Here’s 4 tips in Getting Picked Up by Journalists to share your story or media.
If you want to reach journalists, bloggers, reporters or someone in the news media you’ve got to do your homework. Sending out your press release to everyone and hoping it will get picked up isn’t going to cut it. You need to figure out who you want to reach and why.
When I started to look for people who do food reviews specifically with my pies, I started looking up people on LinkedIn, who are into food media. From there I sent private messages not a mass message to ask for a pie review. There was a gal who lived in Phoenix, AZ near by and since she was affiliated with the Travel and Food Writers Association, I just ask her if there was anyone she could recommend to me. Maralyn Hill, said to me “I would love to do it!” I was excited and surprised. If you really want someone to help you, you have to ask. We still stay in touch, I like hearing what she’s doing.
If you have a story or non-profit that needs to be heard be sure to to have your content, or press release ready or what you story or news to be told.
Helen Barrington of Voices Boston suggests that you design a shot, clear concise press release. Make sure everything a report or editor needs to know within the 1st four lines and contact information of the person who can respond. Don’t put “PRESS RELEASE” in the subject line, this is not helpful. Then follow-up with a phone call 2 or 3 days after you have sent the press release. If you want people to know about an event, be sure you are contacting the right person.
Jim Gold a Journalist, editor, reporter, blogger says, let the media how the coverage of your story will benefit their readers/viewers. Offer transparency including access to those helped by your story or non-profit. Be upfront with your agenda, remember the reporter is looking out the readers/viewers first not your organization.
James A. Schwartz a Writer, Editor, Fundraiser and PR Professional. Depending upon the media’s work shifts mornings or afternoon in the case of daily prin publications, give the reporter a call and a brief update on your upcoming event and relevance of such to your community.
Most media outlets are open to accommodating home-town non-profits that touch the lives of those in need through the efforts of donors and community volunteers. Your organization or service area likely is already well-known by local news outlets.
In any case, if no direct contact seems to work, find out who most likely covers your news or features info, or contact the staff;s assignment editor. In a small town, success usually comes with a brief phone call or arrangements to drop off your news packet or other information for follow-up with you.
With major media outlets, however, your visit also might also include some ID checking and the name of the person you have an appointment with, usually no big deal with the security people hired by many major media outlets.
Lubna Kably a Writer & Columnist, suggested that you find your human interest element of your story, attach it to a international or local day. Like if it’s Children’s Day or an event then you can tie your news to the local events.
This will get you started – don’t forget to add Media and Public Relations to your Marketing Strategy.
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