Pitching local media, like your local newspaper or regional magazine, requires a special set of skills. This style of pitching almost requires that you peel back the sophistication and formulaic approach of a traditional pitch, in favor of a much more personalized approach.
But not too personal. You'll still need to include the most important details right away to catch the attention of the reporter, writer, and sometimes, even the publisher. In the world of local media, the same rules do not always apply if you want to land that feature.
Local media coverage can be great for your brand. Everybody loves supporting a neighbor - and that's exactly what most PR agents are getting wrong in their pitching. They are forgetting the personal approach to their pitch.
No matter if you make hats, stationery, or are a local expert in something that the world needs, you can get local media coverage without advertising. Some people turn up their noses at the local paper, but when it comes time to actually getting the word out about something, they all want to get into the local newspaper.
During this Training TuneUp, you will see actual pitches that did not work - were too formulaic and lacked the personal, community-centered approach. You will also see a pitch that did work that landed a full-page newspaper feature.