9 ways to make reporters fall in love with you

Don’t send them Mylar balloons or teddy bears. Give reporters what they really want: timely, useful information that can help them do their jobs. Just don’t be a pest about it.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Valentine’s Day recently passed.

How does that relate to PR, you ask? It’s about showing some love for reporters.

Much has been written about the strained relationship between reporters and PR practitioners, so the question is: How can we show reporters we love them and, in turn, help them fall in love with us?

Here are some ways to make them feel special:

1. Offer “gifts.” This could include offering additional resources for a story such a customer or partner reference, a link to video explaining the new technology you’re pitching, a company logo or compelling image, an infographic, results from a survey with data to back up your pitch, and so on. This makes it easier for them to do a story. After all, isn’t a big part of our job making life easier for reporters?

2. Don’t keep them waiting. When they ask for something, be ready to send it as soon as possible. Don’t make them wait three days for a photo or customer reference. Think and prepare ahead to be ready with whatever they may ask for. They’ll appreciate it and be more likely to turn to you in the future.

To read the full story, log in.
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.