5 simple ways to give journalists what they want
Journalists have always been under pressure to tell the best stories quicker and in a more compelling way than their competitors. The advent of 24/7 news has only helped to feed the media’s thirst for the next headline. However, at times it can feel difficult for businesses to get their news heard. The key is to package your story in such a way that it’s a ready-made bulletin. Here are five simple ways to give journalists what they want and maximise your brand’s chances of media coverage:
1. Have a strong news angle
News stories are different from advertising. They are much more about telling the public what they want to know and adding to the news agenda rather than pushing out information you’d like to share. Sales and discounts, a redesigned website and new products all have a very niche audience rather than wide news appeal. Find out more about the common mistakes businesses make when pitching to journalists.
Tell journalists why your news is of importance, how it’s going to impact the lives of their readers/listeners/viewers, and why it’s relevant now.
2. Be clear
Drop the jargon and tell your story straight. Reporters have to explain complex concepts to their audience every day. So, if you can make their job easier by putting what you have to say in plain English then they’ll look upon your news more favourably.
3. Give them great visual content
Words are only part of the story. If you can supply journalists with professional, hi-resolution images then you’re upping the value of your news. Add to that the increasingly important medium of video and you have an excellent chance of capturing a reporter’s attention.
Check out their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram feeds to see what type of images and videos they use for an indication of the standard you need to send in.
4. Go large on facts
Journalists love facts. Is your news a first; the biggest; the oldest; or the 1,000th of its kind? Ensure you can substantiate your claims and make that hard fact your leading angle.
5. Prepare great experts
If a reporter loves the sound of your story it’s likely they’ll want to build on it by speaking to an expert. Have someone lined up to be an interviewee and make sure they are available in the days after you have approached a journalist with a story.
When you arrange the interview, brief your expert on the journalist they are speaking to, what media they work for and any angles they might be interested in. You’ll get the most out of the interview by preparing.
If you would like to chat about how your business can get in the media by giving journalists what they want, then Amplify PR can help. We are qualified journalists and have worked with the media for nearly 20 years, placing stories that have had national and international coverage. Get in touch to see how we can help your business achieve the media coverage it deserves.