There are some surprising factors you might be missing when trying to get media coverage. Intrigued? Read on…
1. Do you know most editors and writers are responsible for online content? Check out the website for any major magazine or newspaper – you will see a flurry of blogs written by the same people you are already pitching.
Now here’s the kicker. These folks are craving feedback and comments from their readers. So, when was the last time you commented on a blog written by the very person you are pitching?
Is that a never?
I see you’re looking a little sheepish – so here’s the scoop. Read everything the media is writing before you pitch them. For example, if you wanted to pitch something to Glamour’s Health and Fitness section, you would read the blog Vitamin G. You would comment on the blog and also mention your favorite posts when you pitch your idea to writer Sarah Jio. Easy peasy.
2. Wouldn’t it be nice if the media contacted you, rather than you always contacting them? Thought so….
Stop waiting for the media to tell your story. Grab the reigns and tell it yourself! Use your blog to regularly deliver juicy advice to readers. This strategy also bumps your expert status and fame factor to new heights.
When reporters search the web looking for interesting stories – will they find you? They sure as heck will if you have a blog worth reading.
3. If you get sweaty palms every time you think about contacting the media, here’s a little tip to get the party started. Reach out to your target media contacts (editors and writers that cover your industry) and offer to interview them for your blog. For example: if you have a jewelry business and blog about style tips, why not ask a fashion editor for an interview?
If they agree to share some sage advice with your audience, you’ll end up with a rocking blog post and kick-off a relationship with the interviewee. A crazy cool combination!
What do you think about these tips? Have you tried any of them before? Any others you'd like to add? Leave a comment below!
Thanks Melissa for these great tips as always, especially about how to leverage blogs with the media! Very cool. Also, when the media calls for my expertise, I find they are also sooo grateful when I provide them with names of other experts I know or books or sites that they can visit and use for their article. Saves them time and they keep my name as a resource in their file , even years later!
Rock on KC! Great tip becoming a media “resource” for other experts. Bravo!
Great tips Melissa – thanks! Never realized these things are the way to go. This is the year I'm giving it a real push – coming up with new ideas – now with your great tips under my belt, here I go…..
Wishing you a great 2011!
Harriette
Go Harriette Go!
Thanks for these tips Melissa! I also find it helpful for some businesses or orgs to not just have a news releases section on their website, but also to have a dedicated "stories to go" section for media. That way, if they do serendipitously stumble on your blog, you've made their job that much easier. It takes a bit longer to write story-to-go than a news release, but they can be great resources.
Mandi – I LOVE this! This is wonderful for the media -and an awesome idea. I’m sure everyone will appreciate it!
Great tips! I'm just getting started with really working on my publicity, so commenting on relevant blogs sounds like a great way to get things going. I was just reading "The Perfect Pitch" and am finding it so incredibly helpful!
Thanks Amy! It’s so important to start small and dig in with research and building those relationships. It’s like a virtual handshake! Go girl!
I don't blog but was fortunate the story behind how I was inspired to create my product caught the ear of someone in the media earning some impressive press for my company helping to get my product & brand out there. We are just getting ready to pitch to a magazine with readers in our target audience so your advice to follow the editor blogs couldn't be more timely, great tip…Thanks Melissa!!!
Thanks Trish and good luck with the pitch!
I hope that number two happens soon, Melissa.. I have two blogs about different types of writing. One is about freelancing, and the other is for people writing books.
I also have another blog for children and write about animals as well.
These tips were extremely helpful! It gave us an idea we hadn't thought of for our business, so thank you!! Hope to meet you one of these times at a Savor event
Your last tip, interview some one from the media is a great idea. What a clever way to develop a relationship with those best to promote your work! Thanks for the article!
These are great tips. For me, every magazine mention I have had has been the editors contacting me first. And it is great. I am almost always contacted based on content that was found on my blog (3 out of the 4 magazine mentions in the last year and a half) and asked to do something similar but different, essentially. So, it's important to keep in mind that you need to be flexible in your approach because magazines are typically looking for fresh, new (never before seen) content. Just thought I'd toss that in there. Great tips once again!
-Brittni
Thanks Brittni! Love your site – such eye candy!
oh thanks melissa!
Melissa-
Thank you for such useful information and in a short sweet way. I love that you're to the point.
I am most definitely using the third suggestion!
And I am working on the the second idea.
It's something I can do, and that's powerful.
Thank you again,
Tiia Secor
Absolutely amazing information you are sharing Melissa, thank you.
You’re very welcome Chris!