Anyone pitched a story to writers via Twitter?
I'm working on a blog on PitchEngine ( http://mediapitch.ning.com ) about pitches sent via Twitter. Has anyone done this? If so, was it successful? Thanks for your input.
Good Answers (8)
Thanks Jud :-)
Yes, I've pitched via Twitter through DM and through my public feed, both successful. But with most things, it's completely dependent on the campaign and the person. Some rules to stick to:
-Don't pitch someone on Twitter that you don't already have a relationship with
-Don't sign up for Twitter or add people just so that you can pitch stories. You must have a presence and friend list established.
-Identify the Tweet as a pitch
-Short and sweet. One sentence, one link
-Invite a DM or email for more info
-Remember Twitter's purpose - don't pitch more than you Tweet
Hope this helps!
Marco K
Maker, Developer, Designer hacker dad of 2 girls. Owner of Incredicorp. Startup Services and consulting company.
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Sure you should do it- it's a great idea. Innovative, fun- I can only applaud the effort. I havn't used it- but it's actually great to use the limitation of twitter for this (140char max) You can really work on that elevator pitch!
keep me posted! (marco@incredicorp.com)
Marco
I'm with Bob LeDrew. I have pitched via private MySpace messages when that was the only way I could find a freelancer's contact info. But since SMS messaging is only 160 or so characters, you're really limited. Up until the word "limited," this message was 170 characters.
I love short and sweet pitches. Three sentences, some bullets on why the reporter should care and then the release because the client wants it.
Don't let social media and the emergence of PR 5.0 make you think you have to jump on the hot new thing.
Laura T
eBusiness Development Sr. Consultant
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Jason,
You might want to touch base with Stowe Boyd to see how his "twitpitch" experiment went: http://www.stoweboyd.com/message/2008/04/schedule.html.
I know I've seen Robert Scoble (robertscoble@hotmail.com) call for twitpitches, too, so maybe he can share some that were successful?
~Laura (aka @LPT)
Steve S
Your Friendly Neighborhood Inventor -- LinkedIn Q&A
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Jason,
You've got me thinking I need to look into Twitter.
Steve
Lara K
Associate Vice President and Social Media Lead at Fahlgren Mortine Public Relations
I think it's better to throw out a general pitch on Twitter than to DM someone you're trying to pitch unless you know them well and have an established relationship. Throwing out a general "hey, anyone interested in hearing about a new..." or "anyone know who might be interested in..." is fine and well within Twitter etiquette. You may get some responses and if the writer you're trying to reach is following you, then hopefully he or she will see it and respond. I'm always amazed by the kindness and generosity I've seen on Twitter anytime I've thrown out sincere questions or inquiries.
Shonali B
Accredited, award-winning communications consultant, one of PRWeek's 2007 "Top 40 Under 40" PR pros. Open for business.
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I'm just curious - did you "tweet" this as well? I'm very interested to see the responses you get!
I have become familiar with Twitter over the past months and find it very useful.... social media has become a necessary evil.
The key is to become less invasive by using short phrases to attract the attention of people you know... I agree that sending out tweets can cause issues if take into consideration the information you are tweeting.
More Answers (3)
Bob L
Director of Communications at Algonquin College
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I haven't, and I wouldn't recommend it.
James M. K
Registered Professional Architect at James Koenig Architecture LLC
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Jason,
Is a Twatter what I think it is?
Jamie
Jud B suggests this expert on this topic:
Melanie is a new media outreach specialist who has led our forays into Twitter pitching.
