Fostering great relations with key personnel in the media, is a great way of boosting your chances of landing media coverage. A lot of people find that although they are great with building relationships generally, it’s more challenging with the media. Follow these six easy steps/tips to put you on the right track with journalists and assignment editors, and see your PR opportunities rise!
Step 1: Meet Deadlines
Getting all the research done plus finding sources and images on time can be stressful for journalists. Provide all requested information in a timely fashion, ahead of the deadline.
Step 2: Use white space
When pitching or responding to journalists via email or a written document, use short paragraphs and lots of white space. It makes it easier for them to read your content and it reduces eye strain.
Step 3: Use identifiable file names and photos
Rather than labeling the photos you submit headshot.jpg, use instead personsname_headshot.jpg. This way, when journalists are compiling the stories, the photos can be easily identified. This helps prevent errors.
Step 4: Don’t ask for updates
Although it’s tempting to want to get updates on a pending story, don’t ask when it will run. Journalists are stretched thin and generally don’t appreciate you “just checking in” or making requests. Instead, set a Google Alert to monitor online mentions so you know when your story goes live.
Step 5: Share stories and credit the journalist
Share stories on social media and tag the journalist, not just the outlet. Journalists rely on social media for publishing and promoting their own content. You can help them get more visibility by promoting their work and helping them reach a wider audience.
Step 5: Secure image rights
If you are offering or providing photos to accompany your story, secure the image rights and provide them to the journalist. This saves them the time and trouble of having to do so themselves.