If you’re new to promoting yourself, go after the low-hanging fruit first. That means pitching media outlets in your own community, joining online neighborhood groups like Next Door, and getting to know local bloggers, podcasters and freelance writers.

After you feel comfortable interviewing, aim a little higher and go after daily and regional newspapers and magazines.  Then, try your hand at pitching national media.

Kasia McDaniel of Southern Pines, N.C., a home decorating and staging expert, used a smart publicity strategy that you can use too. She concentrates on local media and has pitched her local bi-weekly newspaper seven times in the last few years. Each time, she got publicity.

Because she’s an active volunteer, she also found her way onto the websites of nonprofits and into their newsletters too. All those media hits helped brand her as the local decorating and home staging expert. And they made the phone ring.

Here’s how she did it.