The Next Web editor’s tips on how to (successfully) pitch journalists

We caught up with Brad McCarty, editor and director of business development of The Next Web. He shared his advice on how to get tech journalists interested, how not to pitch, and how you should distribute press releases.

Use the basics to tell a great story

Although they have different interests, you can successfully approach journalists with these simple, basic things:

If you have these three things, McCarty assures you he will read your pitch. But when it comes to clicking through, it comes down to a great story told in a few words.

The three-sentence explanation in the email should be a good teaser for the bigger picture. It should not uncover all the details, but leave the journalist wanting to discover them.

Don’t be a used car salesman

Another piece of advice is to remember you are talking to a human. Thus, the used car salesman approach for your pitch doesn’t work.