PR Guy’s Post

If you've ever had to ask for a correction in an article, you know it can feel a bit like pulling teeth. But it doesn't have to be awkward, especially when it’s a small tweak in an otherwise great story. Steve Smith’s latest piece for PRWeek offers a valuable guide on how to make article correction requests without stepping on toes, based on insights from journalists themselves. Trust me, following these tips will help you avoid becoming that PR person! 🙅♀️

How do journalists feel about PR pros reaching out for corrections? What’s the best way to request one? What are some of the most common post-publication requests? Is there a point where it’s too late to request a correction?  Asking for a story change can be intimidating for many PR pros. Here’s a nine-step guide to making it easier, via Voxus PR’s Steve Smith.

Not sure I'd rather have a root canal than ask for an article correction, but it can certainly feel awkward. Especially if it's in an otherwise great story. Steve Smith breaks down a list of do's and don'ts for PRWeek after polling several journalists. It's all sage advice but two points I would emphasize: 1) make any asks super fast and 2) if there are multiple corrections, make the ask all at once and only focus on the important stuff. Nothing pisses off a busy journalist faster than a slow drip of one-off (or nit picky!) asks from PR people. Don't be that person! #PR #VoxusPR

As a pro-pitch PR practitioner, I can certainly relate to this. The length of the pitch should never take precedence over what is requisite - a well-written pitch that resonates.

Back in the day we used to speak to journalists on the phone. That taught me not to say ‘how are you?’, but to launch in with the news before they put the phone down. Good PRs know their journalists, read them regularly and will create a short, focussed list for your press release. In business-to-business tech PR this can be as few as 10 publications. But it’ll get a better response than a long, list of random writers. If you (and your client) don’t want rejection; focus your media list. https://lnkd.in/eCBZ53V3

🌟 “We are THRILLED to announce…” roared the corporate press release. But no one’s thrilled. Nobody cared. No one bats an eyelid 😴 🤔 I really doubt if such corporate excitement makes any sense to the very people it’s trying to win over: journalists. 😔 Poor journalists, imagine wading through such hyperbole day in, day out. Hyperbole, as I learned, refers to exaggerated statements or claims that aren’t meant to be taken literally. If a press release labels something as ‘delightful’ or ‘thrilling,’ it probably isn’t. PR professionals are in a tight spot, often tasked with crafting press releases without enough genuinely newsworthy content. It’s a frustration shared by journalists too, who increasingly struggle to find compelling stories to report. This gap is leaving everyone - PR teams and media - hungry for more genuine stories to file. Yet, buzzwords are surging like a storm. 🌩️ More press releases than ever describe products or services as 'thrilling,' 'cutting-edge,' 'authentic,' 'groundbreaking,' or 'revolutionary.' These five buzzwords top the list of overused terms, as revealed by a study analyzing data from all PRNewswire releases from 2017 to 2024 2024 data is from the first half of the year.

Conventional PR wisdom: "Don't pitch to the media on a Friday. It's the worst day to pitch." Us: *Pitches on a Friday. Secures coverage in USA Today within three hours." Yes, this is rare. It's even rarer to secure coverage in a top-tier publication that quickly. But it's also a good reminder that sometimes, it's OK to break the "rules" of media outreach. Every journalist works differently. As a former journalist who has spent time in newsrooms, I've worked with those who had neat, tidy workspaces and inboxes (though that wasn't the norm). I've also worked with journalists who were literally buried behind stacks of papers, clutter, and reporter's notebooks (more often the norm). That's why I take the conventional rules of media outreach with a grain of salt. If your story is timely, relevant, and unique, your chances of securing coverage increase—regardless of when you send your pitch. #ThisIsNOBLE #DigitalPR #PublicRelations #PR

We spoke with our PR Consultant Kyle Grizzell for his top tip when preparing a written comment. ✍️💬 When securing comment from academics for articles, some journalists may want to speak over the phone, while others prefer written comment by email. Providing comment by email offers the opportunity to put in words exactly what you want to share in your own time. “When it comes to written comment, make sure any information you provide is correct. Journalists may not be able to edit a piece after publication, especially if it's in print.” For more tips, tricks and resources, visit our website in the link below!👇 https://lnkd.in/dg-Z48E #PR #BusinessEducation #TopTip

Check out my top tip for if you're asked to provide written comment by a journalist! ✍ 💻

You can expect some pretty dark days while doing media relations. Despite your best efforts, there are going to be stories that fall flat. There are going to be days when you’re desperate to even get a “no” from a journalist. Sometimes it’s going to feel like you’re just talking to yourself while writing pitches that don’t get replies. That’s why every PR pro should create a Win folder on their computer. Place all of your favorite media coverage you’ve generated inside and scroll through it when you need to quiet the imposter syndrome that’s screaming at you. You know what you’re doing and you get great results. The next win is just around the corner. This too shall pass.