Want to learn how to pitch a story successfully? We talked to our network of seasoned journalists to compile these invaluable tips. Discover how to craft a compelling pitch, identify your target audience, and differentiate yourself from the competition.
Pitching a story is an essential skill for writers and journalists alike. Whether you want to publish an article, secure project funding, or gain media coverage for your business, a well-crafted pitch can make all the difference. But how do you create a pitch that stands out and captivates your intended audience? In this article, we will delve into the key elements of a successful story pitch. From identifying your audience and crafting a compelling angle to tailoring your approach for various media outlets, we will provide expert tips and best practices to help you refine your pitching skills and enhance your chances of success. Whether you are a seasoned writer or just starting out, read on to learn how to pitch a story like a pro.
The basics of story pitching
Pitching a story involves proposing an idea or concept for a piece of content, such as an article, news segment, or television show, to a publisher, editor, or producer. In the context of journalism or media, pitching a story typically entails providing a concise synopsis of the idea, highlighting its key elements and potential angles, and explaining why it is newsworthy or interesting to the target audience. This pitch is usually presented in written form, such as an email or letter, or conveyed in person during a meeting or phone call. Pitching a story is also crucial in marketing and public relations. Businesses and organizations often pitch their products or services to media outlets in the hopes of securing coverage and exposure. In these cases, the pitch may focus more on the unique features or benefits of the product or service and how they relate to current industry trends or issues.
Benefits of pitching a story to journalists
Pitching a story to journalists offers several advantages, including:
- Increased media coverage: Successfully pitching your story to journalists grants you the opportunity to reach a wider audience through media coverage.
- Third-party validation: When journalists cover your story, it lends credibility to your organization or cause. Journalists are seen as neutral third parties, and their coverage can be considered an endorsement of your story.
- Enhanced visibility: Media coverage helps increase your visibility and raises awareness about your organization or cause. This is especially valuable for startups or organizations seeking to establish themselves in a specific industry or market.
- Influence on public opinion: Journalists have the power to shape public opinion. By effectively pitching your story, you can influence the conversation in your industry.
- Networking opportunities: Pitching a story to journalists can help you build relationships with members of the media, which can prove beneficial for future media opportunities or collaborations.
Key factors to consider when pitching a story
To increase your chances of success when pitching a story, consider the following factors:
-
Relevance
Ensure your story is timely and relevant to the audience you are pitching to. This may involve focusing on current events, trends, or issues that are top of mind for your target audience.
-
Interest
The story should be captivating and engaging to your audience, capturing their attention and leaving them wanting to learn more.
-
Angle
Consider the unique story angle or perspective from which you are presenting the story. Is there an approach that will make it stand out from others covering the same topic?
-
Newsworthiness
Evaluate the newsworthiness of your story. Will it be of interest to the media and their audience? Reflect on why your story is important and why people should care about it.
-
Source credibility
If you are the source of the story, establish your credibility and authority on the topic. If you are pitching someone else’s story, consider their credibility and track record in the industry.
-
Timeliness
Ensure your pitch is timely and relevant. Take into account the lead time required by the media outlet you are pitching to, and provide ample notice for them to cover the story.
-
Format
Select the most effective format for your pitch, whether it be a press release, email, phone call, or in-person presentation. Tailor your choice to suit the outlet and journalist you are pitching to.
Tips for pitching a story to journalists
Follow these tips to improve your story pitching skills:
1. Research the journalist and publication
Prior to pitching your story, thoroughly research the journalist and their publication. Ensure that your story aligns with their interests and writing style. Review the publication’s guidelines for story submissions and tailor your pitch accordingly.
2. Craft a compelling subject line
Your subject line is the first thing journalists will see in their inbox, so make it attention-grabbing. Keep it concise and accurate, reflecting the content of your pitch.
3. Get to the point swiftly
Journalists are busy people, so it’s crucial to communicate your message promptly. Begin your pitch with a brief, captivating summary of your story idea. If the journalist finds it interesting, they will continue reading.
4. Highlight the newsworthiness
Journalists seek stories that are timely, relevant, and significant to their readership. Clearly explain why your story is newsworthy and why it’s worth covering now.
5. Provide relevant details
Once you’ve captured the journalist’s attention, offer additional details about your story idea. Include relevant facts, data, or quotes that support your pitch.
6. Be accessible
If the journalist expresses interest in your story, ensure you are readily available to provide further information and answer any questions they may have.
7. Follow up
If you don’t receive a response from the journalist within a few days, it is acceptable to follow up with a polite email or phone call. Be respectful of their time and avoid being overly pushy. Remember, journalists receive numerous pitches every day, so it is crucial to make yours stand out. Keep it concise, compelling, and newsworthy and you will increase your chances of getting your story covered.
Your Turn Now
Pitching a story to journalists may seem daunting, but employing key strategies can significantly enhance your chances of success. Start by thoroughly researching the journalist and their publication to ensure alignment. Craft a concise and attention-grabbing subject line and opening sentence to pique their interest. Clearly outline the newsworthy angle and key details of your story while keeping the pitch brief and focused. Offer access to expert sources or exclusive content to add value to the story. Finally, persist but remain polite in your follow-up efforts. By following these tips, you can effectively pitch your story and increase your chances of gaining media coverage.
How Pressfarm can help you pitch your next story
Do you need help connecting with journalists? Pressfarm offers quality media outreach services that can generate the publicity your startup deserves. The PR experts at Pressfarm are skilled at helping startups to connect with the best journalists to tell their story. For starters, they build custom media lists for each client, containing media contacts in their specific industry. In addition, each client gets access to an extensive media database of over 1 million journalists across industries.
With these contact details, you can reach out to the media whenever you have a story to share. If you need help with the pitching process, Pressfarm also has pitch templates that you can adapt to your situation. Beyond helping you connect with the right media professionals, the Pressfarm team can create quality content to share with these contacts. From writing press releases to developing feature stories and designing creative media kits, Pressfarm has what it takes to help your brand capture media attention.