4 keys to mastering the social media pitch
Using online platforms to contact journalists has become common for many media relations pros. Adopt this executive’s tips to perfect your approach.
Journalists are going mobile, and PR pros have to adapt their pitching techniques.
Social media and other emerging mobile technologies have changed the way people interact, especially when it comes to doing business. If you look around any restaurant, coffee shop or sporting venue—everyone is on his or her phone.
Facebook and Twitter have become part of our everyday lives and are affecting the future of journalism. Although in PR there are contrasting opinions on the appropriateness of reaching out to journalists through social media, I advise you to proceed—but with caution.
Your approach has to be professional, and you must use the appropriate channel. Here are a few rules for engaging with journalists online:
Go back and forth.
Similar to other forms of conversation, social media is a two-way street. If you expect a journalist to show interest in your pitch, you should show interest in their content.
Follow the journalist and share, comment on and “like” their posts. Building mutually beneficial relationships online takes only a few minutes a day; use them wisely.
Do your research.
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