5 Things To Do Before Clicking Send on a Pitch

The last thing you want is to send a pitch you’ve worked so hard on to an email address that isn’t even in use. Always double-check that the reporter, editor or segment booker that you’re reaching out to is still working at that media outlet. Social media outlets that journalists frequent (like LinkedIn and Twitter) are great for this.

The headline is everything. So make it as accurate but click-baity as possible. There’s no better time to show the person you’re pitching that you know how to grab an audience’s attention than when giving your story, segment or podcast pitch a title.

I’ve reviewed thousands of pitches as an on-staff editor and as a media coach. One mistake often rises to the surface: Talking too much about yourself in an effort to sell the reader on your idea. Instead, focus on offering incredible advice that will blow the reader away. Credentials are important but content is queen.

Evergreen stories are what the media calls pieces that can run any time. You don’t want an evergreen piece. You want a piece that needs to run tomorrow! Create a sense of urgency around your story by tying it to something happening in the world today, something a celebrity has done or an awareness day.

I’ve had clients who hesitated to click send even when I’d drafted the whole pitch for them. No shade, just sharing. There are so many reasons we hesitate to put ourselves out there, but wanting to create a perfect pitch shouldn’t be one of them. Good enough can get you into the media spotlight where you can help others and elevate your business. As with all things in life, you either win or your learn. Go claim your win or try, try again. And if you need a little help, you know exactly where to go.

Need a little help getting your pitch out the door? I can help!

Whether you’re stuck on story ideas, can’t figure out what outlet is best for you or don’t even know where to begin, we can work together to get you moving into the media spotlight!