When it comes to mastering the art of media relations, there is nothing as important as being able to reach the right people. No matter what your message is, if you aren’t able to get that message to the right individuals, it won’t matter. With this in mind, here are five easy things that you can do to make sure that all of your media messages are always reaching the right audience.
Know Your Target Audience
Before you worry about getting your article in the hands of the right reporters and media pros, you need to make sure that you are clear on your message and who that message is reaching. One of the most important and most basic components of marketing is knowing who your target audience is and what they are looking for. Don’t forget to start with this. If you don’t know who you are speaking to and who you are relating to, your message will never find success.
Reach Out To The Right People
Make a comprehensive list of the right reporters that actually report on stories related to your industry or the message you are looking to deliver. You can find contact information online, or you can try to reach out on social media. Start following the right reporters on Twitter and Facebook, comment on their posts, and start developing a relationship with them. It can go a long way in helping foster an important relationship with these media contacts.
Know Your Reporters Writing Style And What They Like To Write About
Before you reach out to reporters, make sure you know what they like to write about and what their writing style is, including what they like to write about. You need to know if that writer enjoys writing about and what their style is. If what you are pitching doesn’t fit with their normal topic or writing style, then you won’t have a very good chance of getting them to respond to your message.
Research Past Stories
Do your research before you formulate your pitch and reach out to different writers. Look at similar past stories. What types of stories are getting picked up? What types of messages or angles are writers looking for? The more you know about the type of stories that are getting media traction the better off you will be. Use this research to not only find the right journalist to cover your story but to pick a specific angle that will actually appeal to that reporter.
Customize Your Pitch
When you are finally ready to send out a pitch, make sure you customize that pitch and that message specifically to the reporter you are trying to reach. Write your pitch directly to that individual and customize the message. Make it personal, write it directly to that person and make sure that you make it clear that you know their work and know their unique style.
Keep these five tips in mind as you start to enhance your media efforts. They may be just what you need in order to make certain you are reaching the right audience.
