Where do I start in the process of pitching?

The process of pitching is a bit confusing, and overwhelming especially if you are not sure where to start. The good news is, we are here to help! We are diving into where to start in the process of pitching to give you some actionable steps to take when crafting the perfect pitch.

 

Target your audience

The first step in pitching is to identify what you are interested in and how that will translate to your target audience. Keep in mind that you do not want to cast too wide a net. You want to narrow your audience to know exactly who you are pitching to and how your pitch will appeal to them. 

Zeroing in on your target audience while focusing on the perfect topic to pitch will help guide you while crafting your campaign to ensure that you are pitching something you care about that will also speak to the masses. 

 

Do your research

This step is a crucial part of the pitching process. It helps you connect your message with your audience so your pitch gets to people who can elevate your concept and get your message heard!

Let’s break down research into two parts: researching your unique pitch, and your audience.

 

Your pitch

Researching your unique pitch gains clarity around what gap you are filling for your audience. Your audience does not need duplicate information.

If you are choosing to pitch on a topic already covered in the media, you need to find new information or a new narrative to present to your audience members. Ask yourself questions like:

• • Are both sides of the story being represented?

• • Could I play contrarian and present a new narrative to my audience?

• • Is there new data on this story that others have not covered yet?

• • Is there a way that I can connect this story to my audience on a personal level?

Filling a gap for your audience will help you establish authority and credibility. This will make your content a “go-to source”  for seeking information. It will also encourage media outlets to cover your story because it stands out.

 

Your audience

We know you need to identify your target audience, but now it is time to connect that audience to your story. You need to dive deep into what they care about, what motivates them, and what will pique their interest. Ask yourself:

• • What challenges does my audience face?

• • How can I make this pitch appealing to my audience?

• • Are there members of the community I could involve in my pitch?

• • What information does my audience need from me?

• • How does this information impact my audience?

If you can authentically identify with your audience and empathize with them, you will be able to grab their attention and help them realize that you are speaking directly to them!

Understanding how your pitch provides new and valuable information to your audience and then creating a connection to them will make your pitch stand out and invite your audience in. 

 

Finding your contact

Once you have identified your audience and crafted a pitch, you will want to find exactly who you are going to contact to deliver that pitch to your audience. You will need to do some research about where you would like to present your pitch and who you need to contact directly to start that conversation. You may have to do some digging to find a direct point of contact for some outlets to make sure that the right person gets your message.

Be ready to state who you are and why you are reaching out; you should keep your introduction short but thorough and well thought out. Be sure to explain exactly why your view and your pitch will stand out. Being authentic and passionate about your topic will push them to take your pitch.

 

Plan and call to action

You don’t have to be a marketing expert to present your contact with a campaign plan, but you should approach your contact with an idea of what content you can produce that will support your pitch and appeal to your audience. You want to make sure this content can promote and represent the outlet you are approaching and is in line with pitches they typically support.

You can present them with ideas surrounding content that has been recently successful and how you can use your pitch in similar ways to support a successful campaign.

Once you have presented them with a content plan, you can end with a call to action! This will encourage them to take the next steps. Some examples of a call to action include:

• Please reach out to me with any questions or if you would like more information
• If you would like to schedule a call to discuss this pitch further, please reach out to me.
• State that you will be checking back in with them in a few days to follow up.
• Encourage them to share your pitch with their team.

 

Pitching process basics

Pitching successfully takes practice, and crafting the perfect pitch undoubtedly comes with its own challenges. Starting with a topic you are passionate about that you can connect with your audience is an excellent place to begin your pitching process. If you need help identifying your audience or creating successful pitches, book a call today so that we can get you on the path to pitching successfully!