How A.I. Startups Can Breakthrough the Noise
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) media landscape is more competitive than ever before, with a multitude of companies vying for the attention of top-tier reporters. It’s easy for early-stage startups to get lost in the noise, but with Ditto PR on your side, you can break through and get noticed. Our team has a deep understanding of the AI industry and knows how to position your company to stand out from the crowd. We’ll work with you to highlight what makes your technology unique, offer expert commentary, provide engaging demos, and share early data that sets you apart. In the crowded world of AI media, Ditto PR has the expertise to help you make your mark.
For burgeoning companies to get interest from key reporters, Ditto, in tandem with the startup, must take some key background steps first:
- Build and Foster Relationships: Building relationships with top reporters in the mainstream media as well as trades, whether IRL or on social media through LinkedIn or Twitter, is essential to keeping subject matter experts and CEOs in front of them. This will then lead to demos and interviews down the line. Thought leaders should also prioritize networking with reporters and potential partners at important events, conferences, and other industry gatherings.
- Provide Value: Strive to provide value to reporters beyond promoting the startup. Include expert analysis on day-to-day news, commentary on industry trends (especially around headline names such as ChatGPT and OpenAI), data or research insights, and unique perspectives on key topics.
- Identify Key Topics: Work to identify key topics or themes that reporters should be covering and where subject matter experts (SMEs) can provide unique insights. This can ensure that experts are positioned as thought leaders in their area of expertise while also highlighting relevant technology.
- Monitor Industry News: Staying up-to-date on industry news and trends is critical for SMEs to remain relevant and knowledgeable to reporters. Follow industry publications, relevant social media accounts, and attend relevant events to stay informed, while maintaining an up-to-date media list with key reporters and outlets.
Breaking through the noise involves laying the groundwork in industry trades so top reporters can easily search a startup and learn about what they do. Getting listed in relevant, trusted industry outlets or getting reviewed by trades is an ideal way for new AI startups to gain credibility and exposure.
- Stay in Front of the Trades: Many publications publish lists of top AI startups or emerging companies in the industry. Ditto will work to get startups included in these lists and reviews, which is a great way to gain exposure and early wins.
- Offer Exclusive Access and Demos: Trade outlets are often interested in getting an exclusive first look at new products or services. Ditto will offer exclusive, white glove access to your startup’s launches and new services, which is an ideal way to stand out in a crowded space. Images and videos are especially valuable as well.
- Attend Industry Events: Attending industry events and conferences or sponsoring booths is one of the best ways to meet reporters and build relationships. Ditto frequently books clients at events that are relevant to your startup.
- Leverage Social Media: With Ditto’s help, CEOs and SMEs should use social media to build relationships with reporters in order to stay top-of-mind. Follow relevant reporters on Twitter or LinkedIn and engage with their content with unique, smart POV. Share updates about the company on social media and tag relevant publications and reporters to increase visibility. Persistence is key.
Getting placed in mainstream media as an early-stage startup requires patience and, of course, a unique product or perspective. Ditto builds relationships, develops unique POV, and stays in front of the right reporters and audiences.
- Develop Unique POV — With so many new AI startups emerging, it’s important to have a unique angle that sets your company apart. Ditto clearly explains why every startup is different and what makes the leadership team a valuable source for future articles.
- Founder Story — An interesting story goes a long way in catching a reporter’s attention. Ditto works with startups to build and tell a compelling founder’s story that is relatable, interesting, and appealing to outlets, whether as an op-ed or feature story.
- Share Early Results — Data and customer stories are invaluable. If your startup has already achieved some early results, such as noteworthy customer acquisition, high usage rates, or revenue growth, Ditto can utilize those in getting mainstream reporter attention. Customer data and testimonials are useful in providing a human angle to a company narrative while also highlighting real life examples of the technology you’re building.
- Highlight the Problem you’re Solving — This seems intuitive, but Ditto will make sure to clearly explain the problem your startup is solving and why it’s important. Not all AI companies are created equal. To break through, we need to explain in detail what it is you’re doing and why.
By focusing on targeted publications and reporters, employing consistent strategies, and understanding the value of your unique product or service, Ditto helps startups generate interest from top reporters and get positive attention that drives value throughout a company’s sales funnel.
