Pitching to Journalists: Strategies That Get Your Story Published & Two LIVE Events you Won’t Want to Miss

This week’s roundup covers strategies that blend timeless and modern marketing, from getting featured in print to showing up authentically online. In the latest episode of The Social Media Takeaway, I sat down with Bobby Power, publisher of Go Wild Magazine, to talk about a powerful yet often overlooked marketing tool in 2025: Print media. As business owners and digital marketers, we often lean hard into social media, ads, and online funnels, but there’s still real power in getting your story into newspapers and magazines.

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Print vs. Digital: Why You Shouldn’t Choose One

The common myth? That print is dead. But Bobby is living proof that print and digital can thrive together. Print media offers a tactile, uninterrupted experience that online channels can’t always replicate. But when you combine it with smart digital strategy, think social media promotion, cross-platform storytelling, and well-placed ads, you get brand awareness on a whole new level.

Want to Get Featured? Here’s Where Most People Go Wrong

Bobby emphasized that the biggest mistake people make when trying to get featured in magazines or newspapers is a lack of clarity. Whether it’s an ad or a press release, too many people try to say too much at once.

“If your message isn’t clear, it won’t land.”

Here are a few key takeaways:

✅ Keep your ad focused – One message, one call to action. Don’t overwhelm the reader.

✅ Design matters – Your ad or press release should look polished and professional.

✅ Test your message – Share your draft with someone in your target audience, not just friends or family.

The Anatomy of a Great Press Pitch

Want your press release to actually get read (and published)? Bobby shared what editors look for:

• Local relevance: The story should matter to the audience.
• A personal touch: Write in third person, but make it human and relatable.
• Timing matters: Avoid the holiday PR rush. Think strategically about when your story will stand out.

“Don’t just send a press release and hope. Build relationships. Follow up.”

Social Media & Print: Better Together

One of my favorite takeaways from this episode is how social media can actually help get your story picked up by traditional media. Journalists often find stories through trending posts and hashtags—especially on Twitter (X), where many of them hang out.

Tips:

• Use timely hashtags (like awareness days) when posting about your business
• Tag journalists or media outlets when appropriate
• Repurpose press-worthy moments from social into your pitch

Final Golden Tip from Bobby

If there’s one thing Bobby wants you to do, it’s this:

Just ask. Call the editor. Reach out to the journalist. Introduce yourself and your story.

“It doesn’t have to be perfect. But it does have to be real.”

Until next time, keep showing up and telling your story.