Are you looking for efficient ways to make your business grow? Just writing an informative article, event description, or blog post is not enough. You have to learn how to write pitch letters and achieve the “wow” effect on journalists.
The Definition of a Typical Pitch Letter
A pitch letter aims to attract journalists and make them interested in reading and publishing your content. If you do it well enough, the top journalists will jump on your content. It should not be as long as a press release, but it must be eye-catching enough.
The Impact of Media Pitches on Your Business
Pitches are an excellent way to persuade journalists or media reporters. It is an explanation to your story you want to go viral. Your brand’s coverage in the media is very important. It is a way to demonstrate your new product, service, or event to a huge audience. Learning how to write media pitches will increase your exposure and company awareness.
Which Pitch Type To Choose?
You will learn the difference between 4 types of media pitch letters.
Cold pitches: use this type when you want to reach new people. Compose a compelling message to grab the maximum of attention. Start with describing your company and products/services, and end with a message calling to action.
Trend pitches: write about your relevant news and spread it among already existing media contacts.
Thought leadership pitches: via this letter you can inquire whether a blogger, influencer, or journalist is interested in your written content. By doing this, you first ask permission and then start writing the content. You will work together with the editor following the guidelines and word count.
Follow-up pitches: if you have already sent a message to a journalist or any other media contact, you have the right to follow up! People working in the media are extremely busy, so they might have forgotten about your pitch. Follow-up pitches demonstrate your commitment and make you look serious.
Handy Media Pitch Examples
You will achieve good results if you use these recommendations regarding with these media pitch examples of writing in practice. You will have an idea of what to include and what is better to remove from the text.
Research
Before you send your story to a journalist, do the research about reporters and what kind of stories they usually cover. Check the site and social media biography section. We do not recommend you to contact journalists on social platforms. Find an email and stick to it.
Personalization
Make the principle pitch, but never send the same text to multiple journalists. It is recommended to take the interests into consideration. Mention what exactly you like about their job and how you can cooperate together.
Subject line
The way you write a subject line for your pitch letter can affect your entire public relations campaign. Keep it clear, brief, and intriguing. It should not look like a cheap advertisement.
Make content easy to comprehend
There is no need to write a long and complicated text for your media pitch. It should be creative, clear, and easy to understand. You can provide basic background information for your story. 200 words is more than enough for a basic media pitch.
Structure the text
Make sure your pitch letter includes the main talking points. You should include bullet points to structure your email. Use traditional fonts and keep sentences short.
Compose a newsworthy topic
Your story must have a newsworthy and unique topic. It is the presentation of your pitch and the story you want the journalist to cover.
Dealing with Journalists’ Silence
Do not get upset if you don’t get the immediate response. You can always send a follow-up message after a week of silence.
