Public Relations Strategies: How NOT To Pitch Journalists / Bloggers By Spamming with Irrelevant Content
Even though I do PR, I'm also a journalist and blogger, often winding up in various media databases. I really don't mind getting pitches for story ideas, especially when they are relevant to the subjects I cover such as Wired Home Networking, the G.hn industry standard, IPTV and Israel's technology economy.
If you are going to pitch story ideas, don't blindly spam journalists.
Do your homework first...
1. Before you start spamming away, it's probably best - and makes tons of sense to research what the prospective journalist covers.
2. When I am pitching for a security client, I pitch security related media. I don't approach (nor do I spam) journalists who cover databases, semiconductors, or consumer electronics.
3. Do a historical search on articles they have written and make a compelling case for why your pitch fits and how it's relevant. Even though I might be considered a "tech or social media journalist," do an articles search on me and see what I am writing about.
4. Even if you believe the journalist / blogger you are pitching is the right one, send a VERY short query and ask something to the effect of - "are you the right person to propose a story to about ______?"
Follow these steps. It will increase your chances of meaningful coverage and most of all, won't tarnish the reputation of PR people who are trying to do a good job.
Photo by Alan Weinkrantz - shot on location at a Mercado in Juanajuato, Mexico. Share but please credit.
