What Advice Would You Give for Building Strong Relationships With New Media Contacts?
MediaRelations.io
What Advice Would You Give for Building Strong Relationships With New Media Contacts?
In the world of public relations, forging a strong bond with new media contacts is crucial. We've gathered insights from Digital PR Specialists to Founders, presenting six key strategies they recommend. From being authentic and honest to providing exclusive access to content, these professionals unveil their top advice for nurturing these essential connections.
- Be Authentic and Honest
- Be Proactive and Supportive
- Offer Value Before Asking
- Prioritize Mutual Value and Respect
- Foster Genuine Curiosity and Collaboration
- Provide Exclusive Access to Content
Be Authentic and Honest
The one piece of advice I would give for building a strong relationship with a new media contact is to be your authentic self. Being genuine, open, and honest in your early interactions helps build trust, which is the strongest foundation for a mutually beneficial relationship. If you can't make a deadline or you can't deliver the right information, be upfront. The key thing is to be natural. If you're overly promotional or pushy, you'll struggle to develop a strong relationship and essentially sabotage the growth of your media contact list.
Be Proactive and Supportive
If you want to build a strong relationship with a new media contact, in my experience, you need to be as proactive as possible. Reporters are often running a one-person show—researching, shooting video, taking photos, reporting, and editing—all under tight deadlines with limited resources. Going the extra mile can really make a difference in securing consistent media coverage for your brand.
Before you pitch your story, invest time in research. Collect relevant facts and statistics to support your narrative. Anticipate potential questions from the media and prepare your answers in advance. Also, compile a library of digital content like infographics, videos, images, or other visual aids to bolster your story.
When you do capture a reporter's interest, go further by providing everything they might need for their story. This often includes things like an author byline, a high-resolution headshot, and contact information for any expert sources.
Trust me, reporters will greatly appreciate it if you show initiative, stay organized, and communicate clearly and thoroughly. This approach will increase your chances of getting media coverage in the future.
Offer Value Before Asking
One key piece of advice for building a strong relationship with a new media contact is to offer value before asking for anything.
Start by understanding their work and interests. Engage with their content by sharing, commenting, and providing thoughtful insights. When you reach out, personalize your message to show that you've done your homework and genuinely appreciate their work. Offer exclusive content, insights, or access that can help them with their stories. Building a relationship based on mutual respect and value will create a solid foundation for future collaborations.
Prioritize Mutual Value and Respect
To build a strong relationship with a new media contact, prioritize mutual value and respect. Begin by researching their background and recent work to personalize your initial communications. Offer valuable insights, story ideas, or exclusive information that aligns with their interests and audience needs. Be responsive, reliable, and prompt in your communications, demonstrating your commitment and professionalism. Over time, nurture the relationship by engaging in meaningful conversations, seeking their input, and showing appreciation for their contributions. Maintain a professional demeanor, respect their time and boundaries, and communicate clearly and courteously in all interactions. Building trust takes consistency and genuine effort, so focus on building a rapport based on mutual respect and shared goals. This approach not only enhances your credibility but also lays the groundwork for a productive and mutually beneficial partnership with your media contact.
Foster Genuine Curiosity and Collaboration
I always set out to build a genuine relationship with any new media or business contact, entering into it with genuine curiosity and a collaborative mindset.
When I first reach out, say to a prominent journalist, I never start by pitching a story or promoting my business. Instead, I start off with a casual introduction and turn it into a chat by focusing on learning about their interests, the kinds of stories they are passionate about, and how I could contribute value to their work. It's no different from building a relationship with one of the guys at the gym or someone you meet at a networking event.
Taking this 'relationship-based' approach has paid off over time. You gain the trust and respect of the people and often make new friends. The outcome is a mutually beneficial relationship where the journalist often reaches out to me directly and asks for input, which has resulted in increased media coverage for my company.
My advice is to listen more than you speak, be genuine, and try to offer value without any expectations.
Provide Exclusive Access to Content
One effective way to build a strong relationship with a new media contact is by offering them exclusive access to news, events, or interviews. Journalists and media professionals appreciate having unique content that sets them apart from others.
By giving them first dibs on a story or an exclusive interview, you show that you value their work and trust them with important information. This not only makes them feel special but also fosters a sense of collaboration and mutual respect. It's a great way to build a solid, lasting relationship.
