Pitching the media for press coverage has never been something I would call an easy task. Sometimes it truly is all about getting lucky, other times a placement is the result of thorough research and several rough drafts of a pitch. Yet then there are times where no coverage results at all.
With the decline of print media steepening on a daily basis and digital media continuing to generate new scrutiny - the art of successful pitching is constantly up for debate and it seems like securing coverage is more difficult than ever.
Ragan.com, as reliable as ever for great tips, tricks and insights into the public relations world has published '10 keys to pitching your story' and they're relevant like never before.
1. Love your story
If you don't believe in the angle you're pitching and truly love it, no one else will. Fact!
2. Go for remarkable
You have to find an angle that's new and different. Set yourself apart. As PR pros, we all know that's what needs to be done but it's not easy. Don't settle for a mediocre pitch.
3. Remember the cascading effect
Journalists are a competitive bunch. If you can generate interest from one, it may encourage additional interest from others who are keeping tabs on what their rivals are covering. Just hook one!
4. Know your pitch
Inside and OUT. In order to get that catchy angle you must know everything about your client, story and audience.
5. Think beyond yourself
"If I was an editor, would this interest me?" "If I was picking up the Indy Star, would I read this story?" Placing yourself in the shoes of your intended audience will only benefit your pitch.
As a PR professional I read anything and everything I can about pitching best practices. Sometimes I hear a lot of the same things and it reinforces the knowledge and skills I already have when it comes to media relations (and what's wrong with a little refresher now and then?). Other times, I read about a new facet to think about when tackling a pitch. Constant and consistent education is the key when it comes to doing anything well. To read the rest of Ragan's tips on making your pitch stand out or for more PR strategy visit their website .
With the decline of print media steepening on a daily basis and digital media continuing to generate new scrutiny - the art of successful pitching is constantly up for debate and it seems like securing coverage is more difficult than ever.
Ragan.com, as reliable as ever for great tips, tricks and insights into the public relations world has published '10 keys to pitching your story' and they're relevant like never before.
1. Love your story
If you don't believe in the angle you're pitching and truly love it, no one else will. Fact!
2. Go for remarkable
You have to find an angle that's new and different. Set yourself apart. As PR pros, we all know that's what needs to be done but it's not easy. Don't settle for a mediocre pitch.
3. Remember the cascading effect
Journalists are a competitive bunch. If you can generate interest from one, it may encourage additional interest from others who are keeping tabs on what their rivals are covering. Just hook one!
4. Know your pitch
Inside and OUT. In order to get that catchy angle you must know everything about your client, story and audience.
5. Think beyond yourself
"If I was an editor, would this interest me?" "If I was picking up the Indy Star, would I read this story?" Placing yourself in the shoes of your intended audience will only benefit your pitch.
As a PR professional I read anything and everything I can about pitching best practices. Sometimes I hear a lot of the same things and it reinforces the knowledge and skills I already have when it comes to media relations (and what's wrong with a little refresher now and then?). Other times, I read about a new facet to think about when tackling a pitch. Constant and consistent education is the key when it comes to doing anything well. To read the rest of Ragan's tips on making your pitch stand out or for more PR strategy visit their website .
Powered by Compendium Blogware
Comments for Pitching more difficult than ever?