Newsrooms are pelted with a constant stream of emails and phone calls. Journalists are numbed by the sheer volume of pitches, press releases, and story ideas that land in their inboxes daily. It raises the question: how do you break through to get their attention for your event or your story?
Following up with a personal touch helps make sure your pitch doesn’t get lost in the pile. Even the most compelling story can be overlooked or buried under newer messages. Who among us hasn’t seen a text or an email and meant to respond but it gets lost in the shuffle? A well-timed follow-up email or phone call can bring your pitch back to the forefront of a journalist’s mind, increasing the chances of it being noticed and considered.
Calling through to newsrooms adds a personal dimension to your pitch. It shows that you are serious about your event and are willing to go the extra mile to ensure it gets coverage. A phone call can also provide an opportunity to offer additional details, answer any questions, and build a relationship with the journalist. This personal connection can be valuable, as journalists are more likely to remember and consider pitches from people they have spoken with directly.
Newsrooms take notice of campaigns that are organized, attentive, and committed to getting their attention for an event or story, building credibility and increasing the likelihood of your pitch being taken seriously this time, next time and beyond.
However, it’s important to follow up thoughtfully and respectfully. Journalists are busy professionals, and excessive follow-ups can be counterproductive. A polite, concise follow-up email or a courteous phone call can make a significant difference without overwhelming the recipient.
The impact of following up and calling through to newsrooms cannot be overstated. In a full inbox, following up can ensure your pitch gets the attention it deserves, leading to media coverage for your event or story.
-Jessica Gale, Communications Specialist