Getting your story covered by the media can be a game-changer for your brand or organization. However, standing out in the crowded inboxes of journalists and editors can be a daunting task. To help you craft a pitch that grabs attention, we’ve compiled a list of best practices to follow when pitching to the media.
- Research Your Target Media Outlets
- Identify the most relevant media outlets and journalists for your story.
- Study their previous work, interests, and writing style.
- Make sure your pitch aligns with the outlet’s target audience and content focus.
- Personalize Your Pitch
- Address the journalist by their name, and mention their previous work when relevant.
- Show how your story is a good fit for their beat or area of expertise.
- Avoid mass emails or generic pitches that lack a personal touch.
- Craft a Compelling Subject Line
- Keep it short, engaging, and relevant to your story.
- Use action words and phrases that evoke curiosity.
- Avoid clickbait, all caps, or excessive punctuation.
- Structure Your Pitch for Clarity and Impact
- Begin with a brief introduction and a clear “hook” that grabs attention.
- Use bullet points or subheadings to break down key points and make them easily digestible.
- Keep your pitch concise and focused, aiming for no more than 600 words.
- Tell a Compelling Story
- Highlight the newsworthiness and uniqueness of your story.
- Share relevant data, statistics, or expert quotes to back up your claims.
- Showcase the human element, emotional appeal, or impact on the community.
- Offer Exclusive Content or Access
- Provide exclusive interviews, case studies, or expert insights.
- Offer embargoed news, behind-the-scenes access, or a first look at new products or services.
- Be prepared to tailor your exclusive content to the needs of each journalist.
- Include Multimedia Assets
- Attach high-resolution images, infographics, or videos to enhance your story.
- Offer journalists easy access to your media kit or additional resources via a link.
- Ensure that your multimedia assets are professional, visually appealing, and relevant.
- Follow Up Strategically
- Wait at least a week before following up to give journalists time to review your pitch.
- Keep your follow-up message brief, polite, and focused on the value of your story.
- Offer to provide additional information or answer any questions they may have.
- Build Long-Term Relationships with Journalists
- Engage with journalists on social media, comment on their articles, and show genuine interest in their work.
- Offer valuable insights, tips, or resources even when you’re not pitching a story.
- Be respectful of their time and deadlines, and avoid being overly persistent or pushy.
- Learn from Your Experiences
- Track your pitching success and analyze what worked and what didn’t.
- Seek feedback from journalists on how to improve your pitch.
- Continuously refine your pitching strategy to maximize your chances of media
Pitching to the media is an art that requires research, personalization, and a compelling story. By following these best practices, you can enhance your chances of securing valuable media coverage for your brand or organization. Remember, persistence and adaptability are key, so keep refining your pitch and building relationships with journalists to increase your success in the media landscape.
