Happy Valentine’s Day. I don’t usually send out newsletter on Friday’s however it’s Valentine’s Day and making the media love you is a topic I personally adore.
If you want to make waves in 2025 and secure your spot in the spotlight, you’ve got to know how to play the media game, and make the media wanna put a ring on it.
Through my experience as a PR strategist, I’ve helped countless CEOs, entrepreneurs, and business leaders refine their message and grab the media’s attention. Here’s how you can step into the limelight this year.
1. Be Clear, Be Valuable
The media is all about storytelling—specifically, stories that are timely and impactful. Have a clear message. Think about how your expertise or business can bring undeniable value to the audience. Can you share unique industry insights? A groundbreaking product? A mission-driven initiative? Every good story needs a hook—be sure you have one.
Pro Tip: When pitching, always answer these unspoken questions for journalists—Why does this matter? Why now?
2. Build Relationships, Not Transactions
Journalists are people too. Reach out thoughtfully and authentically instead of treating them like a PR vending machine. Appreciate their work, customize your pitches, and follow up respectfully (not repeatedly). The goal is to become a trusted source, not just another email in their inbox.
Pro Tip: Social media is a great tool for this—connect on LinkedIn or their preferred social platform and engage with their content before making your pitch.
3. Media Training=Your Secret Weapon
When the media calls, you want to be ready. Whether it’s an interview or a press feature, knowing how to articulate your message clearly and confidently is key. Media training can teach you how to handle tough questions, deliver soundbites, and leave a lasting impression.
Pro Tip: Practice makes polished. Before any interview, rehearse your message until you could deliver it in your sleep.
4. Timing Is Everything
Want the media to listen? Be relevant. Align your pitches with trending stories, current events, or industry developments. This not only makes your story timely but also demonstrates that you’re tuned in to the bigger picture.
Pro Tip: Share seasonal insights, predictions, or year-in-review pieces to stay in sync with journalists’ calendars.
5. Be Authentic, Be Memorable
The media loves transparency and authenticity. Share your challenges and triumphs, your ‘why,’ and what makes you or your business stand out. It’s not about portraying perfection—it’s about being real.
Pro Tip: Use visuals. A strong image (whether it’s an infographic or a photo) can make your story more captivating and shareable.
6. Consistency is King
This might be the most underrated factor when it comes to media success. Show up consistently—whether it’s through thought-leadership articles, commentary on current events, or submitting pitches. Staying on the media’s radar is easier when you’re consistently putting yourself out there.
Pro Tip: Consider creating a media calendar for the year to schedule strategic outreach efforts aligned with relevant news cycles.
7. Visuals are Valuable
Couldn’t decide if this one should go first or last because it’s so important. As much as we want to read or hear a story, seeing is believing. Always has been, always will be, and images are now more important than ever because a good image makes your story even more shareable. Make sure you’ve got some visuals to offer the media, and that the media can easily access them at any time and see a suite of images along with your pitch.
Pro Tip: Make is visual. Show and tell your way to success. Data studies presented as infographics, product shots, photography and video assets as well as B roll are all much appreciated.
The media landscape is evolving faster than ever—staying ahead means adapting, being innovative, and leveraging your unique perspective. This is where I come in.
Want to take your media strategy to the next level?
Schedule a free consultation today, and together we’ll uncover the right steps to elevate your media presence and keep your name in the headlines where it belongs.
Contact us today and let’s make the media love you!
