During our last PR challenge meeting, we refined a pitching angle for one of the Tin Shingle Media Members who has big goals and a long list of magazines they want to pitch. The easiest way to write a good pitch is to pick 1 magazine at a time, pick it apart for openings, and pitch it.
Through this process, we realized that the Tin Shingler had not one, but TWO pitching opportunities right now - in November - to hit. Working with our Time Zones approach, which is when we realize that even though it’s winter right now, magazines are working on spring, we were thinking two approaches:
Timely: What time of year is it that the editorial team is working on? This PR Challenge meeting was in mid-November, so we were thinking April. We looked at Tin Shingle’s Editorial Calendar Collection for magazine they were targeting - Shape. We reviewed Shape’s broad theme for May, and started chewing on a good story angle. We reviewed Shape’s broad theme for May, and started chewing on a good story angle. Keep in mind, this is not the same Time Zone that TV, Blogs, Weekly and Regional Magazines are working on. Pitching Mother's Day would be too early.
Gift Guide! "Great Scott!" Katie cried, during the PR Challenge call. "It's Mother's Day Gift Guide Pitching Season! You have 2 opportunities right now!"
What Are The Next Steps For This Business?
Now the Communications Director and the Business Owner of this business had two homework assignments:
Pitch Shape for the story angle we discussed, or that they have brainstormed.
Pitch other magazines for Mothers Day Gift Guide ideas!
Which brings us to this article for you: You've got homework too. Pitching those Mothers Day Gift Guides! If there are any still open.
You're not going to blanket pitch (aka sending 1 pitch to the same 20 outlets). No no no. You are going to specialize each of these Gift Guide Ideas for the right magazine.
Example: You wouldn’t pitch the same Gift Guide idea to Bust that you would to Shape (if either of those usually even has a Mothers Day Gift Guide).
How You're Going To Pitch Mother's Day:
Listen to the Tin Shingle TuneUp on it. Media Members get to stream it for free any time.
Listen to another Tin Shingle TuneUp about writing an amazing pitch.
Think of a really catchy Gift Guide theme. Yeah, that's right! Pitch the really cool idea of a theme you have!
Make that pitch really short. Quick intro, followed by bullet points about your product.
Pick 1 product. Not your entire line, or your entire company at large.
Don't leave it for the editor to dig through your website to find the perfect gift idea. Be on point. Deliver it to them.
Here are 15 Mothers Day Gift Guide Ideas for you to take and use!
Gift Ideas for the Over-Scheduled Mom
Gift Ideas for the New Mom
Gift Ideas for Soccer Moms
Gift Ideas for Dance Moms
Gift Ideas for Busy Moms Who Don't Make Dinner
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Still Make Dinner
Gift Ideas for Moms Obsessed With Slow Cookers
Gift Ideas for Gluten Free Families
Gift Ideas for Crafty Moms
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Returned To Work
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Returned To School
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Run Their Own Business
Gift Ideas for Moms in Mourning
Gift Ideas for Fitness Obsessed Moms
Gift Ideas for Moms Who Are BFFs Through Their Kids
Where To Get More Help and Ideas
Talk about what kind of media coverage you are trying to get with other Tin Shingle Members in our Community Forum. This is a private forum on our website, and is a supportive and safe space. Tin Shingle’s Media Membership was created for business owners, artists and makers who are getting the word out about their business.