Is Your Brand Newsworthy?

Producers and journalists are constantly looking for local stories that will have intrigued for their audience. These professionals are bombarded by requests daily for coverage. If you are looking for free advertising I recommend that you throw your pitch away. The purpose of your local news station or paper is to share interesting and vital information to the community. When you approach producers and journalists with a pitch written straight out of your ad-copy it portrays a sense of arrogance.

Here are some questions to ask before you pitch your brand’s story. If you can successfully answer these questions your chances of getting coverage for your brand increases. These questions are intended to have you think from the perspective of the viewer/reader and the producer. 

1.      Is the story you telling interesting or 5 o’clock newsworthy?

Here is a hint if you are leading off with the headline “acme company brings on new CEO,” you are headed in the wrong direction. Why would the individual at home care to read this story? When writing your story, you will be well-served to think headlines. A good pitch writer puts themselves in the shoes of the consumer.

Here is a great example of a brand that Ironrod Media got on the 5 o’clock news.

2.      Are you a has been?

Is the story you are promoting in the past? Today’s new cycle has tightened incredibly. If your event happened more than 24 hours ago your story will have a hard time in getting coverage. I recommend that you focus on future events.

3.      Are you trendy?

Often there is a series of stories that create a trend. Often producers are looking for local angles on these trends. If you can successfully angle your brand to ride the wave of a trend you could find yourself in front of a news camera. Just be careful not to be caught jumping the shark.

4.      Do you Give back?

Does your company give back to the local community? Do you donate to a charitable?

organization? Does your staff volunteer at a local food bank or soup kitchen? If you answer yes to these questions than you could get coverage for not only your brand but your favorite cause as well. This coverage can situate your brand in a positive light. Ironrod Media helped Fishbowl and Operation Give earn this coverage.

5.      Can your Story go Viral?

Do you post your pitches and brand stories on your social media pages? Here is an example of my brand sharing the story of one of our clients on Social Media. There is a smart trend of companies who are using brand journalism and create newsrooms on their websites. Here is Coca-Cola’s. I recommend that you follow this course.

I hope you have success in getting coverage for your story. I believe everyone has a story worth being heard. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me in the comment section below or at info@ironrodmedia.com If you would like help in getting coverage for your brand and it’s many stories contact Ironrod Media at pr@ironrodmedia.com or (385 225-5997)