News producers and journalists receive hundreds of messages and emails every week, making it challenging for your pitch to stand out. While pitching isn't always the best approach, there are times when it may be appropriate. If you decide to send a pitch, here are some best practices to ensure it’s effective:

1. Be Clear

Focus on the essentials: who, what, when, where, and why. Provide only the most basic information to keep your message clear and straightforward.

2. Be Concise

Avoid lengthy press releases, flowery language, or unnecessary details. Keep your pitch short and to the point. Whenever possible, use bullet points to break down your message for easy reading.

3. Be Strategic

Tie your expertise to a recent report, study, or timely event to make your pitch more relevant. Consider upcoming national awareness days or months that might provide a news peg. For instance, an oncologist could pitch a story idea related to Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

4. Be Targeted

Ensure you’re pitching to the right person. Not all journalists cover all topics, so take the time to research and pitch to those who specialize in your area of expertise. For example, don’t pitch a story about exercise equipment to an immigration reporter.

For more insights on how to pitch effectively, check out our blog post on media pitch etiquette.

Want to learn more? Book a media coaching session through our Learning Center to refine your pitching strategy and increase your chances of success.