5 steps to creating a useful media contacts list
Gathering media contacts by pulling a list from a database isn’t where the work ends, it’s where it begins. Follow these steps to fine-tune it into a powerful resource.
In the PR business, it’s all about whom you know. Like most PR pros, you probably have a modern day Rolodex (a spreadsheet) of your strongest contacts—the reporters, bloggers and influencers you’ve been working with for years.
Layered on top of that is a list of folks you’ve probably pitched many times, maybe interacted with a little, but they aren’t the ones who will pick up the phone when you call.
After that are the rest—the tens of thousands of influencers you’ve never met, but should forge a connection with for that new client, new story or new role.
With so many moving parts and so many reporters, bloggers, analysts and other influencers to reach, building a killer contact list for every campaign can be a full-time job in and of itself.
Thank goodness for interns, right? Get real.
The interns don’t know that Ronnie Reporter hates email subject lines and will do anything for a cronut. They don’t know that you and Betsy Blogger bonded over dirty martinis in ’04.
No, you can’t leave this job to the intern. What is a PR pro to do when it comes time to build a media list?
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today
Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.
