PR Tip: Pitching bloggers and journalists who wear many hats

As I was reading Rachel's post over at Behind the Buzz, I was struck by another tip that I want to add to what Mark Hinkle and I have said on our blogs about How to pitch a blogger.

Many bloggers wear multiple hats. For example, I am a contributing editor to EContent Magazine, a contributing writer to The Pragmatic Marketer, and I occasionally write for other publications (MarketingProfs and RainToday for example). Obviously, I am a blogger here at WebInkNow, but I also have a blog about Apollo moon mission artifacts and I have written three books (most recent is The New Rules of Marketing & PR).

I know many bloggers like me who are journalists and bloggers. For example Ron Miller is a freelance technology writer since 1988. He has written for publications such as eWeek, Internetnews.com, InformationWeek Business Week SmallBiz, EMedia, Federal Computer Week, CMP Linux Pipeline, Linux Planet and PC Magazine Online.

Yeah, I know this is a long lead in to the tip. But here it is: When you pitch someone who wears multiple hats, it is a good idea to tell us why you are pitching and which publication you are pitching.

For me, it just doesn't work to just send a "you might be interested" pitch. I get hundreds of email pitches and press releases a week and I don't read any of the untargeted ones. Don't waste your time or mine.

However, I do read the ones that are specific.

To interest me, you need to say something like: "I've read your blog and based on what you write about in WebInkNow, this is something I thought you should know about. Here's why..."

So if you're pitching a blogger, make sure that you are very clear about that fact because all bloggers wears multiple hats.

Comments

[dawn]

Now THIS is a great, much needed tip! I've also got blogger, editor, freelancer hats and I never know who is coming at me or why. And yes, I do a lot of deleting.

[Kristen]

I have never had formal marketing training. I have been a stay at home mom for 14 years and just started blogging and social media managing 9 months ago. I find reading marketing blogs and picking up excellent tips like this are a much better way to learn. Thanks!

[Rachel Clarke]

I only get a few pitches, but it is far better if they define which blog they think the info would be useful for. Another great tip to add to the list.

[Lena West]

Absolutely! This is dead on.

I am a blogger and columnist and invariably someone fails to mention, which outlet they're seeking coverage in.

Also, and this is one of my points in an upcoming webinar I'm having on Tuesday, I'm a consultant.

Build a relationship with me. I'm not talking payola here - as in you get me gigs and I write about you - no way! That's not cool.

What I am saying is realize that I wear many hats and not just as a blogger and columnist. Develop the relationship. Networking is networking.