Community: How to get a Reporter to Call: Growing your Blog with Media Interviews

2. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Growing your blog with media interviews
• Evelyn Kanter
• www.ecoXplorer.com
• www.NYContheCheap.com
• www.EvelynKanter.com

3. How to Get a Reporter to Call

4. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Traditional or Legacy Media =
• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Radio
• TV

5. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Networking =
• Conferences like TBEX, BlogHer
• Restaurant and hotel openings
• Chamber of Commerce meetings

6. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Networking Tip =
• Seek out traditional reporters and broadcasters
and work your way up the food chain

7. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Use resources reporters use =
• HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
• A quote that has challenged or
inspired you and why
• Tips on finding the balance between
working at home and raising family

8. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Use resources reporters use =
• Media Kitty
• Mediabistro Revolving Door
• Tripitini

9. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Tip: fam vs. press trip =
• Fams are for travel agents, freeloaders
• Press trips are for working bloggers, writers,
photographers, videographers, podcasters

10. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Erin Bender, travelwithbender.com
• Notify your local print & broadcast media, ask if
they are open to contributions
• Hashtag up a storm
• Watch the PVs roll in and get more work

11. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Diana Lambdin Meyer, mojotraveler.com
• Write articles for local tourist board
• Be sure your bio and blog link appear on posts
• Watch the PVs roll in, and get more work

12. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Linda DuVal, pikespeakonthecheap.com
• Contact local radio station
• Do weekly what’s new, what’s on sale feature
• Watch the PVs roll in, and get more work

13. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Sara Broers, walkingtours.com
• Start a local weekly or monthly breakfast club
• Invite local bloggers and business owners
• Contact local radio station, newspaper
• Watch the PVs roll in and get more work

14. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Tip from AP Travel Editor Beth Harpaz:
• Don’t make it difficult for important influencers
• Be sure there’s contact info on your blog, reviews
on Yelp or TripAdvisor, so a journalist can find
you.

15. How to Get a Reporter to Call
• Extend your horizons =
• Airline in-flight magazines
• Local and regional publications + broadcasters
• Industry publications
• Valerie Rogers, Oregon wine expert

16. How to Get a Reporter to Call
When to contact a reporter:
• Find out their deadline and avoid it
• Take advantage of weekends, holidays
• Know how far in advance articles or interviews
are planned

17. How to Get a Reporter to Call
How to contact a reporter:
• Snail mail
• Email
• Text
• Social media

18. How to Get a Reporter to Call
What to do when you get the call:
• YES! What time and where?
• Get there early
• Stand up
• Smile
• Be brief

19. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Tip:
• Cut the time of a broadcast interview in half and
plan accordingly
• Don’t waste time with
unnecessary thank yous

20. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Tip:
• It’s not about the questions, it’s about the
answers
• Prepare for what you
want to be asked and what
you want to avoid

21. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Tip:
• Know what you want to say and say it
• Prepare three must-say
points and focus on them
• Think about what the
audience wants to know

22. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Tip:
• Sorry, I tuned in late.
• What’s your name?
• What’s the name of your
blog, podcast, e-book or
mobile app?

23. How to Get a Reporter to Call
What to wear:
• Keep it simple
• Bright, solid colors
• No bouncy earrings
• Jacket to hide microphone
• Hair away from face

24. How to Get a Reporter to Call
What men should wear:
• Keep it simple
• Flesh-toned or pastel shirts
• Simple tie patterns
• Long-sleeved shirts to
hide tattoos
• No bouncy earrings

25. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Which camera to look into:
• Forget the camera.
• Look at the interviewer.
• Relax and enjoy yourself
• See the PVs roll in, get
called back, get more work

26. How to Get a Reporter to Call
Growing your blog with media interviews
• Evelyn Kanter
• evelyn@EvelynKanter.com
• evelyn@ecoXplorer.com
• evelyn@NYContheCheap.com