10 Things To Fix Now If No One is Replying to your Pitches

“Help! My pitches are not getting opened!”

“I am getting no replies!”

“I am trying everything with no results!”

Does this sound familiar?

If your media pitches seem like they’re falling on deaf ears despite your best efforts, don’t worry, we’re here to help! It’s time to master the art of pitching to journalists. Check out these ten things to consider when your pitches aren’t getting the attention they deserve:

1.Your subject line sucks

Competition is fierce, so standing out is more important than ever. With 46% of journalists receiving over 50 pitches per week (some even getting up to 150!), it’s no surprise that many pitches end up in the trash.

Don’t let your hard work go unnoticed. To increase your chances of getting your pitch read, create captivating subject lines by following these tips:

• Write the subject line first: When crafting the perfect pitch, it’s easy to overlook the subject line and treat it as an afterthought. However, it’s often the first thing journalists see and can determine whether they even open your email. That’s why it’s important to give it the attention it deserves by writing it first.

• Keep it short and sweet: Aim for concise, impactful subject lines. Experts suggest keeping them under nine words, but Leadium's analysis indicates that four words or fewer perform the best.

• Be specific and relevant: Avoid vague, spammy, or clickbait subject lines that don’t deliver. Instead, be clear and specific to convey your message right away.
  

2. Your pitch is too long

Brevity is key when pitching, so avoid including unnecessary background or details that might prompt the journalist to hit delete quickly. Keep it concise and focused instead.

Craft a concise pitch, no more than 250 words, using bullet points for clarity and a clear call-to-action. This approach not only makes it easier for journalists to grasp your idea but also boosts your chances of securing coverage.

Download Media Pitch Examples Proven to Get Media Coverage

3. You don’t have one call to action

In your pitch, be sure to include one clear call to action. Asking just one question simplifies the purpose of your pitch and helps journalists understand how to respond. 

Do you want journalists to conduct an interview, write a review, or feature your product or service in their story? By being specific and making your intentions clear with what you’re trying to achieve with your pitch, you show that you respect their time and make it easier for them to take the desired action.

4. You included an attachment

Another reason your media pitches might feel like they’re vanishing into thin air is because you include attachments. While it might seem helpful, it can land your emails in spam folders, making it impossible for journalists to read them.

To improve your chances of being seen, ditch the attachment. Instead, consider sharing links directly in the email.

5. You pitched the wrong person 

Journalists or reporters have their own areas of expertise called “beats.” Sending your pitch to someone who doesn't cover your topic is a quick way to miss out on potential coverage, so take the time to research and identify the right journalist for your story.

Before crafting your media pitch, compile a list of relevant media contacts who may be interested in covering your story. For instance, if you have a new product related to health and wellness, reach out to journalists who cover that beat in publications. Reaching out to the right people increases your chances of success.

6. You didn’t personalize your email

Journalists can easily sniff out when they’ve received a copy-pasted, mass email. In fact, 22% of them reject pitches because of a lack of personalization, so be sure to include their or company names in your pitch.

Taking the time to customize every single pitch for each journalist can be tedious, but it shows that you’ve put in the effort to research and how much you value their work. This personal touch can make all the difference in getting your pitch noticed.

7. You sound arrogant

Being proud of your product or service is fantastic, but be careful not to let your confidence turn into arrogance when pitching. Journalists appreciate genuine, humble enthusiasm rather than an off-putting boastful attitude.

To really connect with your audience and make your pitch stand out, focus on mindshare. It’s about leaving a lasting impression and making them inspired, impressed, and intrigued. You can do this by highlighting the value your product or service brings without solely emphasizing on being the best.

8. Your story isn’t newsworthy

We know you love what you do, and that’s wonderful! But passion alone is often not enough to be newsworthy. You need to create news to get news (coverage).

A story becomes newsworthy when it has specific qualities that appeal to journalists and their audience. Here are some key factors that make a story newsworthy:

• Impact: Will my story significantly impact or influence my audience?

• Proximity: Is my story geographically relevant to my audience?

• Timeliness: Is my story current and timely?

• Prominence: Does my story involve well-known people or organizations that will interest my audience?

• Conflict: Does my story involve conflict or controversy that will capture interest?

• Human interest: Will my story evoke emotions and create a connection with the audience?

• Novelty: Is my story unusual or unique enough to stand out?
  

9. You aren’t pitching enough

If you’re not seeing the results you’re hoping for, it could be because you’re not pitching enough. Aim to reach out to at least ten contacts per week to up your chances of getting the coverage you’re after. 

When pitching, Tuesday is the busiest day, with 29.11% of pitches being sent out. Interestingly though, journalists are more likely to respond on Thursdays. Keep an eye on these patterns and plan your pitches accordingly.

10. You didn’t take the time to get to know the journalist

Sending your pitch means making a positive impression, so invest time getting to know the journalist beforehand. Ask yourself: Does the pitch align with their beat? Are they on vacation? Is this genuinely interesting to them?

Taking the time to understand the journalist ensures you’re connecting with the right person at the right time. Aim to build a relationship with them by being well-informed and pitching confidently.

Bonus: You didn’t follow their submission guidelines

Here’s a bonus tip: always follow journalists’ submission guidelines. Many of them use platforms like Substack, and it’s worth paying the annual fee for full access to their content. They often share their pitching preferences, which can help you understand how to submit a pitch successfully.

Keep in mind that some journalists don’t want follow-ups, while others do. You won’t know unless you take the time to get to know them and pay attention to how they want to be contacted.

Successful media pitching is all about building genuine connections with journalists. Make time to understand their needs and the types of stories they cover, and always respect their submission guidelines. Also, keep your pitch focused, newsworthy, and engaging.

Seeing your desired results take time, but persistence and a friendly approach can help you get your pitches noticed and secure the coverage you deserve.

Good luck and happy pitching!