The market for case studies within women’s magazines and newspapers is exploding. Natasha Courtenay-Smith explains the appeal and how to use case studies to gain publicity for your business or client.
Ten years ago, I rarely used the term ‘real life case study.’ Save for women’s weekly magazines such as Take a Break, which have always predominately featured individual’s personal stories told in first person (as though it is they themselves writing the piece), there simply wasn’t such a demand for what is termed ‘real life’ within the press.

A revised media request:
“I’m looking for inspiration women between 35 and 50 who have donated placenta, breast milk, blood, cord blood, liver, kidney, hair or have been an egg donor and would be available for an interview and photo-shoot for the magazine in the next couple of weeks. If you do know anyone I would be grateful if you could forward this around as it’s a great cause to publicise. They can get in touch via e-mail or call me on the number below.”
Evie Leatham, Health and Beauty Writer, Easy Living.
020 7399 2631 …

Do you want to feature in a major glossy womens magazine? A journalist has asked for case studies:
“I’m looking for an inspirational women between 30 and 50 who may have donated their breast milk by cross-feeding to help a friend/family etc who couldn’t breast feed. As one of the few websites that intelligently tackle breast feeding older children etc I was wondering if you may be able to put me in touch with any women I could talk to or alternatively if you know of any other organisation who could …

Do you want national media coverage for your business? A parenting magazine is looking for pregnant women and new mums who have been inspired by their pregnancy or baby to start a business or follow a new career path. Case studies should be free for a phone interview and to attend a photo shoot in central London (expenses paid). If you want to find out more, email antonia@acpr.co.uk

It is well worth entering awards: look at all the publicity around the ITV mumpreneur awards. You can raise your business profile even if you don’t win. Why not get someone to nominate you and your business for Practical Parenting’s Amazing People Award: Businessparent of 2008. Good luck, and do let us know how you get on.
You  find out about how other mumpreneurs do it in our new Mumpreneur Profile slot on Family Friendly Working. First to be featured is Nanette of Lily Rose designs. If you’d like to be …

I an co-writing a book on insomnia and we want some real life experiences and tips from people with insomnia and those who have beaten it.
If you can help, would you mind filling in the survey (in two parts) at:
Part 1 and Part 2 
If you have problems with the links, email me for a word doc! antonia@acpr.co.uk
Many thanks
Antonia