5 media-pitching rules for 2018

How to build long-lasting media relationships

A good media pitch can mean the difference between your story being accepted or not.

When you think of media, you think about placement for your company’s product or service. However, media is much more than getting your story published. Pitching your story to the media is about creating long-term mutually beneficial relationships with journalists. How do you pitch so that journalists will pick your content and connect with you as a source for their future stories?

Here are five rules to remember when you pitch the media in 2018.

Do your research.

You will significantly increase your chances of getting your story published if you know to whom you should pitch. Journalists usually have specific stories in mind to write about. It’s not enough to know what industry your journalist covers. You should know his or her focus. Do your research and see what topics your media representatives have written about in the past.

Be helpful.

You pitch media to promote your brand. Journalists pick your story to cover a certain topic on a strict deadline. This is a symbiotic relationship. Help reporters get their job done and you might become their go-to source for information. Be useful and provide them with an engaging, timely story with proven facts.

Be timely.

Most media representatives want the most recent news. There are, of course, journalists who write feature stories, and, for them, you should prepare your content accordingly. However, most journalists are looking for something timely and fresh. Make sure that your story falls into this category.

Engage authentically.

No one wants spam. Media is no exception. Connect with the media you’re interested in via email or social media. Be honest and don’t spam. Not all media you pitch will have an interest in your story. Sometimes NO means NO.

Mean business.

Journalists are very busy people. They have hundreds of stories to sift through. Don’t waste their time with lengthy descriptions and personal stories. Be concise, businesslike and to the point in your pitch.

Connecting with your relevant media and building relationships is something both parties will benefit from. Consistent media coverage is one of the key components of a successful content marketing campaign. Axia Public Relations PR specialists know how to use well-executed media campaigns to take your business to the next level. Download Axia’s complimentary e-book Learn Media Relations From the Media to help you boost your media strategy today.

Yulia Dianova is a public relations professional who is skilled in building relationships with target audiences. Yulia earned a master’s degree in public relations management from University of Maryland University College. She is fluent in Russian and English and is always looking for a new challenge. Yulia has worked for Axia Public Relations since July 2015. Learn more about Yulia Dianova. Connect with Axia on Twitter @axiapr or tell us what you think in the comments below.