Non-Obvious PR Pitfalls

We've already covered some common mistakes PR professionals and startup founders make when pitching their ideas.

However, there are moments where you might think you are doing well, but you are actually sending your pitch directly to the spam folder.

May I Offer You a Story Idea?

While journalists are on the lookout for great stories, and some really are waiting for you to share something outstanding, there are journalists who will delete such emails without reading them.

These are, for instance, tech contributors and journalists who cover specific topics within the industry. While you can pitch your story idea to a local city reporter, don't bother those who are covering hard tech, deep tech, and all kinds of tech. They are not interested in your ideas—they have their own perspectives on how they can write about your product.

So, just put in the subject line the specific info about what you are pitching. But, if you do have a story that is really funny, touching, or somehow outstanding, then just mention it in a short paragraph at the end of your pitch.

Pitching on Mondays and Fridays

We've already mentioned that you should not pitch on weekends, holidays, and vacations. But there is a new rule: leave Mondays and Fridays for journalists to go through their routine. Those days are filled with editorial staff meetings, sorting through emails, planning the week, etc.

Also, big companies love to announce something last minute, and considering the shortage of reporters now—your pitch will never be prioritized over companies like Apple or Microsoft. So, if you can, pitch on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

That’s all for now.

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