The primary objective of a media pitch is to convince an editor or journalist to pay attention to your story. If you don’t make a memorable pitch, it’s likely to be buried among the hundreds of PR pitches they get each day. Knowing how journalists evaluate your pitch is crucial in crafting a memorable media pitch, and it’s also the first step in developing lasting relationships with the media.
What is the Media Pitch?
The media pitch can be described as a brief message to a journalist by email, informing them of your story and why they should report it. It will explain what the story is about that is fascinating, why it is, and when is the best time to discuss it. It is, in essence, your elevator pitch in a manner that is appealing to the attention of the media.
If you’ve encountered an incredible story you think would make the perfect media article or TV show; however, you’re not sure what to do to get it into the media, This blog will cover all that you require to learn to create the perfect pitch for media that includes real examples that earned you multiple media awards.
Different types of media pitches
Cold Pitches
The most well-known pitch for media is the cold pitch, that is, reaching out to a publication or journalist with which you do not have a prior connection. It’s the type of pitch journalists be most interested in, so they have to be top-quality to get their interest. It should include a brief phrase about your business, your story, and why it’s the best time to report on it.
News/Trend Pitches
An essential aspect of any PR plan is keeping up-to-date with the latest news and trends. The editorial calendars of journalists will generally be determined by what’s in the report. Suppose you are a part of a story related to something that’s garnering significant media attention. In that case, this is your best opportunity to be in their inbox by submitting a pertinent media pitch.
Contributor/Guest Post Pitches
If you’re an authority in your area, an academic, or someone with a lot of knowledge, you might want to present an essay by you for inclusion as a guest blog post for an online publication or website. Many publications prefer you submit an idea instead of a completed article, so they’ll provide a concise word count and then work together during your writing. Like every other pitch, it must concisely describe the concept, why it’s relevant, and why you’re the best person to create it.
Follow-Up Pitches
The key to good PR is maintaining your contacts warm by sending polite follow-ups on your pitches and staying in touch with journalists you’ve previously worked with. A follow-up message is a means to boost your email’s presence in their inbox, in case of journalists miss the news, or to remind your audience of the topic you mentioned in the pitch.
Another kind of follow-up email is to reach out to any journalist contacts you’ve previously had a relationship with. The most effective pitching methods are those in which the journalist already knows your name. Maintaining relations with journalists is vital, whether through LinkedIn or social media or even grabbing an espresso together.
Partnerships aid in maintaining a relationship and strengthening the connection; it also shows that you know their specifics and that you’re an ideal contact to keep. LinkedIn is the perfect platform to share your views, like, and interact with their work if you’re seeking to grow your journalistic circle. Doing your background research and connecting with the right people will ensure that you will have a greater chance of success in the long run.
How can I make my Media Pitch Make an Impact?
The most effective tool you have at your disposal is the subject line of your email. It’s the distinction between a journalist offering your pitch to the media look or scrolling over it. The pitch should be concise and clear. Create interest, and serve as the hook to your story.
But there’s a distinction between a snarky subject line and clickbait; make sure not to choose the latter, as it may deter journalists from clicking to read more. Subject lines that provide journalists with something can be an excellent method to get your media pitch to read. You start the email by stating “Interview Opportunities,” “Case Study,” “Samples,” or “Exclusive.” Each of these options will be useful for journalists and an opportunity to take action.
How to structure a media pitch
Journalists are extremely busy, so you must create your pitch for the media as efficiently and quickly to understand as much as possible. Once they’ve read your message’s subject lines, make sure that the main point of your pitch should be the first sentence of your email body. If you’re expecting reporters to read your story within a wall of text, you’ve already lost their attention. Make it clear what this story means to them, and then waste time getting to the critical point.
It is recommended to write between 200 and 300 words that describe the subject matter you’re pitching, what you’re offering, details about your company or you, why this is the right time to discuss the topic, and why it is essential to do so. It is important to remember that you are writing to real people, not only email addresses, so make sure to keep your writing light, friendly and personable.
How to Customize Your Media Pitch
A journalist is quick to spot an advertisement that has been sent to thousands of contact rather than one specially written for their needs. To tailor your pitch to the specific needs of your audience is essential to show awareness of the publication or journalist’s work. It involves researching past pieces, knowing the style of each, and then creating multiple versions of your story, which puts the focus on the most relevant aspects of the outlet.
It is also possible to show that you’re a trustworthy person who has read the work of this journalist by mentioning a recent article that you liked and how it may relate to the topic of your pitch. The process of pitching one by one may be more time-consuming, and however, it will bring significantly more value and lead to tremendous success over time.
How to Keep Your Media Pitch Relevant
Although journalists are always looking for new material, the most relevant current, relevant topics will always be the first precedence. The pitch you send to media should immediately connect your story with something current, whether a news-worthy hook and recent statistics or even a fresh element to a level an editor have recently reported.
When you convince a journalist of why they should feature your story today by presenting your account now, you’re saving their time researching, which they don’t have the time to conduct themselves. If you could also link the pitch with a national holiday relevant to your content, such as Women’s Health Month or Memorial Day, and show a journalist why your pitch is timely.
How to Sell to the right person
Your media pitch is relevant to a specific outlet isn’t a guarantee that every reporter in the area will be covering the subject. Before pitching to any outlet, take some time to get familiar with various reporters and their areas of expertise. Typically, you’ll find details about the team on the outlet’s website or find individuals using Twitter or LinkedIn.
Media Pitch Examples
Each media pitch will be different. Here are some actual angles that all had success across regional and national outlets in print and television. These will provide you with an idea about how you can begin to approach a journalist and how to start getting to the root of your story immediately.
Media Pitches Offer Examples
SUBJECT LINE: Samples/ Review Opportunities: New York Design Studio XXX
Hello (initial contact name),
I hope that you’re enjoying a great beginning to the day.
Are you looking to sample and review items from the exciting new designer brand, XXX?
XXX is a design-focused lifestyle brand and a creative studio that designs and creates items such as wall art, cards, and even face scarves.
The New York-based artist and creator XXX has set out on a goal to spread joy and to add some life to everyone in a time when we’re mostly at home than ever. Prints are inspired by designer street art-inspired, trendy, and highly metropolitan.
(PICTURES)
Every piece is created by XXX and printed digitally. It means they are less expensive, without any compromise in quality. XXX stays at the forefront of the latest trends and is always the first to launch pieces of art featuring the newest pop-culture trends with an eye on them. There’s something for anyone, including dads and college kids, mothers, and even kids.
The products we provide include:
- Designs for Walls Designs
- Cards
- Apparel
- Phone cases
- Home office supplies
- Masks for faces
Visit the website (link) and inform me of any particular products you’re interested in reviewing for reviews or roundups, features, or inclusion in your gift guide for the holidays. We will arrange samples as soon as possible.
Thank you,
Host Post Pitch Media
Hi (contact the first initial of your name),
I hope that you’re doing well.
I’m trying to get in touch to inquire if you’d be interested in a guest post written by an award-winning journalist, host of a podcast, and producer XXX on the most important steps that businesses must think about before starting an audio podcast?
Podcasting is fast becoming the most popular type of entertainment across the US. In 2006, just 22% of the people in the US were aware of the existence of podcasts. In 2020, this number had been soaring to 75%, and there were an estimated 88 million podcast listeners in 2019. The pandemic has us craving new, original podcasts more than before. Should you not have already started your podcast, you’re likely at least a part of one.
XXX is the founder and owner of XXX, a one-stop-shop podcasting studio that offers all the services for podcasts in one place, from audio production to album design and distribution. XXX has had clients include (examples)
(Picture)
The most important things to think about before you decide to launch podcasts include:
- (Bullet point examples)
If a guest blog post might be of interest, contact us so that we’ll arrange it.
I appreciate your consideration,
News Story Media Pitch (TV)
Hi (first name)
I hope you’re doing well.
I have a fantastic story that has a local perspective to be sharing with you in celebration of Women’s Health Month in May.
XXX is a well-known Local musician and award-winning songwriter based in XXX and has joined forces together with XXX charity, a unique charity that helps the innovative people working to find cures for cancer by raising funds through emerging musicians. XXX has experienced several female relatives diagnosed with breast cancer in the past, so this cause is right in the middle of her life for her. She realized she had to utilize her platform and music to fight the battle against cancer.
The XXXX group was a part of five categories during the 58th Annual Grammys and has been awarded XXX’s “Best Female Vocalist” several times and has won numerous XXX awards.
(Quote of the designer regarding the significance of the goal)
I’m able to connect you with (artist) and (founder of charity) to conduct interviews. Please let me know whether you’d like to arrange something this month? I’m also willing to supply photos, b-rolls, and much more. Let me know what you require!
I look to hearing from you.
Many many thanks,