How to Pitch the Media

Via my previous and articles, I’ve provided a lot of information and websites for your small business press releases and publicity efforts.

But if you don’t know how to pitch a reporter once you get through, here are some quick tips to help you through the media process:

1.    Know Your Targeted Media Members.

Before you even reach out to a reporter, you should know what that person writes about and what he or she will be interested in discussing.

Do your homework before contacting a specific reporter, and you’ll have a much better understanding of what you should say (and the topics you should avoid).

2.    Have Talking Points Ready.

With point #1 in mind, write down all of the benefits your business has to offer. Know why a reporter will be interested in what you have to say and practice giving your unique story angle.

Then, when the time is right, you’ll be ready. (You may even want to have your talking points written on an index card by your phone.)

3.    Be Newsworthy.

Try to think of a way that your business fits in with current news and industry events. Develop a story angle related to something newsworthy and current. Then, approach a reporter with your idea. You’ll get much farther with reporters if you can discuss  current  news and information related to their beats.

4.    Be Unique.

Media members want fresh, interesting stories. Try to stand out from the crowd and offer your opinion about a current topic, a unique statistic or research result, or a story angle that no one else can offer.

By conducting some research and offering something different, you’ll get much farther with your publicity efforts.

Check back on Thursday for more pitching tips.

In the meantime, feel free to contact me below or at www.rembrandtwrites.com with your online copywriting, SEO and publicity questions. Thanks!