves). Charity is always a plus (I know, but local papers hate giving free press to businesses...we'd rather you paid for it). So sponsered knitathon? The last resort, pay for advertising - local newspapers may be out of your league but smaller local information magazines covering small areas may be more affordable.

Going to give this some thought and see how the local papers around here work :D

I've already contacted my local paper but they've not responded. I shall have to think of something that I can produce that will pique their interest.

Wonderful idea! How come I never thought about it? A lot to learn.

oh, may I chime in as a small paper reporter? Assume we are overworked. Assume we really do want to find cool stories, but: Are you pitching the right person? Look at the paper. Who covers arty things, and who covers business. How about general features? If you are lucky, that'll be one, two people, tops. Use the reporter's name, spelled correctly. An inquiry email is best in busy papers. If you want to get samples there, do it in person. We are people. Most days we like other people. Are you part of a trend in art/craft, business, or even S/W AHMs who make some $$ on the side? Are you different, like a guy who knits, a woman who sculpts from car parts, a kid in the business like ChildLabor? Don't ask the reporter to see an opportunity, present options. Don't try to control a photo shoot. I've gotten so aggrivated with a bossy subject that I've packed up and gone home and tossed the story. And never, ever assume the reporter owes you a story because you sent something. We have a Leaning Tower of Unwanted Books here.

Great ideas!! I have some contacts with the local paper through my "day job" and am just worried that they will get annoyed with constant requests for free press coverage..... Any thoughts from the reporters?

This is starting the wheels turning in my head. Guess it's time to put my newspaper reporter sister to work! DUH!!!! :)

you can register for free at www.helpareporter.com - and receive emails about articles reporters want. I just registered today!

Thanks for the great tips. We have a small town newspaper. I think it's only about $6.00 to run an ad in the classifieds, but do most people really read those? What about letting people know about your Etsy store on Craigs list?

Thanks ao much for this article!

Good ideas!!

Thank you for a great article. Now convinced to get myself out there. We have an awesome weekly paper that covers all the local "cool" stuff. I was thinking about paying for an add but now I know what to do first. Thank you pinkswizzlestick & truepeacenik- Thanks for the advice!

Good thoughts...Thanks!

Ok I'm going to give all these ideas a shot! Great advice!

Great advice. Thank you so much. Unique and Affordable accessories at http://fashiontouch.etsy.com Useful Tips, Showcases, Reviews and many more at http://fashiontouchme.blogspot.com

Very helpful....love all of the tips. Keep them coming!!!!

Thanks for the article info and thanks - truepeacenik - for your pointers!

great info. will give some ideas a try. thanks

I've really been wanting to get together with other etsy artists in my area and collaborate on a press release for our local newspapers. A little piece about "Handmade in Marina del Rey", featuring our art, just in time for the gift giving season...with emphasis on boosting your local economy:)...I'll have to get going on that idea!!

Great suggestions, thank you What about if you live in a really big city? The newspaper is overwhelmingly huge Shop Handmade! Original mommy-must-have items for baby and home. www.blissfulsew.com

Great tips...I just thought that local churches put out bullitins and they sell space...hmmmmm

Great ideas!

Thank you. I agree with dragonfly1 local churches and local art shows.

Didn't think about this one! Great advise Rosey :)

great article. thanks for some new ideas!

I'll be looking into doing local craft shows and definitely will send something to the editor of my local paper! THK for the great ideas!

Nice ideas! I might just try this. I live in a small welsh town where I can't say the local news is particularly thrilling. In fact 'milk bottles stolen from doorstep' was once front page news. :)