How Can Feedback from Media Contacts Improve PR Pitches?

How Can Feedback from Media Contacts Improve PR Pitches?

In the dynamic world of public relations, feedback from media contacts is invaluable for honing your pitch. We've gathered insights from Founders and PR specialists, distilling their experiences into three key strategies. From tailoring pitches to journalist preferences to adopting a storytelling approach, discover how these professionals have transformed their PR materials.

• Tailor Pitches to Journalist Preferences
• Streamline Narrative with Visual Elements
• Define Objectives and Measure Success
• Adopt a Storytelling Approach in Pitches

Tailor Pitches to Journalist Preferences

It's crucial to always remember that journalists aren't simply email addresses—they're busy people who are perpetually on deadlines. As such, when they take the time to respond, even if it's just to say that the pitch they received was irrelevant to them, it's important to always incorporate that feedback. To wit, when reporters follow up with questions about my pitch, I often then incorporate the data they asked about in subsequent pitches. Additionally, if a reporter says a given vertical is irrelevant, I always take them off that list and make note of what they do cover for future pitching. The more PR pros can showcase that they understand the journalist they are pitching to, the stronger the relationship we can build.

Streamline Narrative with Visual Elements

One notable example involves a pitch campaign for a product launch, where initial feedback highlighted a desire for more concise storytelling. In response, I revised the pitch materials to streamline the narrative, focusing on the most impactful aspects of the product and its unique value propositions. I also incorporated a visual storytelling element by creating a short animated video that communicated the key features and benefits. To gather more targeted insights, I initiated follow-up discussions with select media contacts who had provided feedback. During these conversations, I delved deeper into their expectations, preferences, and areas of interest. For me, this feedback not only helped customize the specific pitch in question but also provided insights into the broader preferences of media contacts within that industry.

Define Objectives and Measure Success

Refining PR Strategies by Incorporating Media Feedback

To improve PR pitches and materials, incorporating feedback from media contacts is beneficial. To start, begin by clearly defining objectives and key performance indicators for measuring success. Evaluate media feedback and note down your strengths as well as areas for improvement. Tailor pitches to journalists by understanding the requirements of the readers/followers of that particular journalist. This iterative process ensures better alignment with media expectations and increases the likelihood of successful coverage. Regularly engaging with media contacts fosters a collaborative relationship, enhancing the effectiveness of subsequent PR initiatives.

Adopt a Storytelling Approach in Pitches

Incorporating feedback from media contacts is a vital aspect of refining PR pitches and materials. One unique approach that has significantly improved our pitches at CodeDesign is the adoption of a more narrative-driven format, inspired directly by suggestions from journalists. This was born from a piece of feedback we received from a senior editor at a major technology publication. They highlighted that many PR pitches they received were overly formal and laden with jargon, making them difficult to relate to. Taking this on board, we shifted from a conventional, fact-based pitch to storytelling, where we focus on weaving a compelling narrative around the product or service.

For instance, when launching a new eco-friendly product line, instead of just presenting the features and benefits, we crafted a story about the journey of the product from concept to realization, highlighting the challenges and the environmental impact. This approach not only made our pitches more engaging but also helped the journalists visualize the story they could tell their readers. The result was a noticeable increase in the uptake of our stories and more positive interactions with the media. This change, driven by direct feedback, underscores the importance of listening to and adapting to the needs of those we aim to engage through our PR efforts.