How to become the media’s first point of contact

Have you ever wanted to be quoted in the media as an expert in your field? To be the person interviewed on TV when journalists need an expert? It takes time and effort to become recognised in the media as an expert in your field, but if you do it right the media will be asking for that quote of yours in no time.

Here’s how you can increase the likelihood of being contacted by the media.

Sign up to media enquiry services

To build up that initial relationship with the media you must first contact them and prove you know your field of expertise. Websites like HARO (Help A Reporter Out) are great for making that initial impression as it is a free site that helps reporters find experts to comment on stories they are writing.

Don’t underestimate the power of social media

Do you know a lot of information about a current event in your field? Go on Twitter. Using hashtags relevant to a story and identifying media influencers will help get you noticed. Follow industry leaders and journalists to stay up to date with your field, and to have potential people ready to pitch to when a relevant story presents itself.

Make sure your social media platforms have up to date contact details for you and are updated regularly. Many journalists use Twitter and LinkedIn to look for people to talk to when a crisis happens, so keeping yours up to date and full of relevant content is highly important.

Set up a Google alert

Set up a Google alert for any key words relevant to your field of expertise for immediate updates the second something happens in your industry. Found an article you know you have a lot to contribute to? Contact the journalist that wrote it and let them know. You might be just the kind of expert they were looking for.

Pitch to a journalist

Find journalists that are interested in your industry and contact them. Don’t be shy. Do your research, know your audience and make sure your message is newsworthy. Learn more about pitching newsworthy content here.

Give the media exactly what they want

Journalists are bombarded with pitches all day long. Make yours stand out amongst the crowd by knowing what the journalist wants. Be visual, and create pitch videos and pictures that stand out amongst all the clutter. Upload them to your social media platforms as well and get them shared. The more people see your message the more likely journalists are to take note of what you have to say. Learn more on giving the media what they want here.

Being the expert the journalists contact takes time to build but once you achieve it your phone will be ringing constantly. Put in the hard work now, keep your social media up to date and make those connections. They will make a world of difference when the media needs an expert, make it you.

Want to start building your own PR strategy? Download this FREE Public Relations Strategy Checklist:

Sydney Public Relations Agency, CP Communications provides specialist media, traditional and online PR strategies that get amazing results. Contact us today. For more PR tips see www.PublicRelationsSydney.com.au

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