The Bad PR Pitch.

Happy Monday back from the 4^th of July. Are you ready for the work week? Most people aren’t! LOL.  Today, I want to talk about the bad PR pitch. I have seen more and more of this in today’s industry with the influx of Do-It-Yourselfer publicists. This usually happens when companies either hire the wrong PR person or try to be their own PR person.

Going forward, what makes a bad PR pitch? First, pitching the wrong reporter all together. I know people who collect lists or buy lists or steal lists of reporters  / media / etc.  Sending out blasts emails or calling these lists is a waste of time.  A good PR pitch is researched.  Actual publicists take the time to find the right reporter who is covering topics similar to what their clients offer. Then, they read or watch the media published by the reporter and reference it in a pitch letter.

Why? Have you ever received a sales call in the middle of something important? This is how reporters feel every waking hour. They are constantly emailed and called with things they don’t want, stories they don’t cover, etc. However, if you’ve been to Starbucks- you know the type of experience they offer. You feel there is a relationship with “your” store because they know your name and often know what you like. Now, this is how reporters feel when someone pitches them by name, knows and references their media stories, and isn’t pushy about their clients being covered.

When you pitch reporters this week, ask yourself if you are being more like a cold call sales person or a barista at Starbucks. The answer will help you navigate the rest of your pitching!

Until tomorrow,

Coco the CEO