What are the best ways to follow up with a journalist after sending a pitch?

2 Wait for a reasonable time

Don't follow up too soon or too often. You don't want to come across as desperate or spammy. Give the journalist some time to review your pitch and respond. A good rule of thumb is to wait for at least a week before sending a follow-up email. If you don't hear back after two or three follow-ups, move on to another outlet or angle.

3 Be polite and respectful

When you follow up, be polite and respectful. Thank the journalist for their time and attention, and remind them of the value of your pitch. Don't be pushy or demanding. Don't assume that they owe you anything or that they are ignoring you on purpose. Journalists are busy and receive hundreds of pitches every day. They may not have time to reply to every one of them.

4 Provide new or relevant information

One way to make your follow-up more effective is to provide new or relevant information that adds to your pitch. For example, you can share a recent update, a customer testimonial, a case study, or a data point that supports your story. This will show that you are not just repeating yourself, but offering something fresh and useful.

5 Use different channels

Email is not the only way to follow up with a journalist. You can also use social media, phone calls, or events to connect with them. For example, you can tweet at them, comment on their posts, call them if you have their number, or meet them at a conference or a networking event. However, be careful not to overdo it or stalk them. Use these channels sparingly and appropriately.

6 Build a long-term relationship

The ultimate goal of following up is not just to get a single story, but to build a long-term relationship with the journalist. You want to be seen as a credible and reliable source of information and stories in your niche. To do that, you need to follow up consistently, provide value, respect their preferences, and show appreciation. Don't treat them as a one-time transaction, but as a potential partner.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?