By: Tia Dabney

 In order to successfully pitch a story to a journalist, there a some important tips and tools you will need to better help the placement of you story for your client.

 Do You’re Research!  Get to know who the releases will be sent to personally: Background information of the journalist (i.e. style of writing & subjects) News programs/publications/radio show times How & when they would prefer to be contacted

 The most important aspect of knowing who you’re pitching to is knowing your audience.  Make sure your story is a good match for your targeted media & journalist.

 The key to a good pitch is knowing how to tie it in with current trends. For example:  Try to find a commonality between your pitch & something going on in the media  Have a client comment on something happening in the news  Tie it to an upcoming holiday

 Also, keep in mind that you are SELLING something.  Organize your thoughts  Keep it trendy & concise  Be credible.  Don’t exaggerate or lie about any information

 ing a pitch is all about grabbing the journalists attention before it’s lost.  Use an attention grabber like a captivating headline  Videos & pictures help to convey a message visually  Keep is short! Only two paragraphs, enough to draw in attention

 In addition to grabbing the journalist’s attention, personalizing s is a nice touch.  Don’t ever send out any mass s, tailor each to compliment the journalist you are sending it to.  Personalize the , but don’t act too familiar with the journalist. There has to be a level of professionalism maintained.

 Also…  No jargon.  No past tenses.  No shortened phrases.  Get to the point, keep it short & simple.

 The first step to selling a pitch over the phone comes before placing the phone call. You must the journalist to let the know that you will be calling.  Once you follow up the with a call, the first question that should be asked is “Are you on deadline?”  If they say yes, let them know that you will give them a call back once they are free

 But if they say No…  Introduce yourself & the company/person you are representing  You should be able to give your pitch within 60 seconds. A tip would be to write down all of the important points you want to say.  It is important to include how this will be beneficial to the journalist and their audience.

 Remember to:  Say all of the important & relevant things in the beginning of your pitch  It helps to compliment the journalist on any recent achievements (articles, prizes) to let them know that you have done your homework.  And last but not least, be relaxed.

 Once you have followed the Power Pitching rules, there are a few last steps that need to be done.  First, return all phone calls promptly. Journalists have very busy schedules and not returning a phone call in enough time could mean you lose out on a possible pitch placement.

 Take the hint.  Don’t repeatedly call/ if the journalist is not responding to you. Follow up once, and move on.  Once the journalist accepts the pitch and places it, sending a thank you note is the most appropriate way to thank them.  Preferably hand written

 You are a PR Pro at Power Pitching!