Today’s Tip: Getting Publicity for Your Event, Product or Service: Part II

If the mere thought of pitching a reporter about your event, product or service
makes you break out in hives, consider the following tips:

1.) Prepare to tell the reporter the story behind the story. Why is your event,
product or service newsworthy? What makes it interesting and different? If possible, find a connection to a current issue. So, for instance, if you’ve started a business as a lifeguard, and summer is on the horizon, prepare to talk to the reporter about pool safety tips for children. Then, you can mention the details about your business while establishing yourself as an“expert.”

2.) Draft a one-paragraph email pitch that goes straight to the point. To use
the lifeguard example, mention statistics on the number of summer swim
related accidents and the top three things parents must know to avoid
them. Talk about the courses you offer to help prepare parents and
childcare professionals for the summer swim season. And, please, check
for typos! Be sure to include your name and contact number, and make
yourself available.

3.) Three to four days after you’ve emailed your pitch, contact the reporter if
you haven’t yet received as response. After giving your name, ask if this is a good time to talk. If the reporter says no, ask for a better time to call. When you have the opportunity to give your pitch, give your name and quickly restate your pitch. Give the benefits of your event, product or service, and why the reporter’s target audience will be interested.

Follow these tips for a successful tip and let us know how it goes!!

Your Virtual Publicist,
H.L.W.