Can you catch the attention of a reporter?
When I surveyed more than 800 journalists on how to get them to cover a story, they had a lot – and I mean A LOT - to say.
With everything they shared, one thing was clear: you need to catch a media professional’s attention quickly (as in 5 seconds) in order to get free publicity.
Here’s what one reporter said:
“If it’s clever enough and has a connection with what I cot really makes a difference in whether or not I’ll go to the next stage to see what it is your are telling me about.
You have to realize, we’re always working on a tight schedule. And with hundreds of news releases hitting my desk, I’m only going to look at the first paragraph or two. If you haven’t interested me in the headline of the first paragraph, you’ve lost me.”
So how can you get a reporter to notice you in the sea of press releases they have?
- Stop writing your releases to sell something and start crafting good news stories. It’s rare to see a product or service featured in a news story, unless it’s being reviewed.
- Keep things brief. Headlines should be no more than 8 words. Press releases – no more than 500 words. When it doubt, edit more.
- Piggyback it on something current. News is fresh… after all it has the world NEW right in it. So don’t send out old news.
- Stop with the puffery. Hate to break this to you, but your company is not the best. That’s an opinion, unless everyone in the entire world thinks so. Cut to the chase, eliminate hype, and stick to the facts.
Want to know more about what journalists are thinking to get free publicity for you and your business?
LAST Chance! Today ONLY!
I’m hosting a FREE teleseminar called “The Inside Scoop on Getting Free Publicity for Your Business” today at Wednesday, March 25 at Noon eastern, 9 AM pacific
In ‘The Inside Scoop on Getting Free Publicity for Your Business‘, sponsored exclusively by ReadyTalk, you’ll learn the results of a recent survey I conducted to more than 800 journalists across the US.
I surveyed and interviewed reporters and media professionals from small to the big national media outlets including CNN, Prevention Magazine, Everyday with Rachael Ray and Entrepreneur.
And what I found out will help you get the free publicity you want to attract more prospects and establish yourself as the recognized expert.
To register for the March 25 at NOON EDT webinar, go to
https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/schedule/display.do?udc=16brnce172g7k
