How To Get Featured In The Media & Grow Your Visibility [Ep. 81]
By Jessie Festa. This episode on how to get publicity for your blog contains affiliate links to trusted partners I think you’ll love!
Interested in learning how to get featured in the media?
Well, you’re in luck, as in this episode of The Profitable Travel Blogger Podcast, we’ll be going over how to score free media coverage to grow your blogging business!
Our guest for the episode is journalist and media coach Lynya Floyd, who will be sharing her best tips. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:
- Why bloggers should focus on getting PR for their blogs
- A proven strategy for pitching media for stories and features
- How to come up with captivating story ideas to pitch media
- Tips for writing pitch emails that stand out
- Mistakes to avoid when trying to get press coverage
- And more!
In short, if you’re wondering how to get free media exposure for your blog or business, you won’t want to miss it!
How To Get Media Coverage As A Blogger [Podcast Episode Audio]
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Free Travel Blogger Resource Library
To help you really jumpstart your blogging success, I’ve added 55+ blogging resources like printables, video tutorials, and workbooks into a FREE resource library for travel bloggers.
These resources are meant to help you grow your traffic, community, and income faster and with less overwhelm!
Get PR For Your Blog With These Helpful Tools:
Google Trends. This free tool can help you keep up with trending topics to craft story ideas around and pitch to media.
Awareness Days. Use this site to research holidays and awareness events to create timely story ideas around.
Qwoted. This tool helps you easily share your expertise with media.
Help A Reporter Out. As a blogger, you can use this tool to find opportunities to be quoted in stories in magazines, newsletters, and online publications.
How To Get Free Media Coverage As A Blogger [Episode Transcript]
The following is a summary of the podcast episode sharing how to get featured in publications and media. It is transcribed as best as possible, with paraphrasing included. For the full strategy on how to get PR for your blog, make sure to listen to the audio version of the podcast above.
Whether you’re trying to gain visibility for yourself, your blog, or a product or service you’ve launched, getting media attention is a smart way to do it.
Getting featured in reputable publications, podcasts, TV shows, and other outlets helps you gain instant credibility and increase your exposure.
But, how do you go about landing these visibility opportunities?
That is exactly what our guest, Lynya Floyd, is going to share with us. Lynya is an award-winning journalist, experienced ghostwriter, and sought-after media coach for corporate clients and entrepreneurs.
And today, she’ll be sharing her best tips with our blogging community!
Free travel blogger resource library
But first, before we go over how to get press coverage, I want to share my free Travel Blogger Resource Library.
Inside you’ll snag access to 55+ resources from cheat sheets to workbooks to workshops to video tutorials that can help truly turn your blog into a profitable business – including a variety of pitch and outreach templates.
I’m all about implementation and I really want to make sure you don’t just listen to the episode and forget about it, but that you actually use what I share to make your blogging life easier. Feel free to even pause this episode to go grab those resources.
You back? Then let’s dive into how to get media attention as a blogger!
1) Thank you so much for taking the time to share your tips on how to get publicity for your blog! To start, can you tell us more about yourself and your business?
Thank you so much for having me! I am a content creator, ghostwriter, and a PR and media coach.
I assist entrepreneurs in navigating the media landscape, helping them understand how to obtain media coverage, what topics to discuss, and how to effectively pitch their ideas. Once they secure media coverage, I guide them on leveraging it to boost their business.
Unlike many media coaches, I’ve spent nearly 20 years behind the scenes in the industry, so I have a unique perspective on this subject. My career began as an editor at reputable magazines such as Glamour, Essence, and Family Circle, which gave me invaluable insight into what makes a compelling pitch from the editorial side.
Today, I pitch ideas to these same outlets, so I really know what it’s like to sit on both sides of the computer.
2) Let’s start with the basics. Why should bloggers bother to focus on getting PR? What are the benefits?
There are many benefits of getting PR for bloggers, but I’ll distill it down to a few key points.
a) It’s the ultimate endorsement for your business. It acts as a credible testimonial from reputable platforms. Whether we are buying a product on Amazon or exploring new content, we instinctively seek endorsements or testimonials, and media coverage provides just that.
When readers or viewers see you featured on a trusted platform, it immediately elevates your credibility and entices them to engage with your content. This endorsement can significantly enhance your following and client base. It’s really helpful to get publicity for your business in this way.
b) Initial media appearances can often catalyze further media opportunities. It’s not uncommon for platforms to inquire about your previous media engagements before featuring you, thus having a media portfolio can be advantageous when pitching.
Over time, consistent media exposure can snowball, transitioning from you reaching out to media outlets, to them seeking your expertise, positioning you as a thought leader in your domain.
c) Lastly, one of the compelling advantages of PR is its potential to exponentially increase your reach beyond your existing audience. Typical blogging and emailing are confined to the audience you’ve already built, be it hundreds or thousands.
However, a single media appearance can extend your message to hundreds of thousands, or even millions, vastly amplifying your visibility and engagement rate.
This expanded reach can translate to more followers on social media, more sign-ups for your offerings and opt-in freebies, and ultimately, more clients and customers engaging with your blog brand.
Every time you land a featured interview, media appearance, or byline, it not only endorses you but broadens your horizon, providing a platform to share your message on a larger scale, and bringing more individuals into your fold.
3) Now let’s dive into tips on how to be your own publicist. I know you have a strategy for getting media attention that you call the “5W’s of pitching”. Can you break this down a bit for us?
Certainly! When it comes to how to get media exposure, I like to use a strategy dubbed the “5W’s of pitching”. It encompasses the core elements of securing media attention. Let’s delve into each aspect:
Why: Begin by clarifying the purpose behind seeking media coverage. Is it the prestige of being featured in renowned outlets, or are you aiming to reach your target audience by appearing on niche platforms?
Understanding the ‘why’ guides your approach and the outlets you decide to pitch.
What: The term “pitch” might sound foreign to some, yet it’s the cornerstone of media engagement. A pitch letter is your gateway to media features, succinctly presenting your story idea and demonstrating why you are the apt person to discuss it.
While crafting a pitch is straightforward, avoiding common pitfalls requires a level of finesse that can be honed over time.
Where: Deciding where to pitch entails identifying the right outlets that align with your objectives. Instead of focusing on a single platform, diversify your reach by targeting multiple places to establish yourself as a thought leader in your domain.
The more visible you are across different platforms, the more likely journalists and media outlets will reach out to you.
Who: Identifying the right person to send your pitch to within an organization is crucial. A common misconception is to aim too high or too low on the editorial hierarchy.
The middle tier, often laden with decision-making power, is where you should target your pitches. They are typically more involved in content selection, making them more likely to engage with your pitch.
When: Media personnel continually seek stories with a sense of urgency or timeliness. Aligning your pitch with trending topics or upcoming significant events enhances its appeal, veering away from evergreen ideas that lack a sense of immediacy.
A well-timed pitch resonates more, increasing the likelihood of being picked up by media outlets.
In wrapping up, if you want to know how to get featured on news sites, magazines, publications, and TV, the 5W’s framework provides a structured approach to securing media features. Each step builds upon the other to maximize the potential of your outreach efforts.
4) Many bloggers struggle with coming up with irresistible story ideas. Can you share some tips for this?
Crafting irresistible story ideas is an art. It’s essential to have a rich reservoir of ideas rather than clutching onto just one or two, thereby providing ample material for various pitches. Here are a few tips:
Change the conversation: A proven technique I often suggest is looking at trending topics within one’s industry and exploring how the conversation around these topics can be altered or extended.
For instance, the “quiet quitting” story widely discussed last fall morphed into discussions around quiet quitting in relationships or the nuanced approaches in managerial hiring and firing. By taking a prevalent topic and giving it a slight twist, you can both ride the wave of current discussions and introduce a fresh, engaging angle.
Leverage Google Trends: Utilizing tools like Google Trends to observe what topics are gaining traction during certain times of the year can also help tailor your story to what the audience is currently interested in.
Utilize timeliness & urgency: Crafting a story with a sense of urgency, answering the question “why this story now?” significantly enhances its appeal.
This could be driven by recent statistics, industry trends, or upcoming awareness days.
For example, if there’s a trending topic in the travel industry or a notable day approaching where travel will be a focal point, these elements can lend a timely essence to your story.
Incorporating these strategies can aid in crafting a narrative that not only captivates your target audience but also positions you favorably in the eyes of the media outlets you are pitching to. By delivering a fresh perspective on existing conversations and underlining the timeliness of your story, you significantly increase the chances of your pitch being picked up.
5) Once a blogger has landed on the story idea or ideas they’d like to pitch, what are some tips for actually finding media outlets to pitch the story to?
Identifying suitable outlets for pitching your story idea can be approached in two ways: deriving the idea first and then finding the outlet, or identifying the outlet and then tailoring your idea accordingly.
Both approaches have their merits, similar to planning a vacation where you either decide on the destination first or the experience you seek.
Here are a few important tips to keep in mind:
Research outlets: If you’ve solidified your story idea, you might consider collaborating with a media coach or a PR professional who has a broad understanding of various outlets to help match your idea with the appropriate platform.
Independently, a good starting point would be conducting Google searches to find outlets that have previously covered topics akin to your idea.
Take a targeted approach: If there’s a specific outlet or platform you’re eyeing, like a particular podcast, review their past episodes or articles to grasp the type of content they favor. Tailor your idea to align with their thematic focus, ensuring a seamless fit.
Make sure the outlet you pitch is a great fit: It’s imperative to thoroughly research and ensure your story idea resonates with the outlet’s target audience. Your pitch should feel like a natural fit, addressing the interests and concerns of the audience.
Often, pitches miss the mark when there’s a lack of understanding about the outlet’s audience demographic. For instance, pitching stories about toddlers to a platform focused on teenagers and tweens could result in a lost opportunity for media exposure or getting chosen to cover a story.
Do your due diligence: In-depth research about potential outlets as well as understanding their content strategy and audience will significantly increase the chances of your pitch being accepted. It’s about making your idea a “100% yes!” for the receiver by demonstrating a clear alignment between your story and the outlet’s framework.
By intertwining a robust understanding of both your story idea and the prospective outlet’s domain, you optimize the chances of your pitch landing successfully, be it through professional guidance or thorough independent research.
6) Part of pitching entails actually crafting the pitch email. What are some do’s and don’ts when it comes to pitching media and editors?
Crafting a compelling pitch email is an art that necessitates a balance of service and self-promotion. Over my career, I’ve received thousands of pitches and identified common pitfalls that can be easily avoided. Here are some primary dos and don’ts:
Do come from a place of service: Ensure your pitch resonates with the recipient by addressing what’s beneficial for their audience. The narrative should extend beyond a self-centered perspective, aiming to provide value, actionable insights, or solutions that can enrich the audience’s lives or businesses.
Do offer actionable takeaways: Every pitch should offer actionable steps or tangible takeaways that the audience can apply. Whether it’s through sharing personal anecdotes laced with helpful tips or providing expert advice, aim to offer something that encourages positive action or change.
Don’t neglect the value exchange: Media consumption is a trade of time. Ensure your pitch warrants the time audiences will invest in reading, watching, or listening to your story. Offer them something meaningful in return for their attention and time.
Do highlight your unique qualifications: Utilize a section of your pitch to spotlight why you are the suitable person for the story. Flaunt your credentials, experience, and unique insights without reservation. This is not the stage for modesty; it’s about convincing the recipient that you are the most relevant and informed individual for the narrative.
Don’t shy away from self-promotion: A pitch email is an arena to shine; don’t shy away from showcasing your achievements and capabilities. Be unapologetically bold in presenting yourself as the go-to expert on the topic at hand.
Do tailor the pitch: Ensure your pitch is tailored to align with the outlet’s thematic focus, audience interests, and current industry dialogues. Generic pitches often miss the mark; a well-researched, customized pitch elevates your chances of capturing the recipient’s interest.
Don’t overload your pitch with information: Be concise and straight to the point. Avoid overwhelming the recipient with excessive information. The pitch should be a tantalizing teaser that incites curiosity and interest, not a comprehensive exposition.
These guidelines aim to refine the approach towards crafting pitch emails that not only capture attention but are geared towards fostering a positive impact and engagement with the targeted audience.
7) Bloggers typically create content across their digital touchpoints – whether that’s articles on their blog, photos or videos for social media, or something else. Is there a way for bloggers to leverage the content they’ve already created to get media attention?
Leveraging existing content is a strategic way for bloggers to gain media exposure without starting from scratch. Here’s how:
Repurpose popular content: Looking for the best way to promote your blog? Here’s one idea: certain outlets welcome the repurposing of already-published content. Identify your most popular or engaging posts and consider pitching them to such outlets. This allows your work to transcend its initial reach and resonate with a broader audience, transitioning from your usual sphere to more expansive platforms.
Adhere to outlet preferences: It’s essential to respect each outlet’s preferences concerning original versus repurposed content. Prestigious or exclusive platforms typically prefer original content to drive unique traffic. Always review the writers’ guidelines of potential outlets to ensure your pitch aligns with their policies.
Refresh and re-craft your content: Revise your existing content to cater to different platforms or audiences. A new angle, additional insights, or a current hook can rejuvenate your original post. Aim for a balance where a substantial portion of the content is fresh, addressing the question of “why this story now?”
Use reader feedback as a resource: The comments and feedback from your readers can be a goldmine for new content ideas or angles. Sometimes, a reader’s comment could spark an entirely new narrative or offer a perspective you hadn’t considered. This interaction may inspire reimagined content that caters to evolving audience interests or questions.
Extend the conversation: Leverage the dialogue generated by your original posts to create follow-up content or answer arising questions. This not only demonstrates your engagement with your audience but also presents new pitches rooted in already successful or engaging topics.
Utilize cross-platform repurposing: Explore converting blog posts into different formats like videos, infographics, or podcasts. This cross-platform repurposing not only breathes new life into your content but also caters to diverse audience preferences, further enhancing your chances of catching media attention.
By adopting these strategies, bloggers can efficiently maximize their existing content’s potential, pitching refreshed or repurposed pieces to a variety of outlets, thus amplifying their reach and impact in the digital realm.
8) When it comes to getting PR, how important is building relationships with journalists and influencers? What tips can you offer for bloggers to establish and nurture these connections?
If you want to be featured in media, building and nurturing relationships with journalists and influencers are of paramount importance in the realm of PR.
Much like having a good doctor before you face a health issue, having these connections before you need to pitch your story is crucial. Here are some actionable tips for bloggers to establish and foster such connections:
Focus on proactive relationship building: Don’t wait for the moment you need to send out a pitch to start building relationships. Start now by following, engaging with, and understanding the interests and beats of journalists and influencers in your domain.
Leverage LinkedIn and Twitter (X): Journalists often announce job transitions, share their work, or even call for pitches on platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter. Ensure you have a presence on these platforms and follow the journalists and influencers relevant to your niche. Engage with their posts, congratulate them on their achievements, and showcase genuine interest in their work.
Document contact information: Keep a dedicated document where you store contact details and any relevant information about the journalists and influencers you wish to pitch to in the future. This can be valuable when the time comes to reach out with a pitch.
Celebrate milestones: Marking a journalist’s work anniversary or congratulating them on a well-executed story not only shows that you pay attention, but also helps in keeping the connection warm.
Engage in conversations: Comment on their stories, share your perspectives, and engage in meaningful conversations on social media. This proactive engagement makes you a familiar name, paving the way for a receptive audience when you do have a pitch to send.
Offer value: Whenever possible, offer value. Whether it’s a unique insight, a compelling story, or a different angle on a trending topic, providing value can help you stand out and foster a mutually beneficial relationship.
Respect their time: When the time comes to send a pitch, ensure it’s succinct, relevant, and well-timed. Respecting their time and workload is part of building a good professional relationship.
Maintain regular but not overwhelming contact: It’s important to keep in touch; but, avoid overwhelming them with too frequent communications. Striking the right balance between being present and being overwhelming is crucial.
By employing these strategies, bloggers can effectively build and nurture relationships with journalists and influencers, which in turn, significantly bolsters their PR efforts, paving the way for fruitful collaborations and expanded media visibility.
9) What are some common mistakes bloggers make when trying to secure publicity, and how can they avoid them?
When thinking about how to get featured in publications, one thing to remember is the importance of avoiding common mistakes like:
Not doing your research: It’s crucial to thoroughly research and understand the outlet you’re pitching to. Ensure your content aligns with their focus and caters to their audience’s interests.
Having a lack of actionable content: Offer actionable tips and valuable insights. The audience should gain something beneficial from your content, creating a reason for them to engage with you further.
Sending error-ridden pitches: Before sending your pitch, proofread it meticulously to avoid any errors. Mistakes in your pitch, such as incorrect names or typos, reflect poorly on your professionalism. Remember, this pitch also serves as a writing sample, showcasing your competency to the outlet.
Missing a sense of urgency: While evergreen content is valuable, infusing a sense of urgency or timeliness in your idea can significantly boost its appeal. This makes it more likely for journalists to pick up your story. By being meticulous with your pitches, offering value, and ensuring a good fit with the chosen outlet, bloggers can considerably enhance their chances of securing the coveted publicity.
10) Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom! Before we sign off, can you let everyone know where they can find you?
Alright, now I hope you enjoyed this episode. I hope you feel inspired and empowered to start doing outreach that can get you publicity for your blog.
Before you go, don’t forget to grab access to the free Travel Blogger Resource Library. There are a ton of resources in there on growing your community and increasing your blogging profits.
And of course, make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss future episodes sharing these bite-sized strategies for bloggers who want to turn their blogs into profitable full-time businesses.
Happy blogging!
Get Visibility For Your Blog With These Helpful Past Episodes:
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How To Get Blog Followers, Build An Audience & Grow Your Blogging Business
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