Why PR People Should Read the Sources They Pitch
You know that feeling... you get a gift from someone who you thought knew you and you suddenly realize they don't know you at all! They got you a set of pots and pans and you HATE cooking. Or they bought you The Gladiator DVD and you hate violent movies.
This is how reporters feel when you pitch them a story about a topic their publication would simply never cover!
If you want to increase your chances for pitching success, it’s oh-so important to become familiar with the outlet you are pitching.
Look at the website, magazine or TV show. Note what they're writing or talking about. Tailor your pitch accordingly.
For instance, if you have an inventive toy for toddlers, and you know that your local parenting magazine has a section called "Toys for Smart Tots," then you know exactly where to pitch your idea to, right?
Another example is with local newspapers. By reading my hometown newspaper each week, I know that the Denver Post does a "3 Questions Feature" with a local businessperson.I also know that my local business journal ONLY covers local business news (no national stuff) and that my local CBS station regularly does a segment called "Beating the Recession."
If you want to find success in PR, you need to keep up with the media you want to feature you! You need to know the sections in each magazine and the editorial focus of each. Knowing thy media is essential for success. Why else do you think I subscribe to so many magazines?!? :-)