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The ABCs of writing for the media
As we reflect on 2022, one highlight of the content we shared is our four-part series on writing for the media, something our team does in some form every day. Here’s a brief recap.
Geared toward marketing and public relations professionals, Getting the story “write” delved into the ABCs of writing for the media. We broke it down into the following points:
- Authenticity
- Building Relationships
- Clear, Concise and Correct
- Demographics
In our first segment, we talked about authenticity. Journalists can smell a sales pitch coming from a mile away, and they rarely want those. Share honest, media-appropriate stories about your clients. Members of the media respond well to what is genuine.
Next, we talked about building relationships. Writing for the media boils down to creating positive connections with journalists, TV hosts, radio producers and the like. If these busy professionals enjoy working with you and your clients, they’ll probably want to work with you again. They may even open doors to others who may be interested in your story.
Our third installment spoke to the value of being clear, concise and correct in your writing. Simple language that gets to the point quickly and does so while being accurate is the best route to take. Bonus points for using the correct spelling and journalistic style for the publication/media house to which you’re submitting. Making a journalist’s job easier will only work in your favor.
Finally, we addressed the issue of demographics. Finding your audience is key to helping your story reach more people. Naturally, you need to focus on the obvious markets for your clients’ products or services, but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Consider the community connections your clients have and think about their background and interests. What are some untapped markets you can explore?
These points create a roadmap for successful storytelling. Determine the people you want to reach, tell your story honestly and accurately, and nurture the relationships you form so you can tell them more stories in the future.
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