Contacting the media and getting your brand placed in a story all begins with writing a pitch. Crafting a message that is strong and interesting can be a challenge and there are several mistakes many PR pros may make during the process. Here are three common follies when writing a pitch to the media, and how you can fix them.
Are you making any of these mistakes when email pitching?
[Writing a Pitch] 3 Common Mistakes when Emailing Journalists
- You Hog the Spotlight
While you are writing a pitch to introduce a journalist to your brand and share why they should cover your story, don’t make the mistake of writing it all about you. Instead of touting all of the business or brand’s recent accomplishments and introducing their great new product offerings, make the pitch about the journalist and their readers. Share why your story will benefit them and you’ll be more likely to catch their attention.
- The Pitch is Too Long
While it may take many paragraphs or pages to tell your full story, remember writing a pitch is about spelling out the basics and teasing the journalist about the newsworthy qualities of your brand. It’s best to leave out most of the information in favor of a few key details; if the reporter wants the full story, they will ask you for it.
- You Only Send Press Releases
A press release may cover all of the necessary information you are trying to convey, but they may bog down journalists who are looking for news. Try pairing a press release with a quick email introduction highlighting main bullet points and key takeaways from the release. The reporter will appreciate you taking the time to craft a separate message and simplifying the story.
Writing a pitch that’s all about you or your brand, drafting a long and drawn out message or sending only a press release are all good ways to ensure your email ends up in a reporter’s ‘Trash’ folder.
In addition, you should also get to know the reporter and become familiar with topics they cover. Many pitches reach editors or assignment editors who may not be the one writing the story. You can dramatically raise the odds of gaining coverage by getting the “right” journalist interested.
What other tips can you offer for writing a pitch that’s likely to get you noticed?
Special Offer: Complimentary Consultation
Three Girls Media, Inc. is a public relations and social media management agency founded in the heart of California’s Silicon Valley with a team in the Seattle area. We love working with small and emerging companies across the nation to raise their brand awareness and name recognition. We offer a complimentary 30-minute phone consultation with our CEO and can answer your questions and discuss your specific marketing needs.
Call 408-218-2391 or Contact us today to arrange yours!