How to conduct a successful PR media tour

Planning and conducting face-to-face meetings with reporters can be invaluable for a brand, but you’ve got to be highly prepared for them.

Ragan Insider Premium Content
Ragan Insider Content

Schedule meetings smartly. Propose a few specific dates so editors can let you know right away if they’re available. Look up travel times between meetings and add at least 15 minutes for leeway. Double-check your routes. Remember, Google Maps is not infallible.

Do your research. Compile an itinerary, and a concise overview of the reporter’s beat, his or her background, recent articles and details of the publication. Familiarize yourself with the publication and develop a solid grasp of news within relevant industries so you can carry on a knowledgeable conversation.

Overprepare. Your client or spokesperson should understand the goals of the deskside meetings and feel comfortable addressing questions, including tough ones. If the product is complex, make sure he or she can explain it in simple terms by rehearsing beforehand. If your meeting involves a product demo, it should be tweaked, tuned, or otherwise prepped. Also, be sure to check the wireless connection at your destination if possible.

To read the full story, log in.
Become a Ragan Insider member to read this article and all other archived content.
Sign up today

Already a member? Log in here.
Learn more about Ragan Insider.