A successful media pitch can open doors to new opportunities and help establish you or your business as an expert in your field. Many authors need help making their pitch stand out when securing appearances on podcasts or other media outlets. This guide will provide a step-by-step approach to creating a winning media pitch and getting your desired coverage!
Start with the hook
When crafting an email for media outreach, it’s essential to follow a basic PR pitch template, starting with a strong hook. The hook is the most compelling angle of your pitch for the specific audience you are reaching out to. It could be a timely or trending issue, a unique angle that will capture their attention, or your relevant credentials, such as your experience or large social media following. It’s essential to lead with the most vital aspect of your pitch in the opening paragraph to establish its relevance for the audience.
A pro tip to keep in mind is to make your pitch timely and be aware of market saturation. PR professionals receive numerous pitches daily. If a topic has been heavily covered in the news, it may be beneficial to approach it from a different angle.
Communicate value
When crafting a media pitch, you must communicate the value you’ll bring to the audience. After catching their attention with a strong hook, outline the problem that makes your message relevant to them and provide a clear solution.
Use bullet points to list critical takeaways and highlight your relevant credentials, but keep it brief and to the point. Remember, the most effective pitches concisely convey value.
Use call-to-action
End with a clear call-to-action that outlines your request, whether to be a guest on their show, contribute an article to their publication, or any other form of media engagement. Be specific about what you want and make it easy for them to say yes.
Revise your pitch
Before finalizing your pitch:
- Take a break from it for a while.
- Revisit it later with a fresh perspective and edit it accordingly.
- Consider the view of the person you are sending the pitch to and ensure that the tone, language, and content are appropriate.
- Keep the pitch short and to the point, preferably within three paragraphs.
Proofread and read it aloud to ensure that it flows well and comes across as confident and direct. Remember, the goal is to present yourself as a professional who wants to help the media outlet generate exciting content that serves its audience.
Craft your Email subject line
When crafting your email’s subject line, ensure to grab the recipient’s attention with a clear and concise headline highlighting your pitch’s key takeaways or value. It will increase the chances of your email being opened and read.
Try to keep it under ten words and use action words like “interview,” “guest post,” or “article idea” to indicate your specific task. Additionally, you can include a short and catchy hook related to your pitch that will entice the recipient to open the email and learn more.
Follow up
If you are waiting to receive a response immediately, take your time to follow up. Allow the recipient to consider your pitch, usually around two weeks.
When following up, it’s best to reference your initial pitch, so they have the context of your message. Keep it brief, include a link to your media kit, and ask if they are interested in the opportunity.
Creating a winning media pitch takes work, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of getting your message heard. Following the steps mentioned above can help you land the coverage you want and put your message in front of the right audience.
