6 ways to strengthen your pitches
If you don’t research, have a news angle and build relationships with reporters, you can kiss your chances of landing media coverage goodbye.
Reporters and bloggers are inundated with news tips and story ideas every day. How can you make your news stand out and cut through the noise? Follow these six rules for better pitching to land more media hits and make reporters pay attention:
1. Do your research.
A successful pitch begins when you send your news to the right reporter. Go to the publication’s website, see who writes about your industry and read their articles. If you don’t determine the right contact, your pitch will end up in the trash.
2. Create a news angle.
Journalists have to deliver value, which means you do, too. Reporters often won’t pick up product or corporate announcements, so explain the value your story provides.
How will your story affect readers’ lives? Why should they care? What is the compelling angle that makes your announcement real news?
3. Get to the point.
Journalists don’t have time to read a long, wordy pitch. Don’t waste words by setting up your news—get to the point and cut the fluff. Deliver your news in as few words as possible while still communicating your key messages.
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