Email Pitch Templates
When reaching out to journalists, you need to have a concrete story angle and an attractive email pitch. The fundamentals of a good email pitch are a short and intriguing subject line, a brief email, a call to action and a compelling story – what is more commonly known as a newsworthy story.
Journalists and bloggers are huge fans of potentially viral story-lines. Therefore, when considering which story to pitch the media, take note of your more lovable stories. We have sent thousands of email pitches at Pressfarm and out of that experience, we found the following story angles and email pitch templates to be quite successful.
Select a template.
Email Template 1
Share a more personal story
Subject:
I’ve got a good story for your article on growth hacking startup stories.
Hey Journalist,
I saw on Twitter that you are writing an article about the most recent growth hacking startup stories. [1]
I have a good story for you. I had spent sleepless nights for weeks on end working on this strategy so I can push my startup’s growth.
It was an extremely rewarding gamble. I managed to get 25,000 people to sign up for my product and we have not even launched yet. [2]
I’m happy to provide solid information about how to get this high number of signups pre-launch for startups.
If you are interested I can email you more details.
Signoff
[1] Follow a journalist relevant to your startup on social media. Most journalists ask their followers questions about their next story.
[2] Shortly explain your story. Say the catchy part and leave the journalist to decide whether they will want more.
Email Template 2
Share about a new feature at your company
Subject:
[Exclusive] Thrilling new feature at Instagram
Hey Press,
Your article on that Airbnb growth strategy is top-notch. Really enjoyed it. That their data really informed the decisions they made with the company at every step is a very important lesson for all companies looking to hack their growth. [1]
I have exciting news to share with you. Instagram is releasing a new feature that will allow users to send direct messages to other users in form of photos. [2]
An interesting angle to explore for our new feature would be to discuss how people might begin using this new feature, like, for instance, to share more private photos with each other? Or when they do not want to share a photo with all their followers? [3]
Signoff
[1] Compliment the journalist on one of their stories that you have read and state what you liked/learned from the article.
[2] In very few words, tell them about your company’s new feature.
[3] Give the journalist an interesting angle to explore. If you do this, they will see why your story could be an interesting article.
Email Template 3
Share about a recent milestone you’ve hit as a company
Subject:
[Milestone exclusive] We have hit 5M users and counting
Hey Journalist,
We appreciate your efforts in helping us stay ahead of the news. It appears the freelance market is getting even more crowded now with Guru, Freelancer, People Per Hour, and Upwork, right? People are now going to work online much more than ever before. [1]
I have an update that I’m exclusively sharing with you because I think you might be interested, given your interest in startup reporting. My company [insert company name] just hit 5 million users and more than $50 million in upgrades revenue. It seems that despite offering a free version of our product, fans are more interested in upgrading to get the premium to-do list features available on our service. [2]
Do you think this is a good fit for your audience? Let me know.
Signoff
[1] Compliment the journalist and provide a meaningful comment to one of their recent stories.
[2] State the recent milestone your company hit and explain briefly why this is significant for your industry and its users.
Email Template 4
Share about your new ground-breaking product
Subject:
[Launch Exclusive] Print products from smartphone with handheld 3D printer
Hey Journalist,
You are definitely the most trusted journalist when it comes to making people understand technology news. I really liked your piece on why Kodak failed so terribly after the invention of the smartphone in the Steve Jobs era. In this time and age, it’s ill-advised to think you are always ahead of the game. You have to keep innovating.
I have another interesting breakthrough for you to consider. My company has recently developed a handheld 3D printer that prints products from a smartphone or tablet. We have also designed a platform that allows designers to design their 3D concepts and models on their phones and print them with a single tap. [1]
Previously, people have only been able to 3D-print on large printers directly from their computers. However, our inexpensive handheld 3D printer means people can carry it in their pockets to the office or to their favourite chill spot and print 3D models on the go. [2]
A fascinating thing we are exploring is if you can send 3D models from various 3D modelling software like Rhino to print on our device. [3]
Would you be interested in this story? I’m happy to demonstrate how it works and provide more information to make your writing process as smooth as possible.
Signoff
[1] Explain in layman terms what your product does.
[2] State the impacts/ advantages of your product in the current market and also compare it to the existing products in that industry.
[3] Give the journalist a brief idea on what you’re exploring as a company henceforth.
Email Template 5
Share about a recent milestone you’ve hit as a company
Subject:
Captivating data/patterns/trends on the free business models and adblock users
Hey Journalist,
I have been following your series of articles on business models.
Your most recent article about the free business models totally resonated with me. With the increasing number of free-to-join platforms, and the increasing evidence of companies like Facebook, Twitter and Airbnb that are allowing people to freely join, it’s becoming more important to get as many people as possible into the platform then think about how to monetize them.
Here is a new trend our engineers have been investigating about the free business model. This pertains to earnings of the free business models that depend on advertising to sustain themselves: [1]
Highlights:
- With the advent of adblock, previously free-to-join platforms are now charging a yearly fee for people who block ads.
- Most adblock users opt to leave the website when asked to pay for a yearly subscription.
- Advertisers are losing millions of dollars a year due to adblock.
- This poses two interesting questions: [2]
- Will the free business model die as adblock continues to garner more popularity leading to businesses opting for monthly or yearly subscription models?
- Are adblock users honest when blocking adverts yet they want to view content that costs a business so much money and time to publish?
I have attached an overview of this report for you to look at. Let me know if this is a good fit for your audience.
Signoff
[1] In summary, tell the journalist about your data and quickly lead them to the most interesting observations.
[2] Pose some interesting questions that the journalist can explore with the data you just gave them.
Email Template 6
Share a story on how your company touches on pressing societal issues
Subject:
How our product plans to increase maize production by 25% worldwide
Hey Journalist,
For the past few months my interest in your articles has grown greatly – thanks to your cutting analyses on tech and agriculture. I loved your recent article on how robots will change the production and transportation of raw materials for farmers.
I wanted to introduce you to a new system we are working on that will increase maize production 25% per farmer if well implemented. Apart from increasing food production especially to curb hunger in third world countries, it will lead to increased earnings for farmers worldwide.[1]
It’s a type of fertilizer that adds more resistance to pests for the maize crop leading to reduced death of the maize plant. Apply it to the seeds during initial planting, and later after 3 months, that’s it. For the average farmer it will cost 30% less than available fertilizers in the world currently and will increase yield by a quarter of initial production amounts.[2]
One fascinating angle you could explore is how companies making fertilizers could utilize available technologies to make stronger fertilizers that can reduce usage of pesticides and add more resistance to disease for plants. [3]
If interested, I am available to send to you the whole report and even assign one of my team members to carry you through our most recent experiment in two different climatic regions.
Signoff
[1] Give a strong introduction of what your product does and how it affects this societal issue that exists.
[2] Explain briefly how your product solves the societal problem.
Email Template 7
Sharing a story about an embeddable product
Subject:
Embed your tables using this amazing product
Hey Journalist/Blogger,
Your conversion numbers are always a joy to read, it’s interesting how you get them.
Seeing that you share a lot of data in tables, I thought that I should let you know of this product I’ve created that allows you to make your tables online and on the go, then just embed them onto your article. Here is one I’ve made for the article you shared about revenue and its relation to website traffic (link) [1]
You can now easily create your own tables in a matter of minutes using our super easy drag and drop tools. Our tools also allow you to design your table and give it an amazing feel. Think of this product as a spreadsheet program on steroids. Check it out here: (link) [2]
Let me know what you think about it.
Signoff
[1] Introduce your product briefly then show the journalist what your product can do to improve their presentation of data using an example from their article.
[2] Show them where they can access the product by giving them an access link.
Email Template 8
Share with a local publication about your launch in the locality
Subject:
[Just launched in town] Get fruit juice from anywhere delivered to you
Hey Journalist,
Your last article on the growing presence of cane juice outlets in this town was spot on. [1]
I thought you might be interested in our newest venture yet. We have now launched our juice delivery app here and even have cane juice vendors already signed up. Now, you have every type of fruit juice on your fingertips – just order from the vendor and our juice heroes will deliver it at the agreed delivery point. [2]
Download our app on the iOS store [link] or Google Play Store [link] and try it. [3]
Let me know if this is something your audience will be interested in. We could throw in an interesting coupon for their first orders to make things even fruitier.
Signoff
[1] Compliment the journalist on a recent article they wrote related to your company.
[2] Explain what you just launched in the locality and even relate it to the product the journalist wrote about in their article.
[3] Give the journalist an interesting angle to explore. If you do this, they will see why your story could be an interesting article.
Email Template 9
sharing a valuable resource with a journalist with the goal of building a long relationship
Subject:
This could be interesting for you [Valuable research about smartphone effects on teens]
Hey Journalist/Blogger,
Your insightful article on how technology is affecting marriages was quite a thriller. Maybe there needs to be a serious guide on how to prevent technology from ruining marriages? Oh, wait! There are already many of those online, I guess people just don’t listen huh?: [1]
Something else you might want to chew on is a report we released 2 weeks ago. In the report, we investigate how smartphones are changing the way teens look at life. It’s a whole paradigm shift to what was happening about a decade ago which we have also documented. For example, we noticed that instead of taking notes by writing, teens are now recording videos of lectures and using them to study later on. Whether its laziness or just embracing advancements of technology, we can’t be so sure. Our survey poses a lot of interesting highlights, questions and conclusions. [2]
Get the whole report here: [link]
I think you could find it useful for future reference. Your readership may also be interested in the findings.
Let me know.
Signoff
[1] Compliment a previous article the journalist has written and on a light note suggest how to improve a finding within their report.
[2] Introduce your resource and provide one interesting finding within the report to raise the curiosity of the journalist even further.
Email Template 10
Start to build a relationship with a journalist
Subject:
Found something to build further on your article about autonomous cars
Hey Journalist,
I saw one of your articles on autonomous cars and I think you nailed some very valid points. With the advent of electric cars and artificial intelligence, cars are becoming more intelligent by the day. [1]
I read an article on The Guardian about the emerging trends in the car market. I thought you will find it very useful, (link). It gives you a lot of interesting angles to explore. [2]
I think you will find some nice points to build upon your previous article and even write a follow-up article to it, no? [3]
Let me know what you think about the piece and keep up the good work.
Signoff
[1] Complement the journalist on an interesting story in your niche that they wrote.
[2] Present the journalist with an interesting story in a trusted publication to build your trust with them.
[3] Suggest something they could do with the trusted resource you just sent them and pose it as a question so that they can get back to you with feedback. This allows you to build a relationship with the journalist with the eventuality of presenting your own story in future.
Subscribe for start up news and PR tips.
Where do I start when crafting my press release?
Do I need more than one press release?
How long should my press release be?
Does Pressfarm write my press release?
- 1. Full Name
- 2. Email Address
- 3. Twitter handle
- 4. LinkedIn profile link
- 5. Short bio
- 6. The Niche(s) you cover
- 7. Industry keywords by which our users can search for you - usually related to your niche(s) (e.g Apple news, health, education technology, etc)
• Startup review and ranking sites.
• Startup focused blogs and communities.
Each site is curated for important metrics, including • Quality Backlinks.
• Established review process.
• Startup Relevance.
• Freshness. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where do you submit my startup?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " We submit your company to directories that fit its profile. There are hundreds of directories available for submitting startups. However, we curate high-quality directories and exclusively submit your company to directories that match the profile we generate for it, from the questionnaire we send you after signup. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Why should I use Pressfarm as my PR agency?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " Most agencies charge high fees for little results. We’re different. We hit the ground running and waste no time creating your PR strategy and building out a media relations plan. We aren’t held back by corporate bureaucracy or over-complicated processes. We have the relationships, the experience and understanding of the news industry to help you raise awareness of your company.
Which PR agency package should " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Which PR agency package should I choose?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " Every client is unique. However, we can make a couple of recommendations: • Small startups with a single story to pitch will probably find the Power Pack is the most cost-effective option.
• A larger company with a big product launch or multiple storylines to pitch - and which therefore needs significant press interest - will usually find the Premium Pack is the best fit. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How do you get media placements?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " We pitch media contacts personally and individually, for a higher success rate. Nothing in PR is guaranteed. Timing, location and newsworthiness are all factors that could either help or hinder the media relations campaign. However, we will do everything we can to position you to be as newsworthy as possible. Rather than mass mail-merge blasts like some agencies rely on, we make personal and individual pitches to each media contact. While it’s more time consuming, this ensures a higher success rate. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "I need advice on a single item/project. Can you help?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " Yes, check out our pioneer package or PR consultant service for advice on demand via email, phone or video chat. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where do I start when crafting my press release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " To get started with your press release writing, you can chat with our team to identify your news item and guide you on the best practices. During this chat, our team will guide you on the best strategies and distribution service to use for high quality results and reports at startup costs. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Do I need more than one press release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " In some cases you might need more than one press release. Ideally, we will recommend the releases are sent out on different dates in order to measure impact before you send a second and third one. Additionally, press releases should be based on newsworthy stories. However, if you to send out two press releases, you should consider having a different news item for each. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How long should my press release be?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": " Press releases need to range between 300 and 800 words in length. It is important to know that the length of your press release can directly affect how it is distributed. For instance, news releases that are shorter than 300 words might not be taken seriously by the search engines as news while those longer than 800 words might also be mistaken to be a blog and not listed in search engines as news. " } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Does Pressfarm write my press release?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text":" As per our pricing page, we write the press release in some packages and not in others. However, if you find it confusing please chat with a member of our team on our site for clarification. "} }] }
Pressfarm database
Why should I use the Pressfarm database in addition to getting a custom media list?
Managing a startup isn't easy.
Pressfarm's database makes it easy for startups to capture media attention and generate coverage in media outlets and popular blogs. Any of our packages allows you access to the database for an entire year. With this database, you can search for journalists in different industries and unlock contact information using credits. Moreover, our on-demand media lists contain contact information for the best people to help you tell your story.
Having newsworthy content is not quite enough anymore, especially if you can’t get it in front of the right eyes. With a custom media list, you will have a higher chance of getting press coverage and media attention from journalists and bloggers in your niche.
After Pressfarm's PR experts and expert writers have created quality content for you, our Account Executive will create custom media lists for you. These contacts are pulled from different sources and networks, including our comprehensive database of over 1 million contacts across different industries. Your personalized media lists should help you boost your media outreach by connecting with the best journalists in your niche. The number of media contacts you get will depend on the package you’ve chosen.
Is the database up to date?
Pressfarm works around the clock to ensure that journalists' contacts are up-to-date. We are always welcoming new media professionals to our database. While we strive to only work with updated contact information, we sometimes miss one or two contacts that may need updating; if you think a contact is out of date, you can let us know by sending us feedback through our live chat or emailing info (at) pressfarm2022.mystagingwebsite.com.
Can contacts be filtered by country, interests, and job title?
Currently, clients can only filter contacts by job interests and publications. But, as our services continue to evolve, we are working on a country filter. At the moment, our contacts are primarily based in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Since we work with clients all over the world, the upcoming country filter will help people like you to the perfect media match in your region and beyond.
How are contacts filtered?
As previously mentioned, these contacts are filtered by niche/industry. Given that some sectors, like technology, are a broad niche, Pressfarm recommends that some startups consider a sub-niche that will generate better results.
For example, let’s look at the gaming industry. While gaming is technically in the technology niche, a tech journalist who usually creates content about mobile phones or other devices will probably not be interested in the new game your company has built. In this case, we would advise you to search for journalists who are specifically focused on gaming. To this end, our account executive would also create a customized media list to fit your new game.
Can contact information be downloaded as a CSV file?
Our database has been built to be used on-the-go. Even so, downloading mass email addresses is not wise because it encourages mass emailing. This might seem convenient to you, but in the media world, mass emailing is regarded as spam. Our PR experts have enough experience working with the media to know that personalized email pitches are always more effective than mass pitches. There is no world in which spamming will help you achieve effective media coverage. Trust us on that one.
For journalists & media professionals: How do you request to be added to Pressfarm's media database?
We are constantly looking for new journalists and media professionals to add to our platform. To be added to the database, send us a request through our contact page and include the following required information.
1) Full Name
2) Email Address
3) Social media handles
4) Short Bio
5) The niche/industry you cover
6) Industry keywords where our clients can search for you
We will review your profile, and if all required information is provided, you will be added to the database within a few days.
PR content creation
Our PR professionals and expert writers help create newsworthy content ranging from email pitches, press releases, and email pitches to press kits.
How do I begin the process?
Once you’ve chosen a PR package, Pressfarm needs to know all the important information about the brand so that our PR professionals and expert writers can create newsworthy content to connect with media professionals in your niche.
Start by filling out a questionnaire to help Pressfarm's expert writers understand what you are looking for. It’s also important to upload any attachments you believe are important.
What type of content does Pressfarm help create?
For the Starter & Launch PR packages, Pressfarm's PR experts will only proofread and review your pre-written press release. Furthermore, they will develop:
● A professionally-designed press/media kit (up to 3 pages): This includes company background, brand brief, vision, mission, photos/videos, and more
● A personalized PR action plan (up to 2 pages) on strategies and PR industry trade secrets to maximize press coverage
● A tailor-made PR media lists from an Account Executive for initial PR outreach (up to 1000 media contacts)
● A feature story about your brand which is then shared on Pressfarm's email newsletter and social media channels (only with the Launch package)
For the Campaign PR package, Pressfarm's PR experts will create:
● A professional press release (up to 1000 words)
● A professionally-designed press/media kit (up to & between 5-8 pages)
● A personalized PR action plan (up to 3 pages) on strategies on PR industry secrets
● A tailor-made PR media list from an Account Executive for PR outreach and relationship-building with journalists (up to 2000 media contacts)
● A feature story about a company shared on our email newsletter and social media channels.
● Guest posts about the company published on Google News to increase brand credibility and online visibility (up to 500 words)
Pressfarm can also guide startups and companies that are looking to create their own press release. Our PR experts and an account executive will provide advice on the best strategies and distribution services to use for high-quality results and reports. Best of all, you can get this advice at a startup-friendly cost.
PR Agency Services
Why should I hire Pressfarm as my PR agency?
Most agencies charge high fees for little results. We aim to be different.
Pressfarm wastes no time creating a PR strategy, creating newsworthy content, and building a media relations plan.
We are not held back by corporate bureaucracy or over-complicated processes.
We have networks, experience, and an understanding of the media industry – all of which are required to help you raise awareness for your company.
Which PR agency package should I choose?
Every client is unique.
Every new client has different needs for their PR Outreach. Because of this, we have created 4 PR packages for startups and companies to choose from.
1) Starter - $90 one-time charge
A great place to start for small teams looking for the fundamentals to take their communications to the next level.
2) Launch - $180 one-time charge
Ideal for growing companies hoping to increase their press coverage, improve their reach and build long-term relationships with the media.
3) Campaign - $480 one-time charge
Equip your business with tools for success from our PR Experts. Generate the publicity your brand deserves and reach audiences across the globe.
4) Enterprise - $980 one-time charge
Equip your business with the full power of Pressfarm. Gain complete control of your brand and tell a consistent story across the globe. Ideal for companies preparing for a big product launch or with multiple stories to pitch, who need a PR expert to help them reach leading press contacts.
I only need help with a single component/project. Can Pressfarm help?
Yes, check out our PR consultant service for advice on-demand via live chat on our website, email, and phone. Please email us at info@pressfarm2022.mystagingwebsite.com for more information.
Should I budget for any other additional costs after purchasing a PR package?
When you choose a PR package, there are no hidden costs. Our PR experts will provide everything listed for each package at no additional cost. You will only need to pay extra if you want additional features or content.
PR Distribution Processes
Pressfarm's PR distribution process is designed to send out all newsworthy content to media professionals and distribute it online to increase brand visibility in relevant search results across major search engines like Google, Yahoo, and Bing! We also distribute this content to startup directories to boost brand awareness.
How do you achieve media placement?
We go into the PR outreach process with the understanding that nothing in PR is guaranteed. However, we will do everything we can to position your business in a positive light and highlight the newsworthy aspects of your story. Rather than sending mass emails as some PR agencies do, our PR professionals craft personalized pitches to each media contact to ensure a higher success rate.
What are startup directories?
Companies use startup directories to try and get initial promotion and achieve visibility online. These are the best places to post your product/startup/app and get feedback, early adopters, and press coverage. Submitting to a startup directory is essential for proving a business concept and gaining traction with early users.
Where do we submit your startup/company?
There are hundreds of directories available for submitting startups. However, we’ve curated a list of high-quality directories. Additionally, we exclusively submit your company to directories that match the profile we generate for it, based on the questionnaire you fill after signup.
How long does the directory submission process take?
After submission, directories usually take between a day and a few weeks, usually a maximum of 14 business days, for review and acceptance.
In some cases, acceptance to a directory requires the creation of a login account. In this case, Pressfarm will send you the login details for each account we create. These accounts are created using a company's email address.
Once your submission is accepted into a directory, you will receive an approval email.
Pressfarm is committed to finding the best communities for every company, including:
• Niche, startup directories (with an editorial review process).
• Startup review and ranking sites.
• Startup focused blogs and communities.
Each site is curated for essential metrics, including
• Quality Backlinks.
• Established review process.
• Startup Relevance.
• Freshness.
Press Releases
Where do I start when crafting my press release?
To get started with your press release writing, you can chat with our team to outline your PR outreach needs, and we will guide you on the best practices. Our team will guide you on the best strategies and distribution services to use for high-quality results and reports at startup costs during this initial chat.
Do I need more than one press release?
In some cases, you might need more than one press release. Ideally, we will recommend that the releases be sent out on different dates and to different media professionals to create a more meaningful impact before sending a second and third one.
Additionally, press releases should be based on newsworthy stories, and if you plan to create more than one press release, you should consider having a different news item for each.
How long should my press release be?
A standard press release should range between 300 and 400 words in length. It is essential to know that the size of your press release can directly affect how it is distributed. For instance, news releases that are shorter than 300 words might not be taken seriously by the search engines as news, while those longer than 800 words might also be marked as a blog and not listed in search engines as news.