Top Ten Pre-Pitch
Media Must Dos
By Thomas Murrell MBA, CSP International Business Speaker
Having a plan on how you will pitch your story to the media and journalists
will increase your chances of getting media coverage.
Different media have different deadlines, different styles and different
requirements.
So how can you improve your chances of success in gaining media coverage
that will drive sales and profitability through increased visibility and
credibility that editorial coverage brings?
These are the Top Ten must dos before pitching your story to the media.
1. What's New?
Ask Yourself - Is It Newsworthy?
If it's not don't waste the media's time and burn important relationships.
If yes, analyse what hot news buttons does it press for the reporter or
editor?
The most important news values on which editorial decisions are made include
currency, timeliness, immediacy, drama, consequence, natural disasters,
conflict, prominence, human interest and the quirky and unusual.
2. Target Media
What is the best media platform, media vehicle or media channel?
Newspapers contain more detail and have longevity.
Radio has immediacy while television has visual impact.
3. Target the
Reporter
Build a relationship with a journalist who covers stories relevant to your
media pitch.
It is better to target journalists than do a mass email blast to everyone
from a list you may have purchased.
4. Google both the
Reporter and News Media
Like researching a company and panel for a job interview, do your research
on the media outlet and reporter.
5. Use LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the best platform to research the background of journalists and
reporters.
Find a common connection and common area of interest you can talk about when
you pitch to build rapport.
6. Know Their Most
Recent Work
The more you know the journalists most recent work, the more likely your
pitch will be successful.
For a refresher on what motivates journalists this past article summarises
media archetypes. http://tinyurl.com/kd3juwj
7. Prepare a Media
Kit
This should contain a media release, media backgrounder and or fact sheet.
8. Prepare Other
Angles
Who also could the media interview to add to the story?
Seek out these angles and people and have them media ready via media
training.
9. Prepare Media
Opportunities
These could be photo opportunities or interview opportunities.
Always know the deadlines and news cycles of the media your are pitching to.
See point #2.
10. Prepare a
Script
Always work from a prepared script. It will save time, be less stressful and
be more professional.
It will increase your chances of success.
Please consider Tuesday
20th August, 9.30am to 1pm, HLB Mann Judd, L4, 130 Stirling Street, Perth,
Australia
Media Writing Masterclass
- Writing and Pitching Winning Media Releases
Numbers are limited so book here.
Labels: how to write a press release, media relations, media writing skills, media writing training Perth