The subtle art of media outreach: Lessons from mistakes

I recently had the honor of being featured in a Forbes article that tackled a topic dear to my heart – media outreach and the lessons we've learned from our mistakes. The article, titled "17 Comms Pros Share Lessons Learned From Media Outreach Mistakes," is a treasure trove of insights from seasoned professionals in the communications field.

For those of you who are just starting out in PR or even veterans looking for a refresher, this article is a must-read. It uncovers real-world mistakes and provides actionable advice on how to avoid these common pitfalls.

My two cents on the matter

I was quoted as Contributor 8, where I talked about the dangers of 'Pitching Indiscriminately'. As communication professionals, it's crucial to remember that journalists are not just 'receivers' of our messages. They are individuals with their own interests, beats, and audiences. Blasting your story to every journalist you can find is not just ineffective; it can also be counterproductive. A pitch that is irrelevant to a journalist is a surefire way to land your email in the 'ignore' pile and tarnish future interactions.

Instead, take time to understand the journalists you're reaching out to. What topics do they cover? What is their target audience? Is your story relevant to them? These questions aren't mere niceties; they are essential steps to building a mutually beneficial relationship with the media.

A goldmine of advice

Beyond my contribution, the article features numerous other gems:

The Importance of In-Market Research: Before you launch a PR campaign, make sure you understand the nuances of your target market. Preparation Is Key: Never underestimate the power of preparation. Whether it's a big media interview or a small blog post, doing your homework can make all the difference.

Personalization Over Generalization: A generic pitch is like white noise. Tailoring your message to a journalist’s specific beat or recent articles can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed. Understanding Journalists: Remember, the media is not a monolith. Understanding the needs and pressures of journalists can go a long way in making your outreach successful. Why It Matters

In an era where information is abundant but attention is scarce, knowing how to effectively communicate your message is vital. The lessons shared in this article are not just tips; they are foundational principles that can shape your PR strategy for the better.

If you haven't read the article yet, you can check it out here. Trust me; it's worth the read!

Big Tech Trends for B2B Marketers to Leverage

B2B marketing is constantly changing with the introduction of new technologies. In 2023, staying updated with martech trends is crucial for businesses to stand out and engage with their audience. In my latest Forbes Communications Council Exper Panel there are some great suggestions leveraging emerging tech trends for effective marketing campaigns and achieving marketing goals.

You can read the Expert Panel I am on at Forbes.

Exploring the Impact of Generative AI on Marketing Creativity

With the rise of generative AI, the marketing industry is at a turning point, where AI has the potential to speed up creativity, provide new inspiration, and generate unique ideas. However, the industry must also be aware of the limitations and risks associated with using generative AI. My latest article on Forbes, "Is Marketing Creativity at Risk? Ask Generative AI," discusses the benefits and pitfalls of AI for marketers, offering insights into how to leverage AI tools effectively while mitigating risks.

Tips to improve your email list

A well-managed email list can convert at a multiple that greatly exceeds other mediums. That's why managing your list well and providing valuable content to list members is essential. The most recent expert panel from the Forbes Communications Council has 11 tips to improve your email list, and my advice on relevant content is at number 11.

You can read the article at Forbes here: 11 Tips To Improve Your Email List And Get The 'Right' People.

Writing effective communications plans for the holiday period

Approaching year-end many of us are focused on the upcoming holiday period for our audiences and communities. This period is a time when many like to rejoice and relax. Executing your communications plan is an essential part of the strategy to serve our customers and community.

I am pleased to have been selected to participate in another expert panel, this one discussing 13 tips to write an effective communications plan for holiday marketing. You can read this online at Forbes.

Smart ways to leverage user-generated content

User-generated content such as customer reviews, comments, and other feedback is an important resource that can positively impact your SEO and conversion rates.

Featuring and re-using this user-generated content across multiple channels can help your audiences solve their problems and bring more brand awareness.

I was selected to participate in an expert panel discussing 11 Smart Ways Marketers Can Leverage User-Generated Content. You can read this online at Forbes.

Communications strategies creators can use to market their brand

Marketers and creators use different strategies to reach our target audiences to market our brands. 

As a member of the Forbes Communications Council, I was invited to contribute to the most recent Forbes Communications Council Expert Panel on communications strategy. Along with fellow industry leaders, I discuss how important emotion in our storytelling can be to expand our audiences and increase brand awareness.

Some of my colleagues discuss behind-the-scenes stories, influencers, and brand ambassadors. It’s a good read, and the article is online here: 12 Communications Strategies Creators Can Use To Market Their Brand

Revolutionising how CMOs conduct campaigns

I am delighted to share my latest contribution to @Forbes Communications Council. In recent years, I’ve witnessed the uptake of AI and ML in almost all aspects of our everyday lives. However, marketing has thus far been slow to the uptake due to the supposed threat it poses to the creative process.

In my article, I explore how these technologies have the potential to transform the way we as communications professionals operate; they offer customers bespoke kinds of experiences across different channels, provide vital insights into business, and facilitate creativity. AI needs to be viewed as a peer to marketers, not a threat.

Read the full article here: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2022/09/21/ai-and-ml-have-the-potential-to-revolutionize-how-cmos-conduct-campaigns/?sh=17b3f25b1800

Reaching the underrepresented affinity groups in your community and audience

Almost all communities have different audiences and affinity groups, such as women, LGBTQ+, people of colour, and more. I have written about this before about using design to fix a structural issue impacting civil society. Forbes invited me to contribute to an expert panel on how marketing leaders can reach these affinity groups.

Forbes just published my contribution as part of this panel: 12 Methods Marketing Leaders Can Use To Reach Underrepresented Groups.

There is excellent content in this expert panel written by fellow industry leaders. If you want to ensure you can reach the underrepresented groups in your community, be sure to read this expert panel.

Creating Clear, Engaging And Relevant Copy For Your Target Audience

I was invited to contribute to an expert panel on how to create clear, engaging and relevant copy for an audience. It's vital to maintain this focus to produce content that speaks to your community. My contribution is part of this panel just published by Forbes: 16 Ways To Create Clear, Engaging And Relevant Copy For Your Target Audience