The Public Relations Blog

Be a better resource for the media

As newsrooms continue to shrink, they rely more and more on their reporters to write for print and online as well as take their own photos and videos. With reporters doing more, newspapers also rely on PR professionals and a company’s PR and marketing department to submit stories – in an inverted pyramid style – and images for publication. 

Story ideas and submissions are relatively easy to provide to a media outlet. Many companies struggle with submitting photos that newspapers and magazines will and can use. Here are some tips that will help you and your team submit quality photos the media will use. 

Pitches must be newsworthy and succinct for outlets to pick them up 

Whether it’s your first time pitching to the media, your 100th time, or your 5,000th time, you need to make sure there are things you consider and keep in mind. When you're getting ready to pitch to the media, you need to be clear on this: what's the actual story you're pitching? 

Eleven tips to assist your tax prep in obtaining coverage

There’s more than one way to release company news. If you’re starting out in the public relations industry or you work for a company that wants to earn media coverage, it’s important to know the best way to share news. Here, Axia Public Relations describes the difference between distributing news and pitching it.

Journalists want evergreen content; pitch stories that stay relevant

Evergreen is a term in journalism and public relations that means the content isn’t time sensitive. It’s news your company shares that doesn’t have a shelf life and won’t go stale. Evergreen stories are perpetually relevant and always interesting to readers. It’s not breaking news or specific to a season or holiday. 

Getting media coverage for your company can seem daunting, especially for a newbie or someone who doesn’t understand how the news media works. It’s possible to earn media coverage without writing a news release; you just need to make sure you’re pitching your company the right way. Here’s a list of 21 mistakes you might be making when you pitch your company to the news media.

Webcam video interviews are on the rise; be memorable in a good way

In-person interviews are almost always best; however, in times of breaking news, national interviews, or during a pandemic, when you can't be in the studio or have the cameraperson come to you, a webcam or livestream interview is a great option. 

Webcam video interviews are on the rise, especially as more people work from home. We’ve all seen an interview where something has gone wrong, such as the person not wearing pants or someone else walking into the live shot, like this man's children. While these moments make for entertaining content, they certainly aren’t the goal of a serious interview.

A newsworthy story doesn’t require a favor

A public relations insider knows that relationships matter when connecting with reporters. You must build and maintain relationships with journalists in order to receive quality media coverage. And you can’t call it a relationship when you’re simply asking a favor. A relationship benefits you and the media outlet, while a favor is requesting a reporter or contact give your company preferential treatment through media coverage.

5 elements your website needs for the best coverage from media outlets

Whether you're new to public relations or you’ve been sending news releases for years, it's a good idea to make sure your website is press-ready. Essentially, you want to make your company’s website easy for reporters to give you good coverage.

Submit better award entries by drafting better PR plans

For some, entering a public relations program for a recognition like the Silver Anvil, Image Award, or Radiance Award can be daunting. In my PR career, I’ve written multiple award entries and, while the first one seemed overwhelming, I was hooked from the start and hungry for more.