Sword and the Script

JANUARY 2, 2024

Blogs were raging. Social media was blossoming. And the media landscape was evolving. That next spring I started this blog, largely as a means of professional development. I could read about what was happening, test it out on my blog, and apply what I had learned to my daily job. That’s of course what I did.

Blogging 115

Blogging Software B2B Survey 115

Sword and the Script

AUGUST 4, 2020

Many of the PR technology vendors I track for the monthly PR Tech Sum put a greater emphasis on earned media than media relations in their messaging. Earned media is sexy. It’s larger than media relations, but only in the abstract. c) What makes a great pitch?

Media Relations 152

Media Relations Media Print Software 152

PRSay

OCTOBER 30, 2018

It seems like every few months I see a tweet ripping into a bad PR pitch. Also: I am going to refrain from linking to the post because I don’t like boosting ad revenue for crass, antagonistic blogs. The blogger portrayed the pitch as comically superficial. But the blog also is known for snarky opposition to PR outreach.

Pitching 142

Pitching Training Media Relations Blogging 142

Bianchi Biz Blog

NOVEMBER 9, 2020

Is media relations dead? In fact, a recent article in the BusinessWire Blog called Media Outlet Availability on PR Efforts , by Christopher S. Penn, Chief Data Scientist with TrustInsights.ai, cites some revealing statistics about the shrinking number of media outlets and the challenge for PR and media relations.

Media Relations 101

Media Relations Automotive Media Newspapers 101

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

OCTOBER 3, 2017

There are many public relations industry blogs that offer know-how on everything from crafting brilliant media pitches to perfecting presentation skills. But how to determine which blogs are me-too, and which are worth your while? After that, the blog world is your oyster! Bad Pitch Blog.

Blogging 159

Blogging Pitching Fashion Sports 159

PRSay

OCTOBER 17, 2018

The timeless, endless struggle continues: You, the savvy and realistic PR pro, know it’s better to approach fewer targets with more personalized pitches. You disagree — if you didn’t, you wouldn’t keep reading these blog posts where I emphasize customization until my fingers get sore. 1 complaint from media about PR pros.

Pitching 178

Pitching Training Media Relations Consumer 178

Cision

JULY 19, 2017

Mid-summer in public relations means one thing — holiday gift guide pitching season is here. But, how does your pitch stand out when every brand claims to have this year’s must-have gift? Do they prefer online media or print? Are they reading mostly blogs, or do they get their info via social media?

Pitching 235

Pitching Print Creativity Blogging 235

Landis PR

DECEMBER 6, 2021

Even as the communications sector has expanded to include social media channels, blogs, virtual events and more, media relations has remained – and will remain – a cornerstone of any smart MarComm strategy. With that in mind, here are five of our top pro tips for a successful media relations program in 2022: .

Media Relations 52

Media Relations Media Sports Report 52

Onclusive

SEPTEMBER 7, 2021

In this week’s blog about earned media strategy and measurement, we’re talking about developing and implementing a content distribution plan that uses every opportunity to showcase your stories in front of your key audiences. Of course, you need a comprehensive, reliable and intelligent media database to make this possible.

Measurement 356

Measurement SEO Web Social Media 356

PR in High Definition

MARCH 26, 2020

In these times of uncertainty, where the situation is changing so quickly and we’re constantly receiving new snippets of information, the media has never been more important in keeping everyone informed. And that goes for both coronavirus and non-coronavirus related stories.

Media Relations 83

Media Relations Media Newspapers Print 83

Stern + Associates

JANUARY 12, 2023

No matter how the industry changes, one key skill PR professionals need to know is pitch writing. Although you may be able to write a quality pitch by following a format, capturing the attention of a journalist whose inbox is saturated with similar content can be difficult. That you’re pitching, not writing it.

Writing 62

Writing Pitching Report Strategy 62

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

AUGUST 7, 2018

PR teams can take advantage of sudden extra relevance by immediately pitching a client as a news source to media hungry for pertinent expertise. But in truth nothing is being “jacked” or stolen; instead something is being offered — ideally in the form of informed commentary. PR tips for reactive media pitches.

Pitching 136

Pitching Media Privacy YouTube 136

Solo PR Pro

OCTOBER 26, 2021

What would help you to pitch smarter — to better target your media list and pitch journalists the way they want to be pitched? How can you build stronger relationships with your media contacts when both you and they are juggling so many projects? What journalists want — straight from the source.

Pitching 111

Pitching Twitter Tools Community 111

OnePitch

SEPTEMBER 8, 2022

In this month’s profile, we are talking with Megan Garbe , the Vice President and Director of Consumer Media Relations at Fahlgren Mortine. Tell us a bit about your day-to-day and your role as the VP, Director of Consumer Media Relations. What information do you always make sure to include in a pitch?

Pitching 98

Pitching Consumer How To Education 98

Solo PR Pro

JANUARY 3, 2023

Top 10 blog posts published on Solo PR Pro in 2022. Here are 10 of our favorite blog posts published on the Solo PR Pro blog in 2022. Here's a five-step process to gather information to craft stories that stand out in internal communications and media pitches. 5 Tips for Working with the Media in 2022.

Blogging 91

Blogging Small Business Tools Journalism 91

PRSay

APRIL 19, 2017

Working in media relations is not for the faint of heart or the easily discouraged. “Engaging journalists on Twitter is a great way to stand out from the masses of PR pros clamoring for their attention,” PR pro and media-relations trainer Michael Smart says. Non-pitches.

Pitching 138

Pitching Report Writing Energy 138

Cision

MAY 13, 2016

It’s no secret that bloggers often hold more influence power than traditional media contacts, so pitching them the right way is crucial. And when you find a niche blogging community, like the dad blogging communities across the Web, tailoring your pitches to their preferences is that more important.

Pitching 120

Pitching How To Sports Web 120

Sword and the Script

JULY 6, 2021

OnePitch recommends reporters to pitch; ResponseSource shuts down #journorequest curation; Meltwater acquires Owler; Critical Mention adds “cast & crew” TV data. OnePitch feature recommends reporters to pitch. In a video tutorial, the company says it will start making recommendations after you’ve sent three or more pitches.

Pitching 90

Pitching Report Software Survey 90

Remote PR Jobs

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

We generally suggest you pitch your expertise or story within an hour of the query going out, as that is the typical time frame journalists make up their minds about sources. However, if that is not feasible, you must still pitch within the published deadline. Be Brief HARO pitches should be short, at most 300 words.

How To 100

How To Media Pitching Reputation 100

PRSay

MAY 23, 2018

While readership numbers are lower than that of top-tier publications, trade outlets are a trusted source of information, and 100 percent of the content directly pertains to a particular industry. Don’t overlook blogs. Is your client still hesitant to embrace blogs? Blogs are easy to share. Posting is instantaneous.

Media Relations 135

Media Relations Publicity Media Blogging 135

Sword and the Script

MARCH 27, 2018

Do you feel like media relations getting harder? The survey found more than half (51%) said media relations is getting harder. The survey found more than half (51%) said media relations is getting harder. 3 More Reasons Media Relations is Harder. Also, see these related posts.

Media Relations 76

Media Relations Media Trade Shows Journalism 76

Communications Conversations

OCTOBER 15, 2019

This just in: media relations is getting tougher. Consider the following: Demand for media attention is high: Most top-tier writers now receive 100, 250 or 500 pitches a week for 5 story spots. Media is outnumbered: PR Pros now outnumber journalists by a factor of 6 to 1. Pitch early–literally!

Media Relations 100

Media Relations Pitching Media Report 100

Onclusive

AUGUST 9, 2021

Earned Media & Media Relations. In the old days, sending out press releases and then managing a Rolodex of media contacts could help PR pros to land earned media. Today, landing earned media in publications that resonate with target audiences is only one small part of the earned-media mix.

Training 370

Training Media Training Reputation Crisis Communications 370

Onclusive

NOVEMBER 8, 2023

Earned Media & Media Relations In the old days, sending out press releases and then managing a Rolodex of media contacts could help PR pros to land earned media. Today, landing earned media in publications that resonate with target audiences is only one small part of the earned-media mix.

Training 195

Training Media Training Reputation Crisis Communications 195

Communications Conversations

DECEMBER 13, 2019

If you’ve worked in the PR industry in the Twin Cities for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about or visited, the MN PR Blog. In fact, to my knowledge, the MN PR Blog was one of the first PR blogs in the entire country! The blog was founded and managed by Ryan May. Since, 2003, to be exact.

Blogging 78

Blogging Agency Community Local 78

Onclusive

OCTOBER 7, 2021

While an accurate and comprehensive media database is the first cornerstone to growing your brand presence and reputation, you also need a robust relationship management platform to send targeted pitches, communicate with reporters and track your campaign effectiveness.

Media 195

Media Pitching Tools Resources 195

Sword and the Script

DECEMBER 19, 2023

Pitching media remains a challenge; Twitter is still a journalist favorite; PR dabbled with generative AI as businesses worried about misinformation Regular readers know I publish a weekly post every Tuesday. Sometimes I write a complete blog post on a report – and other times it’s just a blub. PR Tech Sum No.

B2B 108

B2B Survey Pitching Software 108

Rock the Status Quo

MAY 4, 2015

The Differences in Pitch Style & Purpose Are Helpful to Understand I love PR, I love SEO and I really love how well they intersect to grow client reach and conversion. How that pitch is written can be VERY revealing. It’s not a practice exclusive to public relations specialists like it used to be.

SEO 100

SEO Pitching Small Business Agency 100

Shift Communications

DECEMBER 26, 2016

If you’re an avid (or even a sometimes) reader of the SHIFT blog, then you already know data-driven public relations is something we know well. Over the years, we’ve uncovered some amazing, easy-to-use and best of all – free – tools the search engine offers that can make a big difference in a media relations program.

Google 98

Google Data Pitching Tools 98

Onclusive

AUGUST 22, 2017

Earned Media/Media Relations. Far from just managing a digital Rolodex, landing earned media in publications that resonate with target audiences is only one small part of the earned-media mix. Media Monitoring & Analysis. Relationship building takes time. Executive Thought Leadership.

Media Training 397

Media Training Crisis Communications Conference Training 397

Sword and the Script

AUGUST 24, 2021

Media relations has been getting harder for ages and PR need to think differently about the tools available to get the message across, including sponsored content. They had covered my client before and I was pitching hard news – good stuff that’s useful for the industry. To be sure, it was a good pitch, but so were the others.

Pitching 114

Pitching Media Relations Survey Advertising 114

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

SEPTEMBER 29, 2021

As the power of digital and social media has soared, they see new opportunities. Many have paid-media envy, because it looks easy. They know media relations is labor-intensive and not as scaleable as SEM or paid social. One reason for the concern about earned media is the flabbergasting ratio of PR people to journalists.

SEO 227

SEO Agency Reputation Policies 227

OnePitch

OCTOBER 20, 2022

Tell us a bit about your day-to-day and your role as the Vice President/Media Group Manager at Ketchum. One of the beautiful, energizing aspects of my role (and media relations in general) is that there is no ‘typical’ day-to-day. Having this pulse shapes the pitching we’re activating or counsel we’re offering to our clients.

Media 96

Media Sports Agriculture Pitching 96

Shift Communications

AUGUST 4, 2016

As an account executive on the account services team at SHIFT, my role is focused primarily on media relations as it pertains to my client roster. Although media relations is a blast, it has its fair share of challenges – the PR struggle can be very real. Which leads us to our next media relations challenge….

Media Relations 60

Media Relations How To Media Groups 60

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

MARCH 23, 2022

This includes material like past PR coverage, product spec sheets, blog posts, preferred talk tracks, conference and award wins, executive bios, and marketing calendars, just to name a few. You never know which bit of information will be helpful in driving PR results down the road. Do a deep dive. Be curious.

Agency 310

Agency Meeting B2B Conference 310

Sword and the Script

MARCH 30, 2021

Journalists say Twitter is the most valuable social media platform and they spend a lot of time there; if you want to improve media relations you should invest more time there too. Business efforts on social media tends come in two flavors. Most reporters are not receptive to pitches on Twitter.

Social Media 111

Social Media Report Survey Media 111

Onclusive

OCTOBER 4, 2021

Media relations is one of the PR team’s essential functions, and having access to a reliable and accurate media contact database is a must in today’s dynamic environment. We continuously refresh journalist contact information so that it is always accurate and current.

Industry 195

Industry Media Reputation Report 195