How to be a Reporter’s Favorite News Source
Reporters Love Sources Who Understand Their Needs
Remember - many of them are working on tight deadlines. They need to find someone immediately meaning right now. People who aren’t used to working with daily deadlines tend to think of “immediately” as “within 24 hours” or “sometime this week.” That won’t do for a reporter who has to report, write and file his story today. She will quickly move on to another source if she has to wait for you.
If a media contact wants to talk to you whether it’s today or next Tuesday - make yourself available. I’ve had clients say a particular requested day or time isn’t good because they’ve got a dentist appointment scheduled or a trip to the library. If The New York Times wants to interview you, reschedule the cleaning.
Have high-resolution image of yourself available. Journalists often want an image to go with their story and that’s great for you more exposure. So be prepared. Print journalists need high-resolution images, usually 300 dpi (dots per inch). Instructing them to download your picture from your website likely won’t meet their needs. Most images on websites have a very low resolution of about 72 dpi, which looks fine on a computer monitor, but can’t be printed on paper. Instead, have a professional quality face shot of yourself, and your product or book, if applicable, at the ready to email.
To avoid wasting time and money when pitching your product or book to the media, learn which reporters and editors might have an interest in your message. The automotive writer will have no interest in gardening tips. Likewise, the entertainment editor won’t care about your business book. You should be able to find which journalists cover what beats by visiting the publication’s website. If that fails, pick up the phone and call.
If an editor invites you to write an article or blog post, pay attention to the criteria and the deadline. If you’re asked for 450 words or less, don’t send an 800-word piece. They may request you focus on a specific topic, or write in a specific format, such as tips or first person. Follow instructions, make sure your piece is finalized and proofread, and file on time. Early is better.
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Patty Block, President and Founder of The Block Group, established her company to advocate for women-owned businesses, helping them position their companies for strategic growth. Charting the course for impactful, sustainable, profitable businesses, the beacon is control: of your strategic direction, your money, your time, your staffing, and your ability to bring in business. The Block Group brings together the people, resources and ideas that build results.
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