Sword and the Script

APRIL 1, 2025

The word reasoning is buzzy across generative AI circles pitched as the anecdote to hallucinations. Instead of searching and sorting through a database, you just tell Dazzles chatbot (Dazz) what your pitch is about, and it goes a search for relevant reporters and influencers based on what they have written.

Software 159

Software Pitching SEO Tools 159

Onclusive

AUGUST 22, 2017

The PR pro sends thoughtful, data-backed pitches, engages with reporters on social media, sends swag (when appropriate), maintains relevant media lists, and manages all follow-through with reporters and journalists. Writing/Editing of Miscellaneous PR Assets. Relationship building takes time. Owned Media/Content Strategy.

Media Training 397

Media Training Crisis Communications Conference Corporate 397

Sword and the Script

DECEMBER 3, 2024

Just like AI can be trained to write copy, AI can be trained to write code. The company is also thinking about reducing off-topic PR pitches, which is a good thing because many PR software companies do not mention this when launching new products. This of course is all just my opinion and I could be wrong.

Software 176

Software Measurement B2B Training 176

PRSay

OCTOBER 30, 2018

It seems like every few months I see a tweet ripping into a bad PR pitch. The blogger portrayed the pitch as comically superficial. It went against every principle of clear writing that I talk about in my post, trainings and even tweets. So, in summation: What you pitch is secondary to who you pitch.

Pitching 143

Pitching Training Media Relations Blogging 143

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JULY 10, 2017

Based on our experience, we’ve identified examples of when NOT to pitch that will help make clearer the line between self-serving nonsense and the stories journalists need. Avoid the following pitches, and make media contacts look forward to your ideas or contact you when they need an assist. Honors awarded by media outlets.

Pitching 170

Pitching Media Product Launch Agency 170

PRSay

FEBRUARY 15, 2019

“The pitches you’ve shown have grammar errors, sentence fragments and lots of abbreviations — what’s your take on that?”. And it didn’t surprise me that at least one of them was hung up on what I’ll characterize as the “informal” tone of the example pitches I showed. Get more media pitching knowledge from Michael Smart here.

Pitching 149

Pitching Media Relations Examples Course 149

Deirdre Breakenridge

AUGUST 27, 2018

ET for an in-depth discussion on the mysteries of media pitching. You heard us: Media pitching. Google “media pitching” and you’ll get a slew of results referencing dos and don’ts, tips, tricks, and best practices. So, for the September #PRStudChat, we brought in the media pitching expert: Michael Smart ( @michaelsmartpr ).

Community 157

Community Pitching Media Newspapers 157

PRSay

NOVEMBER 28, 2018

Whenever possible, pitches should be about people, not products or programs. I recently reviewed a group of pitches and saw the power of this principle highlighted by two good examples and one that needed some help. His pitch was a profile of an up-and-coming minority woman leader who happened to be in charge of the bid.

Pitching 140

Pitching Travel Software Groups 140

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JUNE 3, 2021

Once we secure the right person to cover the story, we don’t pitch it to anyone else until it runs as an exclusive. Another thing I hear a lot on client calls in regards to pitching is how our team will “go wide”. EOD means “end of day,” and of course EOW means “end of week.” Usually it’s for big client announcement.

Journalism 344

Journalism Internal International Pitching 344

Buzzstream

MARCH 19, 2025

As Doug is an expert in all things podcasting, I figured picking his brain about pitching yourself or your clients to get on podcasts would be an excellent opportunity. Ditch the Templates Generic mass-pitching doesnt work. Prioritize Relevance Over Volume Mass pitching might land you spots on low-quality podcasts.

Pitching 71

Pitching How To YouTube Tools 71

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

AUGUST 24, 2018

Write a rock-solid PR plan. The themes will guide pitch angles, content development, and thought leadership strategy. When GDPR was approaching, tech PR teams were sure to pitch their data privacy experts for bylines and expert commentary. Additionally, always make room in the plan for reactive pitching.

Writing 136

Writing How To Pitching Privacy 136

PRSay

JUNE 19, 2018

In my writing workshops I’ll interact with gregarious, personable PR professionals who then turn into corporatized automatons when their fingers touch their keyboards. The same principle applies when writing PR materials or crafting statements for media interviews. Get more media pitching knowledge from Michael Smart here.

Writing 113

Writing Pitching Course Conference 113

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JANUARY 5, 2022

Sharpen your writing – There’s a reason why most companies ask for a writing sample or require a writing test for PR positions. We write a great deal in PR. Or offer to take a stab at first drafts of bylines, press releases, or pitches. The more you do it, the better. .

Writing 310

Writing LinkedIn Social Media SEO 310

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JUNE 24, 2021

Without it, there’s nothing to track or pitch. Of course, this is true for nearly anyone on the front lines of public relations, but it’s more specialized in B2B. Yet there may still be a skills gap when it comes to quality writing. But making a thought leader goes beyond excellent writing. They’re always up-to-date.

B2B 278

B2B Leadership Survey Data 278

Buzzstream

SEPTEMBER 3, 2024

Once upon a time, emailing journalists meant buying a list of media email addresses and blasting out a generic pitch. Some got coverage, but the vast majority of pitches were irrelevant, which decreased journalist receptivity to pitches overall. Personalized email pitching is the key to success today.

Pitching 126

Pitching How To Digital PR Data 126

PRSay

JULY 10, 2019

Here’s the staccato of thoughts that coursed through my head, all in a split second: Where is it? Many PR practitioners let uncertainty they are feeling in their gut creep into their language in the emails they write to media. It’s the same when you write pitches and follow-up emails. But it wasn’t there!

Pitching 139

Pitching Travel Airlines Writing 139

Onclusive

AUGUST 9, 2021

PR professionals are expected to create thoughtful, data-backed pitches, engage with reporters on social media, send swag (when appropriate), maintain relevant media lists, and manage all follow-through with reporters and journalists. Writing & Editing of Miscellaneous PR Assets. Relationship building takes time. Data Journalism.

Training 370

Training Media Training Crisis Communications Reputation 370

Prowly

OCTOBER 31, 2024

Looking to contact the Guardian journalist team to pitch them an exciting story about you or your client? Of course, you could try and search for a specific Guardian email manually, but that would take more of your precious time and you'd be missing out on some great additional features we'll cover below.

How To 104

How To Travel Writing Report 104

PRSay

APRIL 13, 2018

Most PR pros get to build their own media lists (WHO they pitch) and determine the way to phrase an email (HOW they pitch). To earn the placements you really want, you must seize the authority to choose WHAT you pitch. Who writes/produces those kinds of stories? . Get more media pitching knowledge from Michael Smart here.

Pitching 126

Pitching Nonprofit Software Media Relations 126

Onclusive

JUNE 1, 2023

When a journalist writes a negative article, internal stakeholders may jump to conclusions about the impact that will have on your brand. You can course correct your comms strategy when overall sentiment dips and immediate action is required. But with social listening you can get a true, real-time view of brand perception.

Strategy 370

Strategy Communications Reputation Measurement 370

Sword and the Script

JULY 9, 2024

Media coverage is harder to obtain, but journalists are open and candid about what they need – which can make a difference for those PR pros who are willing to listen A while back, Spin Sucks was kind enough to publish a piece I wrote with tips for better PR pitching. Nobody wants to be duped, but for a reporter, their careers depend on it.

Survey 183

Survey Journalism Report Pitching 183

Onclusive

JUNE 21, 2017

In the past, PR professionals pitched the media and threw events with little proof of how PR moved the needle. Whether it’s getting Google Analytics or Marketo certified, attending a social media conference, or taking an SEO course so you can learn how to improve the searchability of your brand’s owned media, commit to continued education. “It

Storytelling 329

Storytelling SEO Community Insurance 329

Cision

JANUARY 22, 2016

Here’s a few themes we’ve complied when pitching one of the toughest, yet most desirable outlets: The New York Times. It may interrupt them in the middle of writing a story, or worse, prevent them from taking a call with a hot news tip. Some columns are merely Q&A, and a press release or pitch may not be useful.

Pitching 120

Pitching Newspapers How To Knowledge Base 120

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

MAY 18, 2017

Improved Media Relations Means Better Pitches. But it pays to take the time to dig deeply into a reporter’s beat before sending a pitch they may find meaningless. This is best accomplished by reading what they write – not just posted pieces, but their social feeds and personal blog as well. It starts with research.

Media 212

Media Pitching Report Interviews 212

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JULY 20, 2020

A POV offers currency for proactive pitching as well as content development. Many reporters aren’t willing to write a story about a technology provider without an advertiser or publisher willing to speak about the value proposition. PR doesn’t just need to be pitching over email. Share relevant and timely data. It makes sense.

How To 241

How To Advertising Advertising Data 241

Cision

JUNE 10, 2015

Moderated by social media strategist Nichole Kelly , the panelists discussed ongoing transformations in the journalism world, the innovation process that sets USA Today apart from other digital newsrooms and pitching tips for PR pros to better work with outlets like USA Today. The worst pitches are those that are pushy or ignorant.

Pitching 120

Pitching Policies Ethics Mobile 120

Shift Communications

NOVEMBER 12, 2018

During my first year at SHIFT, I have learned several pitch writing techniques and seen some success, but I’ve also had days when I’ve received radio silence from reporters. One of the most valuable things I learned during the seminar was how to write a pitch that gets attention. Avoid buzz words. Mairin McCabe.

Pitching 89

Pitching Comparison Writing Radio 89

Sword and the Script

DECEMBER 26, 2023

Great communicators will have the mental toughness and swift ability to pivot that is necessary to respond to this chaotic world and keep PR and marketing on course. Write a 2-4 sentence prediction for marketing and PR in 2024.] Audiences know the difference. There will be a glut of AI-generated content as well.

Writing 211

Writing Communications Marketing B2B 211

Polaris

NOVEMBER 17, 2014

Journalists have editors overseeing their work, correcting their typos or awkward language and often writing their headlines. Bloggers, on the other hand, don’t have an editor to pull them back before they rant about a bad pitch or other faux pas committed by a PR agency or brand. Bloggers don’t have an editor.

Media Relations 232

Media Relations Marketing Media Fashion 232

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

SEPTEMBER 7, 2018

Dos and don’ts for holiday media pitching. The Christmas/Hanukkah time in particular is so cluttered that a marginal pitch that might slip through on another occasion will probably be tossed out. Solid data-driven PR story pitches are always welcomed by reporters, but especially so during calendar milestones or big breaking stories.

Media Relations 157

Media Relations Media Pitching Data-Driven PR 157

PRSay

NOVEMBER 12, 2020

Journalists want to do a great job and they want to write great stories. The pandemic has] been all-consuming, particularly for me as someone who focuses on writing about consumer health,” he said. “I And of course, stay flexible. “I I think we’re much more open to (remote interviews) nowadays, of course,” O’Connor said.

Journalism 211

Journalism Report Interviews Meeting 211

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JANUARY 3, 2023

Whether you’re writing a byline or preparing for a gig, it’s important to understand your audience. Keeping the audience in mind makes for an easier drafting process and a seamless pitch effort — or performance. What’s more, I’ve been able to use the experience from each role to enhance the other. Know your audience.

Pitching 193

Pitching B2B Examples Interviews 193

Deirdre Breakenridge

APRIL 10, 2017

There’s nothing like a grueling weekend spent unsuccessfully following up on pitches for coverage of a client’s innovative, disruptive, and ground-breaking new technology release to make you start daydreaming of starting your own firm. Not to mention all the conferences and travel you can write off!

Travel 281

Travel Technology Conference LinkedIn 281

ImPRessions - Crenshaw Communications

JANUARY 13, 2023

Writing still matters. Content skills go hand-in-hand with communications, but even in the video age, coherent and persuasive writing is at the top of the list. Effective writing strengthens media pitches, powers sales presentations, and is often the basis for successful thought leadership.

Writing 170

Writing Pitching Meeting Communications 170

OnePitch

JANUARY 11, 2024

Standing out from the crowd is vital in a consumer media landscape that is flooded with product pitches. To capture a journalist's attention, your pitch should have five elements: accuracy, relevancy, transparency, efficiency, and credibility. So even though it's surprising to me that I have to say this, know who you're pitching.

Pitching 104

Pitching Consumer Trends Viral 104

PRSay

SEPTEMBER 28, 2018

After the coverage, you should write a “non-thank-you note” expressing appreciation for the coverage without sounding like they did it for YOU. We should learn that from watching what they write or air. Get more media pitching knowledge from Michael Smart here. Specify what you want them to know. Suggest a time slot.

Media 152

Media Pitching Media Relations Writing 152