Making a strong first impression is more challenging than it appears. To enhance your chances, avoid sending a pitch outside a reporter’s coverage area. Investing time to understand a reporter’s beat and the stories they focus on can advance your position and establish a foundation for a meaningful relationship. Before sending your pitch, reflect on what you are offering to the reporter.
Develop a narrative that isn’t just self-promoting but provides the reporter with an engaging angle, perspective, and trend that they may want to explore. Anticipate all the assets a reporter could need, such as images, videos, data, and access to spokespeople. In today’s relentless, social-media-driven news cycle, being responsive is essential. Ensure you don’t overlook a timely news hook or ignore a reporter’s inquiry for sources.
Aim to respond within the first half hour to signify whether you can provide the requested information. Proactivity is crucial to fostering a positive experience. Consider how current events relate to your business, industry, or landscape and provide a distinctive viewpoint that the reporter can incorporate into their story. This strategy is critical for nurturing long-term relationships.
When a reporter seeks an expert, offer your assistance or connect them with relevant contacts from your network.
Building relationships also involves face-to-face interactions, which move beyond digital communication and help personalize professional connections. These meetings are also a great chance to discover the journalists’ personal interests and the stories they are working on.
In media relations, PR professionals should focus on service and experience, helping journalists excel in their roles through effective support.