The Dos and Don'ts of Building PR Relationships
Developing positive relationships with journalists, producers, and other media contacts is crucial for your marketing and PR strategy. These connections can open the door to valuable media coverage, thought leadership opportunities, and increased visibility for your brand.
However, maintaining healthy media relationships requires care and consideration. Poor media etiquette can quickly sour these partnerships and limit your ability to leverage the media to your advantage.
So, what are the keys to cultivating mutually beneficial media connections? Here are some essential dos and don'ts to keep in mind.
First and foremost, be responsive and timely. When a media professional reaches out, make it a priority to respond within 1-2 business days, if not sooner. This shows your reliability and commitment to supporting their work.
Equally important is respecting their time and deadlines. Journalists and producers are often working under intense time pressures, so be considerate of their schedules. If you need to reschedule or provide additional information, give them as much advance notice as possible.
Next, provide relevant, valuable information. Take the time to understand the journalist's angle or the producer's program, and tailor your response accordingly. The more you can make their job easier, the more likely they'll be to feature your brand.
Honesty and transparency are also crucial. If you can't accommodate a request or provide the information they need, be upfront about it. Avoid making promises you can't keep or providing misleading details - this will only damage your credibility.
And don't forget to follow up appropriately. After your initial interaction, send a thank you note or email. If they feature your brand, be sure to share the coverage on your own channels and thank them publicly. This demonstrates your appreciation and makes them more likely to work with you again.
On the flip side, there are some media etiquette no-nos to avoid. Don't bombard them with unsolicited pitches, make unrealistic demands, or become defensive if they provide critical feedback. And never ignore or avoid them, even after a negative interaction.
By approaching media contacts with care, consideration, and a genuine desire to support media professionals' work, you can cultivate lasting, mutually beneficial relationships that serve your brand's long-term goals.
It's all about understanding their needs and demonstrating your value as a reliable, trustworthy partner.
We pride ourselves on our ability to build strong, authentic relationships with media professionals and clients! Want to learn more?
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