Best Media Relations Tips From Public Relations Agency

Public relations has evolved a lot since its inception but despite the changes, it’s hard to imagine a PR campaign without some media coverage. After all, the public needs to be aware of what you are doing for the campaign to help you build a good relationship with them and nothing creates awareness like the media. It’s why the best public relations agency in Delhi tries to connect with as many journalists and influencers as possible. But with every business trying to get media coverage, building media relations isn’t as simple as mailing press releases to journalists. It takes time and effort to build a strong relationship with a journalist but is worth the effort.

Tips To Build Media Relations

Know Who Caters To Your Target Audience

If you haven’t identified your target audience yet, then now is a good time to define them based on their demographics, likes, dislikes, etc. This will help you define a huge part of your PR campaign, especially which journalists to connect with because different target audiences consume different media content. If you can identify and connect with the content creators that serve your target audience, then half your work is done.

Think Like A Reporter

Anyone with good writing skills and a basic understanding of a press release format can draft one and mail it to every reporter on their mailing list. The best public relations agency in Delhi understands that reporters look for news and highlight the newsworthy elements of the release to grab their interest. You can start by adding catchy subject lines that highlight what’s so special about your story. Structure your release in the inverted pyramid style with the most important details on the top, more details in the body and a conclusion. Add attachments (photos, videos, etc.) through links.

Understand Their Approach

It’s easy to generalize media companies as people who post news to get views for ad revenues. But the media is run by people and every person has a different approach to storytelling. Two magazines covering the same topic may take completely different approaches to each other. You should approach them based on their approach to news coverage. You can get a feel for their approach by reading their articles and viewing their videos.

Work On Your Website

Like most people, journalists use the internet to research new stories. A PR-friendly website can help you grab their attention and build relations. You can start by adding a press section to your menu bar that leads them to contact details of people in charge of communicating with them. You can also add press releases, news stories about you and events. Be sure to arrange them properly. You can take the help of a digital marketing agency in Delhi to get this step right.

Be Available For Them

All relations work when they are two-way. Since you expect your contacts to publish your story, it’s only fair to be available when they need an expert opinion on an event or trend. This also allows you to establish your industry expertise and get your brand name out there without having to create a story.

Be Persistent Without Annoying

It’s important to stay in touch with your contacts through emails and phone calls to maintain media relations. But there may be times when a journalist may not publish your story or use an interview. Do not annoy them about publishing it, pitch your next story.

Interact With Them On Social Media

Social media allows you to understand and interact with journalists and influencers from the comfort of your home. Follow them (but not too closely) and interact with them while considering the time and context. You can also share their stories with your social contacts.

Try To Interact IRL

Emails aren’t the best way to form lasting bonds because most people prefer face-to-face interactions. Cafes or industry events are some of the best places to meet. You need to be considerate about a journalist’s time when scheduling meetings.

Talk About Other Stuff

Pitching your story every time you interact will make you seem like a salesperson, and not everyone is fond of them. Other than pitching stories, you can talk about what stories they are working on, what are their plans for the holidays, have they seen the latest movie, etc. A little informal touch adds a sense of genuineness in your bond.

Use PR Tools But Don’t Rely Too Much On Them

There are many tools that you can use to implement your strategy and track its effectiveness. You can use them to make your job easier but beware of any errors that may occur. You can also rely on a best digital marketing agency in Delhi if you aren’t sure about which tools to use.