Brown Paper Tickets uses cookies to provide the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Cookie Policy and Privacy Policy

Cookie Settings

Five Ways to Build a Solid Media List

MediaLists

Establishing positive relationships with the press can be a daunting task. Fear not! In the digital age, connecting with quality journalists is much easier than you might think. A fundamental part of any media relations effort is maintaining a healthy media list. Follow our tips for building a great media list and start generating positive PR for your events.

1. Identify Target Media Outlets 
Create a wish list group of media outlets. Jot down all of the radio and television shows, newspapers, blogs, and magazines that you’d love see your event publicized on. Pay attention to the segments and publications that align with your event goals, themes and industry. If they are vested in the same cause, they’ll be more likely to want to learn more about your event as well as more eager to hear from you.

2. Find Key Writers and Editors 
Once you’ve compiled an ideal list of the media outlets, read and watch them, looking for the specific reporters who may have an interest in your story. Find and compile their names, email addresses and phone numbers. Look for individuals with a history of writing on topics related to the theme of your event, gatekeepers for stories related to your event, or people responsible for assigning stories at the media outlet. This step takes the most time, but is actually just as important as identifying the target media outlets.

3. Tailor your email pitch
Customize the emails you send to each journalist with respect to their individual interest and beat. A higher percentage of your media contacts will pay attention to it, write about it and welcome your next email. If you create a large press list, make sure that the angle of the press release matches the media outlet or interest of the reporter you are sending it to.

4. Capitalize on Social Media 
If you’re not in the financial position to purchase a media list of emails from vendors like Vocus or Cision, look to Social Media to start the conversation. Twitter has become an extremely powerful pitching tool today. Find journalists and bloggers that you’d like to follow and segment them into appropriately labeled lists. You can build lists specific to industry or media type for free!

Note: For tips on how to set up your tailored Twitter Lists,click here.

When you find a publication, journalist, or blogger online, take a look at their Pinterest pinboards to see what informs their media content. Track down each reporter’s social media presence and look for opportunites to involve yourself in the conversation.

5. Utilize free PR resources
PR services can be expensive. However, free resources such as HAROare available online for identifying journalists who are already writing stories related to the topic of your event. They may also be able to use you as someone to quote for a story they are already working on.

These are just the basics. For a step-by-step guide on how to put your media list together, read through our resource guide here. Even better, we also offer curated media lists for our event producers free of charge. To inquire about this service or if you’d like more information on media list building contact our Event Promotions team atPromo@BrownPaperTickets.com or call (800) 838-3006 (Option 5).

Spread the love! Share this article.
Tweet this article | Share on Facebook

Event Tips >