February is here, and for many Australians it marks a natural reset. You may be considering a break from the booze with FebFast, or simply enjoying the renewed routine now that the kids are back at school. Either way, we’re already one month into 2026 and the year is well and truly underway.

If you’ve been thinking about what you’d like to achieve in business this year, but your budget is tight, this blog is for you.

Media and communications can become expensive very quickly. Between content creation, PR retainers, advertising, and professional services, it’s easy to assume you need a large budget to get noticed.

The good news is you don’t.

With the right approach, you can make meaningful media progress for under $2,000 and in some cases, for far less. Below are three simple, realistic media and communications “hacks” that can make a difference without blowing your budget.

Hack #1: Attend #MeetTheMedia at a Discount

One of the biggest challenges for smaller businesses is simply getting in front of the right people. If you don’t have a large marketing budget, building relationships and understanding how the media works becomes even more important.

For the first two weeks of February, #MeetTheMedia tickets will be available at $200 off the standard retail price (excluding Adelaide, which is already heavily discounted).

You may not know exactly which media will attend on the day, but what you can rely on is this: the event has been running for 11 years, and it has built its reputation on quality and value. It consistently delivers a strong line-up and a professional experience.

To secure your ticket, use the code: 2026MediaExpert (for $200 off the retail price)

Please note: this offer is available for a strictly limited time and seats are limited.

Click on the event links below and use the code: #MeetTheMedia 2026 event dates:

• #MeetTheMedia Brisbane — Tuesday 28 July 2026
• #MeetTheMedia Perth — Tuesday 18 August 2026
• #MeetTheMedia Melbourne — Tuesday 27 October 2026
• #MeetTheMedia Sydney — Thursday 29 October 2026
• #MeetTheMedia Adelaide — Wednesday 11 November 2026

Conditions:

Offer available for two weeks only, tickets are non-refundable, and there is a limit of two tickets per event per organisation.

Hack #2: Build Credibility Through the Expert Registry (Half Price in February)

Getting known as an expert doesn’t happen overnight, especially if you’re not already visible in media, online, or industry networks.

A practical way to increase your credibility and make it easier for journalists to find you is to join the Expert Registry.

These expert profiles are especially valuable for businesses and professionals working with limited budgets, because they create visibility without requiring constant ad spend or ongoing PR retainers.

With the Expert Registry, you receive:

• Online media training
• A profile that media can view
• An opportunity to pitch a story through Media Stable’s Media Board

During February, Expert Registry packages are half price.

Use the code: EXPERT (via Stripe)

Price reduced from $990 to $495 (GST inclusive).

To learn more or create an account, visit: Expert Registry | Create an account

Hack #3: Email Three Local Media — and Do It Properly

If you want a free option that can still produce strong results, here it is.

Choose three local journalists or presenters who are relevant to your industry and audience. The key is to pick people you genuinely follow, people whose work you respect, understand, and feel aligned with.

Then reach out with a short, professional email that includes:

• Why you’re contacting them
• The issue or topic they cover (and why it matters right now)
• Your expertise and practical experience
• A clear point of view (and your ability to speak confidently on it)
• A simple note that you are available anytime, including at short notice

This approach works best when it’s targeted and human.

The only emails most journalists ignore are the ones that:

• are clearly copied and pasted to multiple people
• feel like a generic template
• read as though they were written by AI
• contain no personal relevance or context

A little effort goes a long way. In today’s environment, the “human touch” matters more than ever and it’s often what turns a cold email into a genuine media relationship.

Small Budget Doesn’t Mean Small Outcomes

These three strategies range from free to under $1,000, and they can make a meaningful difference to your brand — personally, professionally, and commercially — well before Christmas this year.

The key is consistency and execution. One or two smart actions each month often beats a big spend with no follow-through.

Have a great 2026.

 

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