As a business owner or entrepreneur, getting featured in the media can be a game-changer. But what happens when you craft the perfect pitch, hit send, and… nothing? If a journalist or podcast host doesn’t respond to your pitch, don’t panic! Here’s what to do next to maximize your chances of landing the feature.
1. Give It Time Before Following Up
Journalists and podcast hosts receive hundreds of pitches daily. If you haven’t received a response right away, it doesn’t mean they’re not interested—it may just mean they’re busy. A good rule of thumb is to wait 7 days before following up.
2. Craft a Thoughtful Follow-Up Email
Your follow-up email shouldn’t just be a repeat of your original pitch. Instead:
- Keep it short and polite.
- Reference your original pitch. (“I wanted to follow up on my email from last week regarding [topic].”)
- Add value or a new angle. If something timely has happened that relates to your story, mention it!
- Make it easy to say yes. Provide a new hook that might spark their interest.
3. Engage With Them on Social Media
Sometimes, journalists and podcast hosts are more active on Twitter (X), LinkedIn, or Instagram than their inbox. Try engaging with their content by commenting, resharing, or adding insights related to their work. Building a relationship this way increases the chances of them noticing your pitch.
4. Double-Check Your Subject Line and Pitch Angle
If your email isn’t getting a response, it could be that your subject line isn’t compelling enough or your pitch doesn’t align with their interests. Ask yourself:
- Does my subject line clearly show the value of my pitch?
- Have I customized my pitch for this specific journalist or host?
- Is my story timely, unique, or relevant to their audience?
5. Pitch a Different Angle or Outlet
If you’re still not hearing back, consider reframing your pitch with a new angle or targeting a different media outlet. Not every story is the right fit for every journalist, so broadening your outreach can increase your chances of success.
6. Know When to Move On
If you’ve followed up and haven’t received a response, don’t take it personally. Journalists often have tight deadlines and shifting priorities. Instead of focusing on one pitch, continue building relationships and pitching new ideas to other outlets. Do not follow up 10 times. I like to follow up once, then set to repitch in a few months a new idea.
Final Thoughts
Landing media features takes persistence, strategy, and relationship-building. By following these steps, you’ll improve your chances of getting a response and positioning yourself as a go-to expert in your industry.
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