Tips in Getting Media Coverage

Webinars held on the second Tuesday of Each month

Click link to view Tips in Getting Media Coverage by Smart Edge Webinar 

Presenters: Lisa Arlege Powell; Media Source, Brian Linda Mood; Director of Dispatch Magazine, and Mark Williams; Veteran Business Reporter

Dos

·         Think like a reporter

·         Know deadlines

·         Know what you want

·         Understand changing media

·         Definition of a good story has not changed

·         “New” may be a means for a good story

o   Include in title

·         Things to think about

o   How to make something new

o   Make people care

o   Put a face to the product

·         Pitch to your customer

·         Prepare an elevator speech

·         Offer visuals

·         Getting media coverage is all about forming relations

·         Follow tweets and facebook info from reporters, companies, etc.

o   Appreciate work in tweets, facebook, etc.

·         Better to contact reporters or media individuals in the mornings or afternoons

·         Don’t be afraid to pick up the telephone, as a opposed to sending an email

·         Reporters are more prone to cover stories that are trending

·         Show well-rounded campaign

Don’ts

·         Send a mass email

·         Send information to media sources that do not deal with subject matter

Important Information

·         In sending an email

·         Introduce yourself

·         1 paragraph (what is the story about?)

·         Paste press release below

·         Pitch

o   Make sure it is appropriate for subject matter

o   Make unique and specific

·         Look for seasonal stories

o   Reporters tend to prepare these stories 6 to 9 months in advance

·         If reporter tells you to contact them in the next day or two, be responsive

·         Director/reporter may be open to meeting with you.  Send them a note to meet and talk

·         Contacting media outlets

·          Use current reporter’s name

·         Personalize email/note