Byline article pitches usually stink. This is because, even if the pitch is targeted, the article is usually included in the pitch. The recipient assumes the article has been sent to several other blogs or media outlets. And since most everyone likes to publish minty fresh content, the pitches are ignored.
So when I finally received a good byline article pitch, I was twice as excited. It meant I had some content for my blog and a good pitch to write about here. It's two, two mints in one!
The good pitch below is from Carlo Pandian as well as a link to the end result.
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SUBJECT: Strategic Public Relations - Social Bookmarking boosts visibility, Twitter and LinkedIn for PRs and the status of press releases
Hi Kevin,
Just a quick note to see if you would be interested in a guest blogger for Strategic Public Relations.
My name is Carlo, I work as a freelance writer and I have previously collaborated with blogs such as Free PR Advice, TechCritic, Musings of a PR Student, PRstudchat, AboutPublicRelations.net etc.
Public relations, social media and careers are my main areas of expertise. The following are some related article ideas that I have in mind for your blog particularly aimed at starting a discussion in your community of readers on best practices & social media tools:
- 10 rules using Twitter for PR - how to get in contact with publishers, start a conversation on Twitter etc.
- 5 social bookmarking websites to enhance the visibility of your press release – a useful article that consider how StumbleUpon, Digg and related services can increase brand awareness via press releases.
- The Press Release is not dead – a reflection on press releases in the social web times.
- How to Use LinkedIn for PR - an how-to guide for PR professionals with suggestions regarding find stake holders, networking and branding inside the social network.
Please let me know if you would be happy to consider a guest post from me and I’ll get something written up and sent over to you. I also share all of my guest posts on my social profiles in order to drive more traffic to your site.
Look forward to hearing from you, please feel free to send over any questions you may have.
Kind regards
Carlo Pandian, Freelance Writer
@carlopandian
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The Anatomy of a Good Byline Article Pitch
The subject line is loaded with relevant topics and, before I even opened up the email, I knew it had been customized. Then his salutation and intro sentence reinforce the customization. At this point, no matter what came next? I planned on reading it.
Short & Substantive
His intro sentence gets to the point and makes the ask. His second paragraph establishes he's experienced at writing and his third paragraph includes multiple ideas. With four ideas in this pitch, and no articles. I knew the odds of me getting some fresh content were great.
So I wrote Carlo back and pitched him on a fifth idea. To give him some incentive to write it, I also mentioned this post. He was game and we now have Pinterest: 10 Tips for PR People on my blog.
The Power of Simplicity
While the above good pitch is specific to byline articles, I think there are a few points that can be applied to any pitch. It's a simple recipe. Targeted, relevant, customized pitches are going to get results.
The Power of Simplicity
While the above good pitch is specific to byline articles, I think there are a few points that can be applied to any pitch. It's a simple recipe. Targeted, relevant, customized pitches are going to get results.
Speaking at #PRSAICon
Great advice! I think that not enough people think about what makes a good pitch, and just throw the book at people and hope something sticks, so to speak.
ReplyDeleteWhile the above good pitch is specific to byline articles, I think there are a few points that can be applied to any pitch. It's a simple recipe. Targeted, relevant, customized pitches are going to get results
ReplyDeletePublic Relations