We get press releases all time. Some are written with the purpose of telling us about upcoming events in the community. Some are story pitches from public relations companies hoping we’ll write about their event, product, or service.
When it comes stories and content we publish on Potomac Local, that content must pass a few tests. The first and most important is the “who cares” test. Will our readers care about this story? Does it impact them, their family, or their livelihood?
Then we ask, “is it local?” This means does the story or event  that could be content for our site have anything to do with where our readers live, work, or play.
If we answer yes to both, we’ve probably identified a good piece of content that belongs on our site. But that doesn’t mean it’s a news story.
It may not be news, but it is interesting
As I said, we get a lot of press releases pitching us topics and ideas the writers of those press releases hope we will write about. Some we don’t consider to be newsworthy. And for some, because of the bootstrapping nature of our operation, we simply don’t have the time to write about.
That’s when local businesses and organizations take advantage of our Promoted Post option. It’s a way to post your content to Potomac Local, and our social pages, where our readers will see it.
“Promoted” means it’s paid content that appears in the news section of the site. We clearly mark our promoted content as paid, and news as news so there’s never any question as to what type of content the reader is reading.
After posting their Promoted Posts to Potomac Local, businesses and organizations share it with their friends on their social networks. It’s a great way to be seen and get out your message while increasing your visibility in the community.
You want me to read this?
You can’t just write anything and expect people to read it. When it comes to Promoted Posts, if it looks like an ad, smells like and ad, and reads like an ad, our readers will click on something else. There’s also a greater chance content with a sales-heavy push won’t appear on Potomac Local.
People want to read good stories. They want to be learn something, find a solution to a problem they’ve encountered, or to simply be entertained. You, who bought the Promoted Post, want readers to consider the time it took to read your content time well spent. Then, you want them to share that content on social media so more people will see it.
Avoid telling people that “we are the best in town” or “we have the best service” or “best prices.” That’s a sales line, and this is the modern web. Show me, through your content, how you got to be the “best” as you claim.
Tell stories about how your technicians do their job. Do they ever encounter unusual situations on the job site, something the average person would be interested in learning more? (Think Mike Rowe’s Dirty Jobs). Tell that story.
Did you recently hire a new graduate or someone with a unique set of skills? Tell that story.
The product or service you sell – is it manufactured in an interesting way? Tell that story.
What if someone in need of your product or service decides to put off making a purchase? Can it affect their home, vehicle or family life? If so, tell that story.
Here are some examples
Children in Dumfries use Lego to learn science and mathÂ
Did you know Manassas used a hearse as an ambulance?Â
Why it’s a great idea for you or someone you know to be a summer camp counselorÂ
How this program helps “attack the fat”
Here are six tips to better health
If you can’t come up with some of your great stories to tell about your business or organization, we can help. Here’s some Promoted Posts that we recently published on Potomac Local:
Every business and organization has a story. No one knows your business’ story better than you. To get your story out to a local audience, Potomac Local’s Promoted Post option is something to consider.
Author
Recent Stories
The Manassas City Council began its three-day retreat on Thursday at James Madison’s historic Montpelier, located over 80 miles south of the city. The event quickly raised concerns about public access after members of the public who traveled to attend the meeting discovered the venue was locked and inaccessible.
Virginia law mandates that government meetings remain open to the public unless they are specifically classified as legal closed-door sessions. According to Virginia’s open meetings laws, the Council’s work session and retreat did not qualify as a closed-door meeting, raising questions about compliance.
Former Councilwoman Lynn Forkell Green attended the event and confirmed the gate to the complex was locked. “I couldn’t get in. Had I not had the cell numbers of council members, I would not have gained access because the meeting space was more than a mile past the gate, and the complex was closed,” Forkell Green said. While she was able to contact a council member who provided the entry code, she noted that most members of the public would not have such relationships or access.
OmniRide has reached a significant milestone, serving 1 million passengers in FY2024. This achievement signals a post-pandemic recovery for the regional transit provider and sets the stage for even greater success, with projections to double ridership to 2 million passengers by June 2025, according to agency officials.
During soon-to-be released Potomac Local News Podcast episode, OmniRide Executive Director Bob Schneider shared insights about the agency’s new routes and its vision for the future. He highlighted the introduction of new services to Warrenton and Front Royal as a pivotal step in expanding OmniRide’s reach and addressing regional transportation needs.
“These new routes are about connecting communities and providing meaningful transit options,” Schneider said. “We’re seeing positive feedback from passengers in Warrenton and Front Royal, and while it’s still early days, these routes are running on time, and riders are happy with the service. We’re excited to watch these areas grow into key parts of our system.”
Jesus Enrique Ramirez Cabrera, 23, of Manassas, appeared in a Prince William County court Thursday, January 23, for a preliminary hearing related to his arrest last fall after he was accused of abducting a Manassas City school girl at a city bus stop.
Initially, Ramirez Cabrera was charged with Abduction of a Minor, Robbery using Force, both felonies and misdemeanors, Petit Larceny, and Impersonating an Officer.
After a delay to consult with the victim, Assistant District Attorney Elena Ventura announced that the Commonwealth was dropping the two misdemeanor charges. Nebye Kahssai of the Public Defender’s Office told Judge Lisa Baird that Ramirez Cabrera waived his right to a preliminary trial.
Initially, Ramirez Cabrera was charged with Abduction of a Minor, Robbery using Force, both felonies and misdemeanors Petit Larceny, and Impersonating an Officer.
After a delay to consult with the victim, Assistant District Attorney Elena Ventura announced that the Commonwealth was dropping the two misdemeanor charges. Nebye Kahssai of the Public Defender’s Office told Judge Lisa Baird that Ramirez Cabrera waived his right to a preliminary trial.
Changing the name of Dulles International Airport to Donald J. Trump International Airport has been proposed by freshman Congressman Addison McDowell, a Republican from North Carolina.
Rep. McDowell, 31, who represents the 6th Congressional District, introduced the bill alongside Reps. Brian Jack (R-Ga.), Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), Brandon Gill (R-Texas), and Guy Resand Guy Reschenthaler (R-Pa.).
“It is only right that the two airports servicing our nation’s capital are duly honored and respected by two of the best presidents to have the honor of serving our great nation,” McDowell said.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
