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Reporters are besieged with story pitches and have limited time to review them, so if you want yours to get a second look, make it memorable, relevant, and targeted.

Think strategically when you write a pitch and make sure the news value is relevant, timely and easy to understand. A well-crafted pitch may determine what becomes the news of the day and what never sees the light of day.

Do your homework and research news outlets and reporters so you know who you are pitching and what that reporter covers. A good story pitch sent to the wrong reporter may as well have not been sent.

Here are 5 pitching tips:

1. Customize your press list. Unless you are pitching to a specific reporter, tailor your pitch by geographical region and subject matter. Adjust your slant and language to the target audience. 
2. Personalize your email pitch. Be straightforward and to the point. Look up the reporter’s name and use it. And be clear about why your story is important. Keep it short and sweet.

3. Jazz up your subject line. Write an attention-grabbing subject line to make sure your email gets read. Relevancy matters. 
4. Be concise and to the point. A good pitch tells a story in a short, interesting snippet. With only a few seconds to capture someone’s attention, a successful pitch must be compelling and newsworthy.
5. Follow up. Persistence pays off so always follow up with a short email or a quick phone call. Even if you get rejected, always be respectful to your contacts. Learning how to write 

Pitching the media pitching is also about relationship building with reporters and editors which takes time. Working to build those connections will eventually pay off.

Follow these tips if you want your story to eventually become the news of the day. 

Red Banyan’s PR professionals and media relations experts have the experience and know how to get your organization the publicity it seeks. Contact Red Banyan for assistance with crisis PR, media outreach, traditional public relations and reputation rehabilitation.