It might really feel like an uphill battle getting the eye of top-tier journalists, even whenever you’re writing killer pitches. The statistics again it up, with solely 8% of media pitches leading to media protection.
Cison’s 2022 State of the Media survey additionally found that 46% of journalists obtain greater than 50 pitches per week, and 22% obtain greater than 100. Whereas these numbers don’t look encouraging, don’t despair simply but. We’ve outlined a number of the ideas and tips we use in-house to make a pitch the primary one a journalist reads on their busy Monday morning.
1. Do Your Analysis
Your pitch could have the prettiest prose, however in the event you’re sending a sports activities journalist the inside track on a well being tech startup in sub-Saharan Africa, you’ve clearly not completed your analysis.
Journalists typically have very clear niches and areas of curiosity—so discover out what they’re and make an observation of it. Whenever you ship them a pitch, take into account why this specific journalist will care.
91% of journalists within the Cison report mentioned that over half the pitches they obtain aren’t related to their viewers and sector. So, constantly being within the 9% will put you within the journalist’s good books.
2. Introductions Are Key
When you’ve discovered a journalist you suppose is an ideal match to your pitches, it’s time to make a delicate introduction.
Begin by keeping track of what they publish, and whenever you discover a story you like, congratulate them on it sincerely. This manner, you can begin to construct a relationship with them.
You can too interact with them on social media by liking their posts or following their weblog—nothing too stalkerish, however simply sufficient for them to note your curiosity.
A golden rule within the business is to by no means ship them a pitch by way of social media; that is very a lot a PR fake par. Utilizing social media is usually a part of a journalist’s downtime, so don’t cross the road into work.
3. Have interaction With Them on a Human Stage
It’s time to start out speaking with journalists for different causes—not simply to spout pitches at them.
Why not electronic mail them about one thing you suppose they’ll discover fascinating? It’s good observe to proceed the dialog by sharing any content material with journalists that you just suppose they’d discover fascinating, and this doesn’t have to be work-related both.
Should you can join with them on a variety of subjects, you possibly can set up a piece friendship. This implies they’re more likely to learn your pitches and, extra importantly, reply.
Additionally, be careful for the pitch follow-ups; they’re typically not at all times appreciated. And the Cison 2022 survey revealed that one too many is sufficient for 48% of journalists to dam you. Ouch.
4. Assist Them Community
Now it’s time to carry out the large weapons and present journalists how invaluable you’re throughout the business.
When you have any contacts or colleagues which have a mutual curiosity with a journalist you’re employed with, why not introduce them? Ship them a well mannered electronic mail with the LinkedIn info and present the journalist that you just’re a helpful contact to have.
Additionally, inviting them to take part in media conferences and occasions is a good card to play and might be extraordinarily precious to the journalist too. For instance, right here at Publicize, we set up Join occasions the place startups current their modern concepts to top-tier journalists. Occasions like these are a win-win for everybody concerned.
With these 4 prime ideas, you’re more likely to get your self, and your pitches, seen by the top-tier journalists you’ve been pining over. However don’t fear in the event you don’t get a brand new journalist greatest buddy right away; everybody is aware of that every one good issues are value ready for.
Should you’d like extra info on methods to pitch to journalists efficiently, check out our information. And to view our full vary of PR blogs and assets, click on right here.
