| Recently somebody shared with me a media list that | | | | Most have a "Submit news" email address. This is |
| they had found on the Internet because they | | | | the best way to send news tips unless you have a |
| thought this media list was a "goldmine." While I don't | | | | relationship with a contact because there is a person |
| want to burst anyone's bubble, the media list could | | | | whose job it is to monitor these email addresses all |
| turn into a "landmine" if not used properly. | | | | day and disperse the interesting stories to the |
| Here are my thoughts about what you need to be | | | | reporters. |
| aware of when using media lists and how to contact | | | | 8. Free publicity emails like HARO |
| the media. | | | | (Helpareporter dot com) are great resources. The |
| 1. Many media prefer to be contacted by | | | | key to getting picked is to email them fast because |
| email, not telephone. How do you know? Do your | | | | many times it's the early bird that gets the worm, or |
| research; follow them on Twitter, etc. Then after | | | | in this case, the publicity. |
| you send an email, wait a week or two, and then | | | | 9. Another way to get publicity is to blog |
| send again. Sometimes it's appropriate to call them | | | | regularly, write articles and get them published |
| as well. But it's worth trying to find out first. | | | | everywhere. Don't go to the media, make them go |
| 2. Before you send an email, you need to | | | | to you. Establish yourself as an expert in your field |
| make sure you're sending it to the right person for | | | | though your writing. |
| what you are sending and that you have the correct | | | | 10. Once the media contacts you, contact them |
| email address. If you send to the wrong person, | | | | back right away!! Bend over backwards to |
| they will just press delete. Also editors, reporters, | | | | accommodate them and you may become one of |
| producers, change all the time, so best do your | | | | their regular sources. |
| homework before you press send. | | | | 11. Keep in mind that you do not have any control |
| 3. Never send a mass email to the media, | | | | over what they write or report. The fact is that |
| that's another delete. Instead send a personal email | | | | sometimes you're going to get disappointed. The |
| to whoever would be the best contact. Make sure | | | | details will get cut out, or the story won't mention |
| you know what they've written about, produced etc. | | | | your company name or book or they may interview |
| It doesn't help to mention it and say "I saw that | | | | you for an hour, use what you gave them for their |
| you did a story on this; I thought that you might be | | | | story and not credit you at all. That's the way it is. |
| interested in this as well." | | | | They are not advertising for you. They are |
| 4. Media get as much as 500 emails a day. | | | | reporting news. |
| The only way to capture their attention is the | | | | 12. Lastly, once your story appears, email the |
| headline. If your headline is interesting, they may | | | | reporter and thank them for a great story. |
| open your email. | | | | I hope these tips help you. Publicity is something |
| 5. On that note, make sure your email is | | | | that anyone can do for themselves with a little |
| short. Answer the who, what, when, where, and | | | | knowledge. The reason that people hire publicists is |
| why. Secret: Media love bullet points. | | | | because generally they have the knowledge, |
| 6. Media begets other media. It's okay to | | | | contacts, resources and processes to get the job |
| mention that you've been interviewed by other | | | | done. However, having a publicist doesn't guarantee |
| outlets. (Maybe include it in your signature line or | | | | that you will get coverage. Even though I have |
| your boilerplate.) | | | | relationships with the media, they don't jump on |
| 7. Secret: You can find the contact info of | | | | every story that I send them. |
| most any media pro on the website of their outlet. | | | | |