There’s a wide variety of writers on the platform, and I’m interested in a little bit of everything, so this step was quick to complete. Whether you’re interested in politics or people-watching, computer science or world travel, you’re likely to find some writers you want to follow too. In a Medium feed, the content that’s surfaced comes not only from the accounts of the people and organizations you follow, but also from publications and tags. What’s more, when searching for content on Medium, people, publications, and topics all show up in the results. While these are both excellent platforms to showcase writing, they’re quite different. I use both platforms, but I spend more time on WordPress because of my goals as a creator.
An NBC 6 News television reporter interviews a Miami Beach police officer. I like keeping my blogging and social media accounts separate, but Erik Devaney recommends signing up for Medium using Facebook. But when you’re new to writing, it’s helpful to know exactly what people are responding to and why. To meet this need, Medium gives readers a chance to highlight and comment directly within the text of each article. This process is like the way professional editors engage with writers.
A media pitch is an email or phone call to a journalist in which you attempt to interest them in what your business has to offer and persuade them to write about it. You might be wondering, why bother pitching the media at all? The answer is yes; you can post your story on your own platform.
I’ve talked a lot about the importance of not just being better, but being different. That’s especially important when it comes to pitching because you absolutely need to stand out. Otherwise, journalists will just cite the already well-recognized experts instead of you. A journalist is more than capable of determining whether or not the story I’m pitching is right for their audience. I’m expecting these journalists are most likely to write this up either as a listicle, or image gallery, and, as such this is the information that’s most relevant to them. Of course, you’ll need to tailor your media pitch according to the particular findings of your data analysis.
Besides appearing at the bottom of the stories I respond to, I can also publish my responses to my profile page. It’s a way to show that you support and appreciate the content that someone has shared. Once I finished entering this information, I had a chance to create a custom design for the home page of my new publication.
Writing for the media requires a specific set of skills to effectively communicate your message to a wide audience. Whether you are crafting a press release, writing a news article, or composing a social media post, it is important to keep in mind the needs and expectations of the media outlets you are targeting.
PR firms have a list and send out the press release to the entire list. Each story is only really relevant to specific bloggers. So even if my blog targets families in Westchester County, I may be interested in diet and fitness trends vs. another Westchester blogger who primarily covers kids events. Some blogs include do-follow backlinks as part of the media coverage.
Understand Your Audience
When writing for the media, it is crucial to understand who your target audience is. Consider their demographics, interests, and preferences to tailor your message accordingly. By knowing your audience, you can create content that resonates with them and grabs their attention.
Craft a Compelling Headline
The headline is the first thing that readers will see, so make sure it is attention-grabbing and concise. Use strong keywords to pique interest and entice people to read further. A well-crafted headline can make or break your piece, so spend time perfecting it.
Keep It Concise and Clear
When writing for the media, remember that journalists and editors are often pressed for time. Keep your writing clear, concise, and to the point. Avoid jargon and unnecessary details that may confuse or overwhelm your audience. Get straight to the point and deliver your message effectively.
Include Quotes and Statistics
Adding quotes from experts or stakeholders can add credibility and depth to your piece. Additionally, including relevant statistics or data can help support your claims and strengthen your argument. Make sure to attribute sources properly and fact-check any information before including it in your writing.
Proofread and Edit
Before submitting your piece to the media, make sure to proofread and edit it thoroughly. Check for spelling and grammar errors, consistency in style and tone, and overall clarity of your message. A polished piece will reflect positively on you as a writer and increase the chances of it being picked up by media outlets.
