10 Steps to Make a Successful Pitch to Buffalo Business First
Buffalo Business First is a premier business news outlet in Western New York that closely follows the region’s economy and provides valuable insights to its readers. As a business owner or entrepreneur, getting featured on Buffalo Business First can significantly impact your credibility and visibility in the community, potentially leading to new opportunities and partnerships. However, pitching your story to the publication requires careful planning and execution. In this article, we’ll guide you through the ten steps you need to take to make a successful pitch to Buffalo Business First.
Step 1: Know Your Audience
Before reaching out to Buffalo Business First with your pitch, take the time to research the publication and understand its audience. Who are the readers of Buffalo Business First, what types of stories do they find interesting, and what are their pain points? Having a clear picture of your audience will help you tailor your story to their needs and increase your chances of getting noticed.
Step 2: Analyze the Publication’s Coverage
In addition to knowing your audience, it’s essential to understand what Buffalo Business First likes to cover. Analyze the publication’s past articles and see what types of stories they publish. Do they focus on specific industries or topics? What angles do they take on stories? By understanding what the publication likes to cover, you can frame your pitch in a way that aligns with their interests.
Step 3: Craft a Compelling Narrative
A strong pitch starts with a compelling narrative that tells a story and resonates with the publication’s readers. Think about what makes your business or idea unique and why it would be relevant to the Buffalo Business First audience. Use vivid language and examples to bring your story to life, and make sure the narrative aligns with the publication’s tone and style.
Step 4: Choose the Right Contact
Once you have your pitch ready, you need to find the right person to send it to. Look for the editor or reporter who covers your industry or topic and reach out to them directly. While sending a pitch to a general email address may work, targeting a specific contact increases your chances of getting noticed.
Step 5: Craft a Catchy Subject Line
Your subject line is the first thing the editor or reporter will see when they receive your pitch, so make sure it stands out. Use a catchy phrase or a question that sums up your story in a few words.
Step 6: Keep It Concise
Editors and reporters at Buffalo Business First are busy, and they receive many pitches every day. To increase your chances of getting noticed, keep your pitch concise and to the point. Stick to the most compelling aspects of your story and save the details for later.
Step 7: Use Visual Aids If Possible
Visual aids such as images, infographics, and videos can make your pitch more appealing and easier to understand. If your story lends itself to visual aids, include them in your pitch to make it stand out.
Step 8: Follow Up
After sending your pitch, follow up with the editor or reporter within a few days. Politely ask if they had the chance to review your pitch and if they need any additional information. Following up shows that you’re serious about your story and can help you build a relationship with the publication.
Step 9: Be Open to Feedback
Editors and reporters at Buffalo Business First may provide feedback on your pitch or ask you to revise it to better fit their publication. Be open to their feedback and be willing to make changes if necessary. Showing that you’re flexible and willing to work with the publication can increase your chances of getting featured.
Step 10: Don’t Give Up
Getting featured on Buffalo Business First may take time and effort, but don’t give up. Keep refining your pitch and reaching out to the publication until you get noticed. Remember that the editors and reporters at Buffalo Business First are always looking for great stories to tell, and you might be the next one on their list.
Conclusion
Pitching to Buffalo Business First can be a great opportunity for business owners and entrepreneurs looking to increase their visibility and credibility in Western New York. By following these ten steps, you can increase your chances of getting your story featured and building a relationship with the publication. Remember, it takes time and effort, but the rewards are worth it. Good luck!
