Reporters and bloggers are inundated with news tips and story ideas every
day. How can you make your news stand out to cut through the noise?
Follow these six rules for better pitching to make reporters pay
attention and generate more media hits.
Do Your Research
A successful pitch starts with sending your news to the right reporter.
Go to the publication’s website, check to see who writes about your industry
and read their articles. If you don’t determine the right contact, your pitch
will end up in the trash folder.
Create a News Angle
Journalists have to deliver value, which means you do too. Reporters
often won’t pick up product or corporate announcements, so explain the value
your story provides.
- How will it affect readers’ lives?
- Why should they care?
- What is the compelling angle that makes your announcement real news?
Journalists don’t have time to read through a long, wordy pitch. Don’t
waste words “setting up” your news — get to the point and cut the fluff.
Deliver your news in as few words as possible while still communicating your
key messages.
Pay Attention to Detail
Never underestimate the power of proofreading. Make sure names are
spelled correctly, facts are checked and grammar and punctuation are on point.
Even small slipups will cause your story to lose credibility.
Leave Them Wanting More
A well-written pitch will prompt a journalist to follow up with you for
more information. While you should clearly communicate the important points of
your news upfront, leave room in your pitch for a follow-up conversation.
Build a Relationship
The constant nature of online news presents a unique opportunity to build
a relationship with journalists. Identify key industry publications and/or
journalists, and comment and share relevant articles that they publish. When
you add value to the conversation, journalists will begin to recognize you, and
could eventually seek you out as a source when they’re on their next deadline.
Stick to the tactics above to establish your brand as a credible source
of information and forge relationships with journalists in your field. It’s a
sure way to get your news in front of the people who matter most: your
prospects and customers.
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