The Role of the Media in PR

The relationship between public relations and the media has always been a symbiotic one, with both parties receiving help from the other in various ways. While it doesn’t always seem equal if you’re a PR pro trying to get a story in a major media outlet, you would without a doubt be worse off without access to … Read more

Should You Be Contrarian When Responding To HARO Queries?

One of my favorite ways to get media coverage and to become a go-to source for reporters is by using HARO. For anyone who doesn’t know, HARO is a free service that connects journalists with sources for their stories by sending out daily emails with queries from reporters. If you’re subscribed to HARO, you si… Read more

Dealing with Picky Journalists and Editors

Getting your press release or news story into a newspaper, on TV, or even a journalist’s blog can be an uphill battle. It makes it that much worse when the journalist or editor is super picky. After the fifth round of third degree questioning, and a brutal fact checking, it can seem like they just don’t like YO… Read more

With Print Media on the Decline Will Journalists Be More Open to Your Story?

It’s no big secret that print journalism isn’t doing so great right now. With 24 hour news stations, the Internet, and even online versions of their own editions, newspapers and magazines are looking for ways to stay relevant in an increasingly electronic world.

However, their heartbreak and struggle c… Read more

How to Not Make a Journalist Hate You When You Call

Sometimes, you need to pick up the phone to talk to a journalist. Maybe you want to follow up on a press release you sent them, or maybe you need to get in touch with them quickly to retract a press release you sent too early or to correct some information you gave them.

Whatever the reason, when you pick up the pho… Read more

There Is No Magic Day to Send a Press Release

One of the questions I get asked most often is, “When is the best day to send a press release?” Now, I know right off the top that some of you are going to disagree with this, but I don’t believe there is a best day for sending press releases. I know some people will say that if you have bad news to announce, you shoul… Read more

What’s a Media Advisory and Should You Use One?

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran who has written hundreds of press releases for your business or you’ve just finished sending out your first ever release, another press-related document exists that you might want to know about. It’s called the media advisory and depending on what you’re trying to acco… Read more

Should You Hire a PR Agency or Build an In-House Team?

As you continue to grow your business, you’re going to find that all the different hats you’re wearing are weighing you down to the point that something has to give. That means you’re going to have to find people to whom you can delegate responsibilities. In most cases, you will need someone to take over the P… Read more

Oops! The Writing Mistakes in Your Last Press Release

It can be frustrating when a press release you’re particularly excited about goes absolutely nowhere. But even if you’ve gone over the writing several times there are a few mistakes you’ve probably missed and that’s what kept it from getting picked up. Instead of getting mad or frustrated, let’s take a lo… Read more

Writing a Great Subject Line for Your Pitch

You have an awesome pitch, and now it’s time to send it by email to the reporter of your choosing. And while you probably thought composing the pitch was the hardest part, the truth is that you still have one of the largest challenges ahead — getting the reporter to open your email. How can you guarantee that th… Read more