An editor’s advice for pitching via social media
Reaching out to journalists via Twitter or LinkedIn requires finesse and an understanding of protocol. The author helps you find the path to making connections and landing coverage.
In addition to being a real-time conduit for breaking news and trending topics, social networking tools provide valuable insights for PR reps who want to know more about a reporter and what types of stories he or she covers.
Social media offers a unique opportunity to reach journalists through Twitter and LinkedIn—sites they probably check more often than their inbox. Sure, you can pitch someone via a tweet, direct message or blog comment, but that doesn’t mean you always should.
There’s an art to connecting with journalists on social media: Do it well, and you’ll start a memorable conversation about your story idea. Do it poorly, and you risk not only stepping far beyond the boundaries of a professional relationship, but also ending up on a journalist’s or an entire publication’s blacklist.
Here are a few basic guidelines for pitching and engaging with reporters on social media channels:
Consider the nature of the network.
Every social media site is different and has its own set of unspoken rules and guidelines for using it.
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