Everyone wants to be featured. On a podcast, in a big-name publication, mentioned by an influencer, on morning TV. Visibility is the goal of PR. That’s why you’re here.
But here’s a simple step too many people skip over: you cannot pitch media you don’t consume.
If you’ve never listened to the podcast, read the column, or watched the segment you’re trying to be part of, you’re not ready to pitch. Period.
Don’t Pitch What You Don’t Know
It happens often: clients name-drop a publication they want to be in, but they’ve never actually read it. People pitch themselves for a podcast without listening to a single episode (I’ve done it, with embarrassing results.). They say they’d be “perfect” for a morning show, without ever watching how it works or understanding the audience.
That’s not strategy, that’s guessing. And when pursuing media, guessing isn’t going to land you an interview.
Pitching a platform you’ve never engaged with is like showing up to a dinner party and not knowing whose house you’re at. You don’t know the tone, the expectations, or what matters to the host. It’s obvious. And it’s not a good look.
Media is a Relationship.
This isn’t about flattery, it’s about alignment and research. If you’re serious about showing up in the media, you need to understand the platform’s style, audience, and tone before you ever put yourself forward.
That means:
- Watch the TV show, and not just once. Learn the format.
- Listen to the podcast, more than one episode. Get a feel for the host and who they like to interview.
- Read the journalist’s work. Know the kind of stories they tell.
This is how you figure out if you’re a good fit. It’s also how you avoid wasting your time (and theirs).
Hot PR Tip: Know the Humans Behind the Platform
If you’re going to pitch someone in the media, know who you’re pitching. Know what they care about. Reference a piece they’ve published, a segment they produced, or an interview they led that stood out. Make it clear that you’re not just blasting a list, you’re reaching out with intention because you’re confident your story is a good fit.
This kind of detail signals professionalism. It sets you apart. It makes a real difference in how your pitch lands.
Before You’re the Feature, Be the Fan
Think of media like a production: you wouldn’t walk onto a set without knowing the script, the energy, or the audience. Same rule applies here.
Want to get featured? Consume the media. Do your research. Watch the show. Listen to the podcast. Study the platform. Buy the magazine. Learn the players. Then pitch.
It’s not complicated. It’s part of the process.
