Whilst email is the ‘go to’ avenue for contacting a journalist, there are times when using social media can pay dividends.
Here are some of our tips:
Before you do, check their social media platforms closely to ensure they haven’t changed jobs, desks or the patch they cover.
Make sure you follow the journalist on social media. Of course liking, commenting, re-tweeting will not hurt.
In your pitch make it personal by mentioning one of their recent stories and why they should listen to your story idea.
How we use social media to pitch:
For MediaWise Twitter has been the main avenue we have used to reach out to journalists. It’s also a medium where we wear our heart on our sleeve, so we are not expecting a call from interests such as the mining lobby to represent them any time soon.
Instagram is definitely more social for MediaWise, especially when it comes to cycling. Yet when the opportunity exists, a message is pushed. We have over the years done PR for a number of foodie events and used Instagram as a way to converse with bloggers.
MediaWise uses Facebook in two ways, firstly to showcase current work and achievements and secondly to give advice either from its own experience or using well cited articles. The audience is more about clients rather than journalists, although we do have calls from journalists if they are interested in stories or story ideas.
Some journalists reach out via social media to find talent.
Whilst you may not have a client that fits the bill, don’t hesitate to suggest someone else when the opportunity exists.
Your odds of future success will increase.