How do you land media interviews for your organization?

1 Know your target media

Before you send any pitch, you need to do your homework and research the media outlets and contacts that are relevant to your organization, industry, and audience. Find out what topics they cover, what formats they prefer, what tone they use, and what their deadlines are. Also, check their previous stories, social media accounts, and online profiles to get a sense of their interests, preferences, and style. This will help you tailor your pitch to their needs and expectations, and show that you respect their work and time.

2 Craft a compelling pitch

Your pitch should be concise, clear, and catchy, highlighting the value and relevance of your story for the media outlet and its audience. Use a strong subject line that summarizes your main angle and hooks the reader's curiosity. In the body of your pitch, explain why your story is newsworthy, timely, and unique, and provide some key facts, quotes, or data to back it up. Also, include a clear call to action, such as asking for an interview, offering a source, or sending a press release. And don't forget to add your contact information and availability.

3 Follow up and follow through

Once you send your pitch, don't just sit back and wait for a response. You need to follow up and follow through to increase your chances of getting a media interview. Follow up with a polite and friendly email or phone call within a few days, reminding the media contact of your pitch and asking if they are interested or need more information. Don't be pushy or annoying, but show that you are persistent and professional. And if you get a positive response, follow through with your promise and deliver what you offered, such as sending additional materials, arranging an interview, or confirming a date and time.

4 Build relationships and reputation

Getting media interviews is not a one-time deal. You want to build long-term relationships and reputation with the media contacts that you pitch to, so that they trust you and consider you as a valuable source for future stories. To do that, you need to be respectful, responsive, and reliable, and show appreciation and gratitude for their time and attention. Also, you need to monitor and measure the results of your media interviews, such as the reach, engagement, and impact of your coverage, and share them with your media contacts and your own audience. This will help you demonstrate your value and credibility, and create more opportunities for media exposure.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?