When it comes to media relations, it isn’t as simple as sending out detailed pitches. Most working journalists don’t have time for lengthy, drawn-out emails. With that being said, it is our job as PR professionals to learn how to stand out and build impactful, genuine media relationships.
Great PR delivers relevant news and develops solid relationships – one way to execute that is to make sure you are engaging and getting straight to the point. There are, of course, tips you can follow that can help you stand out in the crowd and cultivate professional friendships in the media landscape. Try utilizing the eye-catching tips below and trust me, you’re going to notice an overall improvement in productive conversations and media relations.
- Make emails short and sweet. Figure out what your main point is and craft descriptive emails to avoid ending up in the “Delete” folder– the most effective emails always have a central point and a clear call-to-action. Prune clutter and invite others to continue reading by presenting content in a visually pleasing way. It is also vital to be cognizant of when you send the email. Timing is everything.
- Spend time out of the office and show your beautiful face! First and foremost, your goal as a PR pro is to build long term relationships with media. Although we live in a world that spends most of their time in front of the computer screen, it is important to meet in person. From media events to arranging a lunch or coffee date, these are just a couple of ways to foster a successful relationship. Not in the area? Try a video chat.
- Before you begin, listen. This translates to following trends and knowing how to effectively tie in your client’s story to current news topics in your region or nation. Putting forth the extra time and work in research will support you in having a leg up on creative story ideas and show that you are not just a PR representative, but someone who is truly integrated in the media.
As mentioned above, good PR requires succinct storytelling and strategy in everything you do. I encourage you to put more thought and energy into the thoughts listed above – work on the way you communicate at work and watch your professional relationships soar!