A newspaper in Washington, DC is an effective means of obtaining current news and other information for your business. They can provide insight into the attitude of residents toward your business and the market for your products and services.

Newspapers in DC also represent an opportunity to announce any news related to the move or establishment of your business, or new products you might be introducing. Benefit from this by advertising with display ads or in the classified section, or give an interview to a local business reporter. Specialty, or niche, publications also allow you to promote your business to a focused audience.

A DC newspaper will almost certainly have a website. You can do the following with Washington, DC newspapers online:

1. Research real estate listings in different areas of Washington, DC to find the best location for your business.

2. Use the search features on the website of a Washington, DC newspaper to display all of the articles on a particular event in chronological order so you can track the story as it unfolds.

3. Get informed on current events from many different cities without a subscription to a newspaper. Washington, DC newspaper websites frequently offer free registration.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of the reach of major daily DC newspapers

These newspapers are frequently known as 'state' papers because their coverage includes the entire state. A metropolitan paper may have bureaus in other cities and can provide a great depth of information because of their large staffs and many resources. State papers also usually have the most comprehensive DC obituaries. Because of their statewide circulation, major metro daily newspapers offer an opportunity to advertise your business to the largest audience.

I recommend: The Post is one of the largest newspapers in Washington, DC. The Times is another widely read Washington, DC newspaper.

Use Washington, DC newspapers that specialize in political events

Washington, DC is a unique community because of its function as the center of government of the United States. Several newspapers reflect this characteristic by reporting exclusively on political news.

I recommend: The Roll Call specializes in the coverage of people, politics, process and policy in Washington, DC. The Hill reports specifically on congressional events and is published on the days that Congress is in session.

Target your advertising in specialty Washington, DC newspapers

Most major cities have some type of entertainment newspaper, business journal or other niche publication that caters to a specific interest. These papers also may have blogs that can give a personal view of life in that community. If you're looking to increase your business network or promote your business to a specific group of readers, a niche publication may be the approach you need.

I recommend: The Washington Business Journal reports on business events in Washington, DC. The GW Hatchet covers student news and other events at George Washington University.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the advertising rates Washington, DC newspapers charge for advertising a small business. The ad rates are usually less at a smaller, local newspaper than for a metropolitan paper and your audience is more likely to live near your business location.
• •  Read a local business journal for news that may be directly pertinent to your business. These types of Washington DC newspapers contain news on business mergers and acquisitions, marketing trends and stock prices. You can also use the resources in business journals to find sales leads.