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The term "storytelling" may seem tame. That's something the marketing team or writers of fiction should handle, right? Actually, no. According to content specialist Steph Patterson, the narrative is one of the most crucial things you can do as a startup. The startup pitch is the one place where this is most obvious.
It takes time, effort, and careful attention to detail to become an expert in pitching the media. It becomes more challenging to succeed every day. Reporters are having trouble keeping up with their bulging inboxes as newsrooms get smaller and duties increase.
Other than completing your research, following a reporter's beat, and reading their work to ensure they are the right fit, how do you know your pitch is excellent? You're probably on the right path if you can "yes" to five questions.
1. Does it grab your attention?
The most crucial element of any pitch is the headline or the subject line of your email. It decides if a reporter will scroll no further and open the message, and it gives them a quick frame of reference.
When creating a headline, think about whether you would click on the notification if it showed up in your mailbox. Counts, "how to" and "what you need to know" styles, as well as other tried-and-true headline writing techniques, should be used.
2. Is it relevant?
The biggest pet peeve of 71% of journalists in Business Wire's 2020 Media Survey is getting pitches that have nothing to do with their "local market audience, brand, or beat." Ask yourself if the reporter can see how their audience they are affected by your news.
Does the idea you're pitching have anything to do with a hot topic there? Will it satiate their readers' curiosity or demand for knowledge on a current issue? Are you providing a novel perspective on a trend, inside information, or something brand-new or unheard-of? Lead with something distinctive and memorable.
3. Is it succinct?
Quickly make your argument. 91 per cent of journalists prefer pitches with less than 200 words, according to a different media study. Verify your word count and be harsh with your editing. Help the reporter who is likely skimming your pitch by breaking up long paragraphs of text, using bullet points, and bolding important terms.
4. Does it facilitate their work?
Being a partner have any supplementary materials on hands, such as accessible experts, spokespersons, data, and high-quality photographs, graphics, and videos. Give them time to process the information before following up approximately a week after sending your pitch early in the week, preferably on a Monday.
5. Does it increase their visibility?
Move ahead a step. Describe in a social media "sound bite" replete with hashtags how the news might prompt readers to comment, like, or share. 62 per cent of journalists track how often their stories are shared on social media, according to Muck Rack.
Take advantage of the opportunity
Once you have a reporter's interest, keep it by responding to questions and delivering on your promises. If you're a trustworthy source, that reporter might be more receptive to your future pitches or even contact you for content.
To make an impression, glance at these simple pitching advice.
With a carefully thought-out pitch, you can effectively promote your ideas even if you're not a real salesperson. Here are some practical suggestions for pitch perfection.
- Be careful when preparing.
- Have a one-minute pitch.
- Work on your pitch.
- Don't scrimp on the fundamental explanations.
- Be aware of what makes a presentation dull.
- Avoid using buzzwords.
- Make use of your excitement.
- Include periods for questions and answers.
- Pay attention and act
You now have the perfect 10-minute pitch. After you've given your persuasive pitch, make it simple for people to contact you by providing them with attractive business cards.
