5 ways good timing earns more media coverage
In an ever-changing news cycle, the only way to break through is to use the right pitch at the right time. Consider these insights when planning to contact reporters.
When playing the stock market, they say timing is everything.
In pitching stories to the media, timing is just part of the equation.
Start with a solid pitch that adds value and is not overtly self-promotional. Then, craft an engaging subject line in order to stand out among the hundreds of emails editors and reporters receive weekly.
Once the text of your media pitch is finalized (with a little leeway for some customization) you
have to decide when is the optimal time to send it.
Here are five guidelines to inform your efforts:
1. Know the publication/news cycle of the outlet.
Long-lead publications like lifestyle magazines are already working on content for six months to a year out from publication and won’t likely respond to a pitch about an event or news story happening right now. Conversely, many news websites update multiple times a day and might be interested in pitches that relate to extremely topical events.
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