How to Pitch a Story to the Media

How to Pitch Your Story to the Media

Getting your story in the news? That's a big deal for any business. A great pitch can get you tons of attention, build trust, and even boost sales. But just sending out press releases isn't enough. This guide shows you how to actually get that media coverage.

Know Your Audience: It's Key!

Before writing anything, figure out who you're talking to. Don't just blast emails everywhere. Find specific journalists, bloggers, or influencers who cover your topic. Think about:

• Their Publication: What kind of stuff do they usually publish? What's their style? Are they super formal, or more casual?
• Their Beat: What are they experts in? Your story needs to fit perfectly.
• Their Past Work: Check out their articles and social media. What are they interested in? This helps you tailor your pitch to them.

Crafting a Pitch That Works: The Persuasion Part

A good pitch is short, interesting, and personal. It's not just about telling your news; it's about showing why it matters to the journalist and their readers. Here’s how:

1. Subject Line: This is your first impression! Keep it short, exciting, and relevant. Use strong verbs. For example: "Exclusive: [Company Name] Changes [Industry] with [Innovation]" or "[City] Faces [Crisis]: Urgent Help Needed".
2. Opening Paragraph: Hook them! Start with the most exciting part. Why should they care? What's special about your story?
3. The Story: Briefly explain the main points. Use the who, what, when, where, and why. Simple language is your friend!
4. The Angle: Why is this important to their readers? Connect it to current events if you can.
5. Call to Action: Tell them what you want – an interview, more info, or just to consider your story.
6. Your Info: Name, title, phone number, and email.

Building Relationships: The Long Game

Pitching is a two-way street. Building relationships is key for long-term success. Don't just contact them when you need something. Try these:

• Follow Their Work: Comment on their articles, share their stuff on social media. Show you're a fan.
• Offer Exclusive Info: Give them something they can't get anywhere else. It shows you respect their time.
• Be Responsive: Answer quickly and professionally.
• Network: Go to industry events to meet people in person.
• Provide Value: Don't just ask for coverage; offer insights and help them.

Different Media Outlets: Expand Your Reach

Don't just use one type of media. Think about:

• Newspapers/Magazines: Good for in-depth stories.
• TV/Radio: Great for visual stories and interviews.
• Online News/Blogs: Wider audience, faster results.
• Social Media Influencers: Reach specific groups.
• Podcasts: More personal and conversational.

Track Your Results: See What Works

After sending pitches, don't just wait. Track your results! See what's working and what's not. Use tools to monitor mentions and website traffic.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Here are some common mistakes:

• Generic Pitches: Don't send the same email to everyone. Personalize it!
• Poorly Written Pitches: Proofread carefully! Typos hurt your credibility.
• Ignoring Deadlines: Be respectful of journalists' time.
• Unrealistic Expectations: Not every pitch will get coverage.
• Not Following Up: A polite follow-up can help.

Beyond the Pitch: Your Media Kit

A media kit is essential. It should include a press release, good photos, data, info about your company, and your contact details.

Conclusion: Mastering Media Relations

Pitching takes practice. But by understanding your audience, writing great pitches, building relationships, and tracking results, you can use the media to your advantage. Remember, it's about building trust and being a reliable source of information—not just getting coverage.