5 takeaways from pitches that missed the mark by a mile

These emails did the PR pros who sent them no favors. Consider the following examples of irrelevant media relations queries—along with what you can do to avoid the same reaction.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

There are many media relations behaviors that serve to annoy journalists.

Ignoring follow-up etiquette, being selfish in your media relations efforts, not responding in a timely manner and omitting information are several ways you can drive reporters and editors crazy.

However, one of the most common (and annoying) PR practices is sending irrelevant pitches. Doing so inevitably will send your email to the trash and garner this response from the recipient:

via GIPHY

Here are several incredibly off-the-mark pitches I’ve personally received, along with my reaction for each—and ways you can avoid irritating news media professionals in the future.

The pitch:

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.