Are you a public relations professional, planning to pitch your company’s story to news editors?
Here are some do’s and don’ts that will make your association with news media successful:
Do’s:
- Start by introducing yourself to media editors, journalism professionals, and freelancers
- Explain the essence of the organization, its business, goals, and how it functions
- Set a stage for future communication by sending emails after the meeting
- Inform them about upcoming events, news about the organization, and any expected developments
- Inform about the news releases at least 2 weeks before a special event. Follow up over email and finalize a time for a meeting, interview, or call
- Tailor your pitch based on the medium. For instance, digital and television media will need photos and videos, print media will need intriguing stories and radio will need interviews
- Offer real stories and personal experiences for more engaging stories
- If you have committed to an interview, keep stories and statistics in your mind
- Consider community newspapers, local channels, trade journals, etc. They may not be very prominent but are very powerful
Don’ts
- Don’t send a vague pitch. It needs to be as comprehensive and convincing as possible.
- Don’t tell them about the type of story you want them to publish. Ask about the type of story they are looking for instead.