How to Pitch

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How to Pitch

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houseofjerkyjanie

posts: 1150

Oct 29, 2008 6:58 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I was unable to attend Peter Shankman`s teleseminar on this subject. So I`d like to know if anyone has advice on how to email pitch reporters and media. What are they looking for, and in what format? Besides who you are and what your product or service is, what is the best way to pitch?

Janie

casavalridge

posts: 96

Oct 29, 2008 8:46 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Janie

That`s a great question.... I`d like to get some tips as well.

(Sorry I don`t have an answer for you, I`m posting so that I can get the email notifications for replies to this thread...

)

PRPro

posts: 441

Oct 29, 2008 8:47 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Janie,

In a nutshell, the best way to pitch a reporter is to:

- Read what they`ve written.

-Figure out why that reporter will be interested in your story.

-Call the reporter and give your succinct pitch (or send a plain text e-mail without attachments)

Basically, you want to think like a reporter and provide valuable and unique information.

For more pitching tips, you may want to look at http://pinkmagazine.com/resources/business/get_publicity.html, http://www.startupnation.com/steps/77/steps-successful-public-relations.htm, and my blog at www.rembrandtblog.com.

I hope this helps...

Thanks,

Melanie

-------------------------

Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

LogoMotives

posts: 772

Oct 29, 2008 10:10 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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I will often call/email a writer/reporter directly - after determining they cover a topic related to my expertise. I will then drop one of my customizable media kits in the mail to them - as a reminder and additional resource.

- J.

-------------------------

Jeff Fisher | Jeff Fisher LogoMotives | Tweet! Tweet!

houseofjerkyjanie

posts: 1150

Oct 29, 2008 10:17 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Thanks Melanie, Looks like I have some good reading to do. Haro has been posting a lot of gift guide requests, some were for magazines. Are these editors looking for a story from you, or why they should include your product. Or do they just want the simple facts. I have to get to work now, but I will be reading everything you posted Melanie. Thanks so much.

Janie

houseofjerkyjanie

posts: 1150

Oct 29, 2008 10:19 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Jeff, but what about those Haro requests?

PRPro

posts: 441

Oct 29, 2008 1:50 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Hi Janie,

Thanks for your note.

For HARO (great site at http://www.helpareporter.com/ for those of you who want to hear what media members are looking for three times a day), it`s important to read exactly what the editors want for their gift guides and send what they are asking for. And if you still have questions, contact the media venue and ask! (For gift guides, they usually don`t want a story angle, just the product benefits)

(And for those of you new to HARO, this goes for all the pitches on the HARO list. If you pitch the reporters things they don`t want, you will hurt your media relationship with these people!)

Right now, it`s a terrible time to pitch anything that is not related to the elections or the economy (other than specific media requests and gift guide requests).

And the whole pitching process can get overwhelming...but don`t let it. Keep it simple.

Think about what you would want to hear about if you were a specific reporter and go from there. Try not to be too pushy. Reporters will appreciate your honesty and professionalism.

Hope this helps for now! Thanks,

Melanie

-------------------------

Melanie Rembrandt
CEO, Rembrandt Communications®, LLC
Visit www.rembrandtwrites.com for valuable PR tips and SEO copywriting help!
Twitter: @RembrandtWrites

DipLady

posts: 344

Oct 29, 2008 2:53 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Janie, I have been answering most of the product requests that we fit. I put together a simple form detailing the product and info about the company and send it out. I have gotten quite a few requests for samples from persons that are interested, in fact, I have 3 or 4 more going out in todays mail. If we get a fraction of the ones that have requested more info, I will be happy. I find that most just want an email back explaining what you have and if they are interested, they contact you for specifics.

houseofjerkyjanie

posts: 1150

Oct 29, 2008 8:20 PM ET Quote Report Abuse

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Pam, thanks for your input. Everyone wants to dip. :) I hope you get featured in all of them! I just think it`s funny for me to try to pitch our product when they either personally don`t eat jerky or that they are thinking of walmart and the convenience stores. I`d love to see your form detailing your product.

Janie

trumancoop

posts: 27

Oct 30, 2008 12:50 AM ET Quote Report Abuse

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i would have to say do alot of research on who you are going to pitch to. Then write a casual letter of what your business is all about. But never forget..what will the person you are trying to sell to get from all of this? Money? Fame?...know who you are targeting, then fire away

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