Publicity: Five Tips for Calling a ReporterWritten by Ned Steele
Always ask, “Is now a good time?”Deadlines in journalism are unrelenting and unforgiving. Using these as your first words after “hello” shows reporter you’re sympathetic to her needs. It also ensures your pitch gets heard when reporter is devoting proper attention. Your goal: attract In your first contact with a reporter, don’t come off like a talking encyclopedia. Your job now is to attract and interest them – not to deliver whole story yet. Keep it short and enticing. Offer that reporter a nugget of information they need The best way to get a reporter’s attention: put yourself in her shoes and ask yourself, “What do I know about my topic that would help this reporter do a better job or get a big story?”
| | Publicity: Marketing-Minded Financial Planners, Never Say These Words to a ReporterWritten by Ned Steele
They deal with jargon-filled press releases, poorly-written news advisories, and gimmicky items like pens and mousepads, but reporters consistently and overwhelmingly name one habit of publicity-seekers as their number one peeve. What is it? It's when someone calls after a press release has been sent and asks "Did you get my press release?" This is single worst way to follow up after sending something. When you make this no-no call, reporter thinks: “If I wanted to call you, I would" or "Doesn't this person think I know how to open mail?" What's worse, they may even say this to you right over phone. If they weren't interested in your story ideas before, they certainly won't be now.
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