Pitching Tips To Land Major Media Placements

Pitching Tips To Land(the way you are identified on the screen) that
Major TV, Magazine & Newspaper Media Placementsalternate while you are speaking—one with your
Break Into the TV Shows of your Dreams!name and book name and another with your name
Tips, Strategies, Do’s and Don’ts ofand area of expertise.
Pitching to the Media Send your book and media kit for your
 Always have your press materials fullycontact to have on hand. Call, fax and email, send
developed before you even begin the pitching process.package, follow up with an email and then a follow-up
You’ll need a segment style press release forphone call at the end of the process.
radio (contact me for more information on writing one), Don’t expect that if something comes
a media kit and video resume for National TV. Afterup in your area later the producer will call you. Re-pitch
you pitch your media contact, they will ask you to sendyourself pegged to the story. The producers tend to
your materials. Any delay will cost you your credibility.book what is right in front of them and what is
Always do what you say you are going to do.freshest in their mind. So treat it as a brand new pitch
 Develop your media strategy with short andand follow up using the same process. But the
long term goals. You will need to have resources toadvantage you have is that they are familiar with you
find the names of the producers and bookers andalready!
contact information. We use Bacon’s Media Keep notes! Know who you pitched, their
Directories 1.800.621.0561. Targeting the right contactcomments, what you sent them, your follow-up dates,
will greatly increase your chances of getting booked. Ifwhich message you left etc. When faxing, do not use
your goal is to be on OPRAH within the year, youa cover page. We use Avery removable labels in the
have a lot of work to do. You’ll want to getupper left-hand corner, which come off for the note
booked on lots of media to gain experience, help youpage and can be used again.
define your topic and create expert status for yourself.Pitching mistakes to avoid:
Pitch the smaller radio shows first and then move onto Do not ramble, do not say the same things
the bigger stations in the bigger markets. Use theover and over. Practice your pitch to be concise, to
same strategy with TV and book yourself first on thethe point and packed with value.
local/regional stations. This strategy will allow you to No Umm’s—never wing it. Have your
develop not only as a publicist for yourself but as apress release handy so you can read directly from it
media guest as well.and always lead with your strength.
 If newspapers and magazines are on your Never ask “how are you” unless you
goal list, start to follow these periodicals. Learn aboutalready have an established relationship.
the content and style and who writes in your expertise. Never ask “is this a good time for you?”
Become familiar with what they have covered so youWhat you can say is “is this a good time for you to
are pitching a fresh and “next level” article ordiscuss a financial planning expert who can comment
story idea.on the stock market decline?” Producers appreciate
 Expect to make about 50 pitch calls beforequick and complete information. Plus, they might be
feeling comfortable with the content, style, languagecrashing because they are looking for a financial
and tonality (all factors that the media contact uses toplanning expert!
decide to book you as a guest). Can the media spotIt’s going to take time, nothing happens overnight
an amateur? You bet! Your pitch call is an audition. Ifso be prepared to treat pitching as a second job.
you sound shy, uncertain and stumble over yourAnnie Jennings of Annie Jennings PR is a highly
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 Identify your ultimate target media and thencreated her famous 'Pay For Placement Publicity
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content. Speak faster while leaving your voice mail yetTopics include:
slow down and speak clearly when you leave yourCreate A Press Release & Media Kit For Maximum
phone number. Always mention where you areMedia Attention
located and follow up with an email that includes morePitching Tips
on your pitch, BIO and instant access contactHow To Leave A Voice Mail That Gets Results
information. Do not use attachments but you can link toHow To Create Expert Status For Yourself
your website that should be content rich and notHow To Get Booked On Radio Including Drive-Time
overly promotional.How To Get Booked On Daytime TV
 Have two websites—one for the mediaPre-Interview/Interview Tips
and one to sell books. The media likes content richPublicity Q & A
website that showcase your articles, awards, area ofHow To Promote Your Book During The Interview
expertise and bio. If they see a strong sell for productsCreate The Perfect PR Strategy
or books they will not book you as your site is tooPR Mistakes To Avoid
promotional. Save the strong promotion for products orAsk Me Anything! Advanced "Q & A" About PR!
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