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.