Avoiding These Pitching Peeves

I've posted several queries on HARO and I'm always very specific about the query - what or who I'm looking for, the deadline, what they should put in the subject line, keep it brief, etc. You can't imagine the emails I've received in response to my queries. Some of the emails, if printed, would be at least three pages. Some of them have nothing to do with my query in any way, shape or form. Frankly, these emails are a HUGE waste of my time. So, I've made a list of pitching tips for anyone planning to pitch anyone in the media (and yes, bloggers are considered "media people") about their products or services or in response to a query. 

1. Address the right person.

Not "To Whom It May Concern", even if you have to hunt around for this information. Nothing says "blind pitch" louder than opening with "Dear Blogger".  I recently received a pitch that said, "Dear Coaching & Resources For Mom Entrepreneurs". Nope, I'm not kidding -- they used my title tags as my title.  (Delete...)  

2. Keep it short.

Don't make the reader scroll down. At all. That means about two short paragraphs at most.  

3. Pitch ON topic.

Please, please, please don't pitch someone about something that has nothing to do with what they've asked for. These days, everyone's busy--don't waste their time.  

4. Familiarize yourself with the publication, blog, or show that you're pitching.

This will enable you to very clearly state why your product or service will benefit that reader or viewer.  

5. Get to the point.

Fast. HOW will your product or service will tie in with the story. How will it benefit the reader or viewer? What is the emotional draw of your product or service? Why should they run a story about you?  I hope these tips help you with your pitch.  If you want more tips, check out Get Famous It's got everything you need to pitch like a pro!