Britt Klontz & Jackie Lambert

Shows

We Earn MediaDan Berthiaume of Chain Store Age Breaks Down How to Pitch Exclusive Q&AsIn this episode of Digital PR Explained, Dan Berthiaume, Senior Editor of Chain Store Age, breaks down how to pitch exclusive Q&A interviews that stand out. Learn what editors are looking for, common mistakes to avoid, and actionable tips to refine your strategy. 2025-01-2118 min

We Earn MediaHow Cassandra Brooklyn Picks Products to Feature in Top PublicationsBig news! We Earn Media is wrapping up, but the journey doesn’t end here. Join Britt Klontz on Digital PR Explained for more PR insights and strategies. Follow the new podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to keep learning and growing with us. Thank you for your support over the years—we can’t wait to see you on the new feed!2025-01-1422 min

We Earn Media79: Pitch a Holiday Shopping Roundup with Heather Taylor (GoBankingRates)Today’s guest writes for a major finance publication that we see all over Qwoted and HARO, and is heavily syndicated and featured on Apple/Google News, Yahoo, MSN, AOL, and more. Today we’ll learn the kinds of stories a high-volume online publication writes and what exactly they need from publicists to complete their stories. We’ll start with analyzing a pitch for a seasonal shopping roundup then dive into media queries. You’ll walk away with sharpened knowledge of digital media strategy and utilize it to come out ahead and earn those syndicated features for your client. In...2024-05-2142 min

We Earn Media78: Pitch a Captivating Story for a Local Audience with Checkey Beckford (NBC 4 NY)Most journalists we talk to tell us they get way too many pitches. When we were told by today’s guest that she’s experiencing the opposite problem, we knew we had to investigate! Today we learn all about local news and how to identify and tell a story that captivates a local audience. Hear about 2 real stories by a local NYC non-profit (and on the flipside a mention of the all-too-many “missed opportunities”) and walk away with inspiration for how to identify a story and sharpen your own storytelling skills. In this episode, you'll learn from a local...2024-05-1449 min

We Earn Media77: Make Your Expert “Front and Center” with Brittany Sykes (Publicist)Do you ever come across an article that features an expert and only that expert throughout the whole piece? With curious envy, do you wonder how that story came to be? Well, today we’ll find out! We talk shop with a fellow publicist and industry friend who owns her own boutique PR firm. We’ll break down a story that features her client front and center and learn how that story came to be. From it, you’ll leave inspired to ideate stories that are interesting and culturally-relevant, allowing your client or brand’s expertise to fully shine! In...2024-05-0749 min

We Earn Media76: Pitch an Alcohol Brand with Amanda Schuster and Kara NewmanToday we have a special episode. Instead of one guest, we have two! Catch a glimpse of two industry friends being candid on what it’s like to work in food and wine media. You’ll learn about what works and doesn’t work when promoting a food/beverage brand. Gain insider knowledge to take your food and beverage PR strategy from OK to great, in this latest episode. In this episode, you'll learn… Important editorial concepts (like short-lead and long-lead!) and PR tactics (like events) used by food/drink professionals Common mistakes food/dri...2024-04-3049 min

We Earn Media75: Pitch A Contributed Article with Luz Corona (ADWEEK)Ever wonder how some experts get to share their expertise through contributed articles in big, industry outlets? In this episode, we chat with a community editor whose job is to vet these kinds of pitches. Tune in to this episode if you want to understand the ins and outs of pitching contributed content on behalf of your expert. In this episode, you'll learn… How a real contributed article came to be from pitch to publish How to ideate a contributed article that editors want What elements are needed in a contributed ar...2024-04-2349 min

We Earn Media74: Media Training 101 with Joni SweetToday’s episode is all about media training. Our guest is a freelance writer (a repeat guest!) who has interviewed all sorts of experts and has a LOT of great insight into how we can all do better during this important part of the media relations process. Listen to this episode and walk away with new-found confidence and actionable tips needed to turn your good media training skills into great ones. In this episode, you'll learn… Actionable tips to turn any expert into a great interviewer Common mistakes made by experts (& publicists!) during inte...2024-04-1636 min

We Earn Media73: How Publicists Can Become Indispensable with Tamara SykesAlthough the media industry is constantly in flux, we have seen some significant changes over the past year that don’t inspire confidence in the current stability of things. In light of news regarding layoffs across all industries, how can publicists become indefensible and solidify their spot at the table? Our guest today, a fellow publicist and digital PR expert, tells us how publicists have lasting, positive effects on companies well beyond media placements, and makes the case for highlighting these wins more than ever before. In this episode, you'll learn… Why cross-collaboration is crucial for...2024-04-0942 min

We Earn Media72: What Publicists Can Learn From SEO's with Vince NeroToday we have a guest who considers himself more of an SEO than PR. But, with the convergence of digital comes the reality that PR influences SEO and sometimes vice versa. With that in mind, we have a conversation all around clever ways to prospect and grow your media lists as well as answering the challenge of how to do this at-scale. In this episode, you'll learn… How an SEO-focused professional approaches prospecting and emailing contacts SEO tools and tactics you can leverage for PR How to appropriately scale your list-building an...2024-04-021h 00

We Earn Media71: Build a Moat Using Content-Led PR with Hannah SmithWe have a repeat guest joining us today. We’ll talk about something that’s been on her mind, which is the growth of asset-less PR in lieu of hero/content-led campaigns. We’ll discuss potential reasons why this may be, and what the potential opportunity cost is of forgoing the use of content in your PR strategy. Plus, she makes a pretty strong argument for “building a moat” and how to go about doing this to set your client or company apart from the competition. In this episode, you'll learn… Why many companies should not solely r...2024-03-2638 min

We Earn Media70: Explore Your Mental Health with Dr. Anne WelshIn this special episode, we explore mental health with executive coach and psychologist, Dr. Anne Welsh. We’ll cover perfectionism, imposter syndrome, and anxiety, along with actionable tips you can take to take control of your mental health through healthy coping mechanisms. From this, you’ll walk away with your very own “mental health” toolbox you can access at times you may need it most. In this episode, you'll learn from a psychologist & executive coach… How to identify perfectionism and how it may lead to anxiety and burnout Why prioritizing self-care matters for all levels...2024-03-1941 min

We Earn Media69: Pitch a Timely AI Story with Ian Krietzberg (The Street)In this episode, we analyze a real pitch sent under embargo by the CTO of a tech company to a tech reporter at a leading business publication. We’ll learn how and why this pitch worked, and gain some takeaways of how you too might secure a dream, spotlight coverage like this for your own client or employer. In this episode, you'll learn all about pitching a reporter for The Street… Why timing is everything with pitching stories How a tech reporter views and utilizes embargos Why efficiency and responsiveness is cruc...2024-03-1235 min

We Earn Media68: Write a Long Pitch with Daniela Molina (InvestigateTV)Today’s episode we connect with a TV producer who has worked with both Britt and Jaclyn. Catch a glimpse into both of our worlds and come out inspired to build your own, rewarding relationship with an awesome producer doing important work. Along the way, you’ll learn that some prescriptive advice (like brevity and digital-only) might not always apply, depending on who you’re reaching out to. In this episode, you'll learn all about pitching an investigative producer… Details to help foster a working relationship the right way Tips for having enough and the...2024-03-0553 min

We Earn MediaSpring 2024 Season TeaserThis season we will also be sharing the video recordings - yay! We figured we would test out the new video platform we're using and give a little teaser into the 2024 season. Keep an eye on your feeds for new episodes dropping in March. TTFN!2024-01-2605 min

We Earn Media67: Make People’s Lives Better with Diana Kelly LeveyToday’s episode stems from a freelance journalist’s heartfelt confession of how she deals with nerves before conducting interviews. As publicists, we too deal with these nerves, but to hear it from the other side? Refreshing. We speak with our guest regarding her experience of working with sources and come out understanding just how much care goes into a freelance journalist’s work. We’ll cover how shopping roundups are put together and how older pitches and smaller, “hometown experts” (think: local podiatrist) fit into this world. With it, come out on top with new ways to provide value to tho...2023-08-2132 min

We Earn Media66: Answer a #Journorequest with Taneia Surles, MPH (Freelance Health Reporter)Our guest today, a freelance health reporter, doesn't use PR pitches to write her stories. And, despite this, she still works with publicists! So how does it all work? This episode is all about the art of answering media queries. If you remember Casey's episodes, we've already talked about HARO extensively on the podcast. This week, however, we're jumping off from the #journorequest hashtag and talking about Qwoted. We're also covering lots of interesting details in between. Get an insider's look at how these different services fit in and complement one another, and walk away from this episode empowered...2023-08-0735 min

We Earn Media65: Land a Long Feature in WSJ with Kelsey OgletreeThis is the story of a piece that almost wasn’t meant to be. And, if you’re into interior design, you’ll especially want to give this episode a listen. Our guest shares how a trending topic, unlikely pitch, and serendipitous encounter with a stranger all culminated into a nice, long feature with beautiful imagery for the Wall Street Journal. Gain insider tips for pitching a national lifestyle freelance writer, and so much more. In this episode, you’ll learn… –How a big feature (with original imagery!) is put together for a top tier outlet 2023-07-2436 min

We Earn Media64: Leverage TikTok Trends with Frances Solá-Santiago (Refinery 29)In this episode, dive into a story of a digital fashion journalist who moved forward with a piece, despite pushback from the subjects’ corporate communications department. From it, you’ll learn how smaller brands can step up to the plate and provide value to a digital journalist in the age of TikTok, competing with corporations for coverage in a top fashion outlet. In this episode, you'll learn… How the economy, pop culture, and social media all play roles in online fashion reporting Why data may be just as powerful as a product sample for som...2023-07-1032 min

We Earn Media63: Pitch a Trade Publication with Greg Sleter (Store Brands/Ensemble IQ)Our guest today is a media veteran with over 30 years of experience. He’s been on both the PR and journalism side of things and lately has been the executive editor at a trade publication. We end up talking quite a bit of shop with him. Hear us chat about the past, present, and future of media, and so much more, on today’s episode. In this episode, you'll learn about pitching a trade publication… What the benefits are of sitting in on interviews How far in advance you should pitch a story How editorial calendars and news wires can be use...2023-06-2642 min

We Earn Media62: Master Nuance with Olivia Morley (Adweek)Today’s episode features a guest who covers media agencies for Adweek and is very open about how to pitch her and others at her publication. We go over the bigger picture of what to do and not do when pitching her and her colleagues, as well as where she maintains all this information for publicists to review at any time. Walk away from this episode with more tools in your toolkit of how to better collaborate, including new ones we hadn’t heard of ourselves In this episode, you'll learn… What the nuances of an Adw...2023-06-1228 min

We Earn Media61: Pitch an Education Reporter with Cole Douglas ClaybournToday we have an awesome education journalist who focuses on consumer advice. Unfortunately, even some of the most well-meaning publicists get his name and his beat wrong all of the time. We find that even with some of the most seasoned professionals, these mistakes are surprisingly easy to make in a fast-paced, efficient environment. Listen on to find out how some things that may seem obvious still fall through the cracks. In this episode, you'll learn how to… Triple-check your media lists and pitches Understand the nuances of a journalist’s beat Avo...2023-05-1553 min

We Earn Media60: Send a Product Pitch with Joni SweetIn today’s episode, we analyze a product pitch that inspired a freelance journalist to write a gift guide for Forbes. We’ll learn the etiquette around offering a product to a journalist to test out, the fact that coverage is not always guaranteed, and the balance of being polite, direct, and professional. Walk away empowered with the skills to pitch a product and potentially earn a spot in a future gift guide. In this episode, you'll learn… When aggressiveness can work against you in product PR How gift guides and product reviews are written for top-ti...2023-05-0234 min

We Earn Media59: Pivot Your Story Angle with Cloey CallahanIn today’s episode, we analyze a story that experienced a complete pivot from the original pitch and follow-up. Get a glimpse into how this happened, and why having that rapport built already led to an active brainstorming and changing of the story altogether— talk about PR-journalist collaboration heaven! From it, walk away encouraged to do the same, should your original story idea need a fresh angle for that journalist to say yes to you. In this episode, you'll learn to leverage authenticity and flexibility in all aspects of your outreach… Communicating with a journalist 2023-04-1835 min

We Earn Media58: Pitch a Travel Story with Katie LockhartOur guest today is active on Twitter and Substack, freely sharing the best tips for journalists in the travel space. In fact, we first heard about our guest through a Tweet she authored that went viral, which sparked conversation amongst journalists on what the best professional traits of go-to publicists are. We talk all about the best responses and what it’s like to pitch and write for the travel industry. In this episode, you'll learn… Professional traits all publicists should possess Do’s and don’ts of pitching press trips What to...2023-03-2731 min

We Earn Media57: Pitch Your Startup with Samantha StokesToday’s episode is all about pitching startup and VC news to a reporter at Insider. Interestingly, the story we explore does not come from one single pitch, but many pitches, spanning the course of many months. Aside from exploring the extensive email organization skills that our guest possesses, we learn the ins and outs of having your pitch stand out and increasing your chances of coverage for your startup, VC funding round, and/or founder (think: transparency and timeliness). In this episode, you'll learn… The important roles of intro calls, press pages, and pitch decks What’s actually considered timely...2023-03-0852 min

We Earn Media56: Pitch an Exclusive Article Series with Liz Shannon MillerToday’s episode explores an exclusive series pitched by a publicist and written by our guest. This obviously piqued our interest, and we're certain it'll pique yours as well. In this episode, we further explore entertainment journalism and PR, and walk away with an expanded view of just how vast, expansive, and interesting the PR industry is as a whole. In this episode, you’ll learn... -When and how pitching an exclusive series works -What the ins and outs are of entertainment PR -Why every little detail in your communication matters 2023-02-2251 min

We Earn Media55: Ideate Shareable Campaigns with Iona TownsleyToday’s episode is all about the creative process! Our guest today has worked in an array of industries for some of the UK’s top agencies and has developed a set of skills and processes to ideate and produce digital PR campaigns that have consistently caught the attention of top-tier media outlets across the web. In this episode, you'll learn how to… Write effective, creative briefs Ideate fun, shareable campaign ideas Validate winning campaigns Our guest is: Iona Townsley, a digital PR professional, specializing in creative campaign ideation. She works with brands on end-to-end PR strategies. She’s worked in a var...2023-02-0837 min

We Earn Media54: Write Better Subject Lines With Surena ChandeToday's episode is all about the art of subject line writing! Our guest has seen great, good, and downright awful subject lines. In fact, she's deleted emails based off the subject-- every PR's worst nightmare! But do not fret, she's not only written about her experience but shared her tips on the BuzzStream blog. Does personalization matter? Is it worth highlighting a statistic from a study? All these questions are answered and more. In this episode, you'll learn all about improving your subject lines: Principles to help them stand out Steps to structuring them successfully Tips fo...2023-01-2438 min

We Earn Media53: Refine Your Best Practices with Elizabeth O'BrienDo you ever email the same contact monthly or even weekly and wonder if it’s ever just, too much? Have you ever wondered if it’s ok to ask for interview questions in advance? Has a “Dear PR people” tweet from a journalist ever made you wince? If you’ve answered yes to any of those questions, then this is the episode for you! We’re going “old school cool” with our roots and analyzing a winning pitch to start. With some new tips we hadn’t heard, you’ll want to tune in and add to your own, personalized ‘b...2023-01-1037 min

We Earn Media52: Negotiate a Higher Pay Rate with Jen BersonWhether you’re a freelancer, agency owner, or employee, there will come a time in your career when you may need to make the case for another party to pay you more money. Especially in today’s economic climate, the question begs: “How do I know if it’s appropriate to re-negotiate my pay and how do I go about it in a strategic way?” Frankly, this is not your typical, “know your worth” discussion. Rather, our guest today, whose passion is helping professionals earn more by building sustainably run businesses, will share the nuances and considerations that go into negotiati...2022-12-0649 min

We Earn Media51: Learn the Psychology of Persuasion with Domenica D'OttavioWe all know that relationship-building outside of the inbox is important. In theory, we should be interacting with our contacts via social on a regular basis. For some, this is the best part of the job. For others, the worst part. Our guest today is a follow publicist whose passion is building rapport outside of the inbox. She shares real psychological theories that demonstrate why being intentional with your online presence and putting in the work to be seen by journalists, might be the tie-breaker that earns you the only ‘yes’ a journalist sends out that day. In thi...2022-11-2246 min

We Earn Media50: Dial in Your Story Assets with Dr. Carolyn FortunaWhether you have charts or commentary to complement the story you're pitching, our guest today has insights on how to bring your story asset game to the next level. We start with a data report with embeddable charts that Britt pitched our guest. These charts are what caught their eye and incentivized them to write the story. (Go Britt, for a successful pitch!) A special note regarding this episode: we recorded this during Hurricane Ian (11/28/2022) in Florida, where both Jackie and our guest reside. So, keep in mind there are some minor technical difficulties. We persisted, Jackie and our...2022-10-2539 min

We Earn Media49: Benchmark Campaign Performance with Hannah SmithWhat do 2,000 digital PR pieces created by 11 agencies and in-house teams tell us about campaign success? Our guest shares her findings of this exact analysis with us. From this, you'll walk away with a greater understanding of what performance looks like across the board, and how your own work might fit into this landscape. In this episode you'll learn: What placement numbers look like from thousands of campaigns How to set up realistic expectations with stakeholders Which factors impact campaign performance Our guest is... Hannah Smith, Director of Worderist-- a company that offers co...2022-10-1152 min

We Earn Media48: Refine Your HARO Skills with Casey BondWe have a friend of the show, Casey Bond, back for more HARO and general press query tips. You may remember Casey from our “To Catch a Fake Financial Expert,” episode, where she uncovers a fake expert on HARO. Well, despite her large exposé, spammers have not learned their lessons. In fact, Casey shares the growing number of transgressions she’s spotting in her inbox these days. Even if your HARO game is on-point, you’ll still want to brush up on these latest tips to avoid future blunders. In this episode, you’ll learn how to… Stick ou...2022-09-2729 min

We Earn Media47: Represent a High-Profile Expert with Nicole MoranoRemember our newsletter episode with Neal Freyman of Morning Brew? Well, we have the publicist he gives a shoutout to as our guest for today's episode! Not only does she represent Malcolm Gladwell, but she specializes as a publicist of authors, academics, and thought leaders with “big ideas” and thoughts to share with the world. Sometimes these clients are well-known. Sometimes they are not. How do her strategies and challenges differ depending on the level of “fame” of whom she is representing? Tune in to find out! In this episode, you'll learn... What challenges arise from represen...2022-09-131h 02

We Earn Media46: Make a Pitch Stand Out Amongst the Vast Creator Economy with Amanda SilberlingWe analyze a pitch for a social app that received a humble amount of funding, but captivated our guest to cover the story for TechCrunch. From it, you’ll learn about how authenticity can shine through in your brand. Amanda offers her unique perspective as a full-time contractor for TechCrunch with experience as a freelance journalist. You’ll receive tips on pitch etiquette, emails, and a reminder that who you reach out to is just as important as what you’re pitching. We also have a special bonus resource of Amanda’s Google Doc, so check it out here: What I C...2022-03-0849 min

We Earn Media45: Craft Newsworthy Content with Amanda MilliganIn this episode, we chat with Amanda Milligan about creating newsworthy content. Several of our previous guests have stressed the importance of following the news. Today, we’ll discuss how we can use it to create relevant content for your audience that earns future links. Not only will you get some tips from our guest, but you’ll also hear from Britt and Jackie on resources that have given them ideas for content. You’ll walk away with solid insights on helping your brand build authority and generate press. In this episode you’ll learn… How to con...2022-03-0139 min

We Earn Media44: Make a Story "Vogue-Ready" with Mekita RivasIn this episode, we analyze a Vogue piece that stemmed from a different story idea entirely. From it, we learn how to nail down strategic pitching and story ideation, how to pivot when a reporter calls for it, and all the details that go into getting your client “Vogue-ready.” And, after our conversation today, you’ll walk away with newfound confidence, knowing how to stick out, not just in an accomplished freelance reporter’s email inbox, but also on their social feed! In this episode you’ll learn… What makes a piece “Vogue-ready” (or ‘Bustle-ready;’ ‘NY Times-ready; etc...2022-02-2245 min

We Earn Media43: Pitch a Finance Publication with Catey HillToday we have a personal finance and commerce editor on the show. We’ll analyze a data-driven story that stemmed from a PR pitch, however, the story that was pitched was different from the story that came out! From it, we’ll hear the tale of a time when a publicist was able to pivot effectively and give the editor what they needed. We also go into tips for pitching CEO interviews! In this episode you’ll learn… What kinds of stories a commerce editor for a top tier publication covers How to stick out in a...2022-02-1525 min

We Earn Media42: Pitch a Local News Segment with Ken MolestinaIn this episode, we speak with seasoned TV reporter, Ken Molestina, who has reported from news stations all across the country. We focus on his real estate segment, but quickly dive deeper beyond the basic tips and get a good look at the current state of the local newsroom, despite the ever-evolving media landscape he’s actively navigating. You’ll also catch a glimpse of what a real working relationship looks like between Ken and Jackie, including some real segments where Jackie had to be particularly scrappy in order to land those placements. In this Episode You’ll Lea...2022-02-0838 min

We Earn Media41: Pitch a Startup Founder with Natasha MasarenhasIn this episode, we chat with TechCrunch reporter, Natasha Mascarenha, about a pitch that led to a phone call, which inspired a 4-part series on a well-known edtech company, Duolingo! What stood out about the founder that led to such an in-depth look at the company? We’ll dive into how this series developed, leaving you with tips on how to pitch your founder and best prepare them for interviews. Despite the reality of most startups not holding household names like Duolingo, our guest will guide you through making your client stand out by communicating with transparency and authenticity....2022-02-0137 min

We Earn Media40: Analyze Real Pitches with Mia Taylor, Part 2**In this special 2 part episode, we have a WEM first. Our guest (with the permission of the publicists!) shared some real pitches with us. Check out a full transcription of the pitch at the bottom of the notes!** In part 2, we analyze another pitch that led to a Q&A article about women’s personal finances. And while this second pitch looks very different from the first, similar themes are re-explored through a different lens, proving that there truly is no one-size-fits-all approach to media pitching. Finally, Mia discusses the evolution of PR assets and story pitching th...2022-01-2528 min

We Earn Media39: Analyze Real Pitches with Mia Taylor, Part 1**In this special 2 part episode, we have a WEM first. Our guest (with the permission of the publicists!) shared some real pitches with us. Check out our show notes for a full transcription of the pitches!** Larger, lifestyle publications like Real Simple and Better Homes & Gardens plan their stories months in advance, so how can following the latest news help you craft a better pitch to these publications? In part 1, we’ll analyze a pitch from a publicist who earned coverage by doing just that. Our guest, Mia Taylor (Real Simple), will expand on why this pitch wa...2022-01-1826 min

We Earn Media38: Pitch a Daily Newsletter with Neal FreymanDaily newsletters are hot right now, and brands want in. But, it’s not that simple! In this episode, we speak with the editor of one of the most popular daily newsletters at the moment– Morning Brew. Our guest discusses the power of the newsletter and gives a behind-the-scenes look at how a daily newsletter is produced. With limited space, exceptional curation, and a fast-paced, round-the-clock news cycle, our guest works with repeat-publicists in ways that are unique to the art of newsletter publishing. In this episode you’ll learn… How stories are chosen for a daily ne...2022-01-1143 min

We Earn Media37: Sorry to the PR's Who Haven't Heard Back from Rachel MossHealth reporters, especially in the time of COVID, need to make sure they get it right. This goes into the stories they choose to tell, how they frame it, and whom they enlist to help tell the story. With the standards so high, this is likely to scare some publicists away. Never fear, listeners, because our guest today breaks down a story that stemmed from a health product pitch (pre-launch!) from a startup founder. From it, you’ll walk away confidently able to pitch your own health stories, should the need arrive in your career. In this ep...2021-04-2739 min

We Earn Media36: Pick Up The Phone With James CrummelLocal news tips are coming your way from our guest, a local news anchor and segment host. He give us an insider look on how a local news station operates. From it, you’ll come out ahead with a more informed approach of how to reach out to a local news station— even when it’s not clear who you need to send your pitch to! In this episode you’ll learn… How a local newsroom operates and produces segments What’s necessary (& not) to include in a segment pitch Why you shouldn’t always hesitat...2021-04-2045 min

We Earn Media35: Celebrate #BlackGirlMagic with L'Oreal Thompson PaytonOur guest is freelance journalist and editor whose mission is to help and inspire Black women and girls. Her work is intersectional, focusing on mental health, wellness, lifestyle, career and more. We dive deep into some in-depth reporting that demonstrates all the ways in which a publicist may have a positive impact on real lives, regardless of the company they represent. We’ll even get a close look at how a publicist took time to get to know our guest’s personal interests, which has not only resulted in some great stories, but also a lasting journalist-publicist relationship. In...2021-04-1341 min

We Earn Media34: Send a One-Sentence Pitch with Tercius BufeteOur guest today is a deals editor on a reviews section of a top-tier, online outlet. If you’ve ever wondered how an e-commerce section of a media outlet operates and how publicists fit into the equation, then this is the episode for you! And, bonus: our guest is a true evangelist of deals shopping, so, you will walk away with better shopping know-how — we guarantee it! In this episode you’ll learn… What the selection process is for a daily deals section of a reviews section How timing matters with deals reporting Why one sentence might be all you need in...2021-04-0642 min

We Earn Media33: Deconstruct Data-Driven Content Ideas with Mark JohnstoneOne of our most popular episodes to date is episode 25, when we discuss how data-driven studies are developed, with the genius, VK. (If you haven't given that one a listen, what are you waiting for?!) Well now we’re taking it a step further (or back, depending on how you look at it!) to how these ideas even come about. We speak with a creative content consultant who’s going to teach you how to level up your ideation game. He’ll share past successful campaigns and how those ideas came to be. And, the one spoiler we’ll give: he...2021-03-3045 min

We Earn Media32: Make Virtual Events “Real Simple” with Randi PackardOne of the things we miss most about the pre-pandemic world is in-person events. Enter the next best thing: virtual events! Our guest today is a former fashion editor (Real Simple) turned publicist who specializes in press events and has been hosting them virtually since the start of the pandemic. In this episode, we explore all the considerations that go into planning and hosting a virtual event -- from sending invites to sending products & everything in between! In this episode you’ll hear… Why a brand might want to host a virtual event Tactics and strategy related to planning and host...2021-03-2327 min

We Earn Media31: Let's Go Meta with Nicole SchumanWe’re going meta this episode, because we’re speaking with a senior editor at a publication that covers all the latest trends in public relations and media. And while overall pitch tips don’t vary all too much from the norm, you’ll glean some extra special insights from a guest who knows our industry better than most. In this episode you’ll hear… How to pitch a journalist who covers public relations news (& how they choose the stories they cover!) Examples of real publicists who have built strong relationships with PRNEWS (even after receiving less-than-ideal press!) Ways to level up you...2021-03-1639 min

We Earn Media30: Whip Up Sweet Rapport with Ni'Kesia PannellFellow foodie listeners: we have a tasty episode for you. This week, we’re speaking with a weekend editor and contributing writer at Delish.com. Ni’Kesia Pannell covers breaking food news, focusing particularly on the intersection of food and culture. Our guest also depends on and loves working with publicists on a regular basis, so this one is chock-full of both actionable tips and feel-good moments. In this episode, you’ll learn considerations for pitching a weekend editor at an online food publication … What kinds of stories they are looking to cover How far in advan...2021-03-0940 min

We Earn Media29: Explore Space Technology PR with Neel V. PatelPut on your spacesuits because we’re heading into worlds unknown with space journalist, Neel V. Patel. He sits down with us to what publicists should keep in mind when pitching journalists who cover highly-technical subjects for mainstream audiences. There are tons of details and nuances we had not considered before, so we’re very excited to share some fresh, actionable tips with you. In this episode, you’ll learn… How a science reporter writes about complex topics for the masses (& how that should inform your storytelling strategy!) Which details matter when pitching a journalist in a tec...2021-03-0237 min

We Earn Media28: Earn Your MFA in Follow-Ups at WemU with Britt and JackieBritt and Jackie teach the art of the follow-up. Yes, that’s right, they take it so seriously that they do consider it an art. And, by the end of this episode, you’ll be able to say you earned your MFA in Follow-ups from WemU. ;-) In all seriousness, we share what it takes to craft an effective follow up that adds value to the conversation and increases your response rate, using recent examples in our own work. In this episode, we’ll break down 3 main elements of a follow up pitch: The time you wait b...2021-02-2331 min

We Earn Media27: What Publicists Can Learn From Freelance Journalists with Hilary WeaverFreelance journalists are similar to publicists in that they often face the challenge of pitching stories to publications and building rapport with editors. But, seasoned journalists get to know the inner workings of the online publishing world, while publicists often do not. In this episode, we have a freelance writer and editor give a glimpse into what her world looks like, and through this, help publicists and content marketers create a better-informed media outreach strategy. Our guest, Hilary Weaver is a freelance writer and editor (including weekends at Elle) who primarily writes about queer issues, reproductive justice...2021-02-1634 min

We Earn Media26: Learn All About Clubhouse with Stephen KaraolisWelcome to our season 3 kickoff! We’re doing things a bit different this season, by tackling an in-depth theme each episode. In our kickoff episode, we explore a new app that is having its moment in the sun-- Clubhouse! This invite-only, audio-based iOs app is gaining traction with an array of influencers from all different backgrounds-- with PR and media being no exception. In fact, as we delve deep, we learn there’s a lot of potential that content marketers and publicists can glean from this new product, in ways that you might not think. Our...2021-02-0931 min

We Earn Media25: Create Data-Driven Stories with Volodymyr KupriyanovData is an effective way to amp up your PR storytelling strategy. To help make sense of this, we speak with the smartest data journalist and content consultant we know, Volodymyr Kupriyanov (VK). Get a behind the scenes look of how a PR-driven data study is created from start to finish! In this episode you’ll learn all the considerations for creating data-driven content: Where to find reputable data sources Tips and tricks for uncovering compelling stories within the data Tools for creating beautiful data visualizations 2020-12-0142 min

We Earn Media24: Hunt Down A Good Story (& Beauty Trends!) With Mara SchiavocampoIn this episode you will get an up close and VERY personal look at how Mara Schiavocampo, celebrated TV journalist (currently: Dr. Oz) & podcast host, comes up with story ideas. While we learn she may not necessarily need to see your basic pitch come into her inbox, we still have a lot of fun learning what it does take to collaborate with her on episodes. In this episode, you’ll learn… How reporters generate their own story ideas Why digital footprint matters with guest sourcing What other tactics that are more influential than a cold email 2020-11-2431 min

We Earn Media23: Energize Your Digital Networking Skills with Taylor KuykendallWe’re going niche again this week! (Have you heard how much we love our niche reporters?) And, the beat our guest covers today is particularly uncharted territory for us-- the energy sector! Our guest, Taylor Kuykendall, writes about mining and energy-related topics for the S&P Global Market Intelligence. We speak with him about a story that stemmed from a source that connected with him outside of his email inbox. In this episode, you’ll learn… How to be a knowledgeable industry resource for niche reporters How to effectively connect with reporters outside the email inbox ...2020-11-1736 min

We Earn Media22: PR's a Drag and Story is Queen (Pt. 2) with Robbie Manulani*This is part 2 of a special, 2-part episode series.* In our last episode, we met Joey Nolfi, who covers drag entertainment for EW. If you haven’t given that a listen yet, we highly suggest that you do before tuning into this one. In this episode, we meet Joey’s publicist-friend, Robbie Manulani, the founder and CEO of Witch House Public Relations, a queer boutique PR agency. In this episode you’ll learn how a real-life publicist: Built a PR firm rooted in passion and values Tells LGBTQIA+ stories in a meaningful way Found their place through...2020-11-1053 min

We Earn Media21: PR's a Drag and Story is Queen (Pt.1) with Joey Nolfi*This is part 1 of a special, 2-part episode series.* We’re so excited (& giddy!) to meet a reporter in the entertainment industry! Joey Nolfi, who covers drag entertainment (& more!) for Entertainment Weekly, tells the story of how he met and became very good friends with a publicist. Stay tuned for next week, when we meet this very awesome publicist. In this episode, you’ll learn: What it takes to pitch entertainment media How a publicist became genuine friends with a reporter More tips to further refine your pitching strategy 2020-11-0337 min

We Earn Media20: Nobody is Writing About "Just You" with Lisa Rabasca RoepeThe more freelance journalists we meet, the more evident it is just how different each one is. Some work on assignment, while others pitch their own stories. And while these differences can leave us frustrated, it’s important that we keep digging to create an informed "freelancer outreach strategy." Our guest, Lisa Rebasca Roepe, a freelance journalist who covers workplace culture, gives some unique perspective on what it takes to successfully collaborate with her. And, to be honest, we gained a lot of great insights-- ones we hadn’t heard before. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to make your c...2020-10-2735 min

We Earn Media19: Learn Growth Marketing with Elaine ZelbyAfter our episode with Josh Constine, we received quite a few requests to tackle more startup marketing topics. With that in mind, we're excited to bring you our next guest who will give us a glimpse into the world of growth marketing. Elaine Zelby is a Principal and Director of Growth at SignalFire, which touts itself as, "first Venture Capital firm built from the ground up as a technology company." In this episode you will learn: How to craft a go-to marketing strategy How PR fits into the growth marketing landscape Why teamwork is crucial in a...2020-10-2023 min

We Earn Media18: Intrigue, Exclusivity and Ease with Liz StevensMore love for niche outlets is coming your way! We’re speaking with Liz Stevens, a content producer for ThinkGlink and Best Money Moves. Liz, who wears several hats in-house across 2 different sites, is one of our more unique guests. With her specialty insight, we’ll think you’ll glean a lot for your niche website outreach strategy. In this episode, you’ll learn... Specific pitch strategies you can implement for niche outlets What things are important to a content producer (as opposed to a staff writer) What to do (& never to do!) when reaching out to a nic...2020-10-1328 min

We Earn Media17: The PR FYI with Gene BalkIt's easy to put out a regional ranking (ie. 'best cities for X'), write a cookie-cutter pitch, and mass distribute it to newsrooms around the country. That is NOT what this episode is about. Instead, we're exploring the art of pitching unique data-driven stories that local reporters want to see in their inboxes. Our guest today, Gene Balk, columnist at the Seattle Times, is going to give us the insider scoop on what it takes to stick out from those sea of mediocre pitches and produce local stories that actually matter. In this episode, you’ll... Get...2020-10-0634 min

We Earn Media16: 'And, But & Therefore' with Park HowellThe term “storytelling” gets thrown around so much, that it often loses its meaning in the marketing world. In fact, how often do you, as a PR professional, stop to think about the stories that you tell journalists about the brand you represent? Our guest today, Park Howell, is a storytelling evangelist who wants PR’s to understand what TRUE storytelling is, why it’s imperative in your work, and how to apply proven principles to ensure you’re always telling impactful stories about your brand. In this episode, you’ll learn... The ‘And, But & Therefore’ (aka the ABT) narr...2020-09-2932 min

We Earn Media15: "Professionalism. Always." with Trae BodgeAffiliate-based, e-commerce reporting is fairly new, yet ubiquitous, which is why it may be weird and confusing for PR’s to navigate. Don't worry, because our guest, Trae Bodge, who straddles the line of PR and journalist and is an expert in this space, will help us all come out on top. There’s even some tips on virtual press events under the new normal! In this episode, you’ll learn... That many reporters (including Trae) are more empathetic for PR’s than you think Why and how to keep it professional no matter what Ho...2020-09-2242 min

We Earn Media14: "Yeah, It Was About Peanut Butter" with Steve DolinskyThis week, we dive into the world of local broadcast food reporting with ABC 7 Chicago's Steve Dolinsky. He shares with us a pitch he received 10 years ago and just why that collaboration was so memorable to him. Spoiler: It's all about peanut butter! In this tasty episode you’ll learn: -- The “perfect pitch” that stands the test of time -- The nuances of pitching broadcast media -- The importance of slowing down (it seriously helps!) 2020-09-1533 min

We Earn Media13: Walk Through Fear with Shonali BurkeStepping outside of what you know in any career can be scary. Many of us (including Britt + Jackie!), had our start in media relations through the SEO-world. But, there’s more to PR than placements and backlinks. And, where do PR’s who may have been pigeonholed into one single specialty go from here? Our guest today, Shonali Burke, is a Public Relations scholar and renowned consultant. She is here to guide us outside of what we know and into the unknown. From it, we’ll all come out with a better understanding of what Public Relations actually is, and ho...2020-09-0837 min

We Earn Media12: How to be a Helpful Human with Susan Johnston TaylorWe sat down with freelance journalist, Susan Johnston Taylor about some real-life examples of when PR’s have exceeded her expectations and when they haven’t. We discuss what it takes to maintain a relationship with a freelance journalist (vs. a staff writer), but there are takeaways that may be implemented no matter whom you're reaching out to. In this episode, you’ll learn... How a real-life cold pitch resulted in coverage How to take your HARO pitching to the next level What keeps a journalist going back to the same PRs and sources 2020-09-0126 min

We Earn Media11: The "Wall Street Journal" Marketing Problem with Rand FishkinWelcome to our season 2 kickoff! In this episode, our special guest, Rand Fishkin (founder of SparkToro and previous co-founder of Moz), discusses with us a situation all marketers have found themselves in before: a boss or client demanding a “prestigious placement,” foregoing the (actually, HUGE!) potential of working with other "lesser-known" publications. In this episode, you’ll learn... What exactly is the "Wall Street Journal" marketing problem How to respond to this through honest conversation rooted in rational, data-driven thinking The value of working with the “little guys,” and how to find these publications that your t...2020-08-2552 min

We Earn Media10: Britt + Jackie's First Self-Reflection 'SodeIn honor of our season 1 finale, we've decided to forego our usual guest/interview format in order to self-reflect on the podcast so far. In this episode, you'll hear our favorite season 1 takeaways, what we have in store for season 2, and a little background on who we are! If you're reading this, we want to hear from you. Email us at podcast@weearnmedia.com or find us on Twitter/Instagram (@weearnmedia). 2020-05-2630 min

We Earn Media9: How Aira's PR Team Leans on Positivity During Covid-19Originally, we intended to hop on a call to catch up on work and life with the Aira PR team. Instead, we decided to hit that record button and bring this conversation to listeners to talk about how a real PR firm is handling pitching under Covid-19 successfully. Quite frankly, we love how these creative geniuses have balanced both client and reporter expectations seamlessly and complementary to each other under this pandemic. Their insight serves as an inspiration for all PR’s during this time. In this episode, you’ll learn: How they managed and pivoted clie...2020-05-1933 min

We Earn Media8: Michelle Rafter (Biz Reporter) On How PR's May Help With Her Covid-19 ReportingWe sit down with Michelle Rafter, a freelance business reporter whose focus right now is Covid-19’s impact on tech, work, and industry. Although she doesn't rely on traditional press releases to craft her stories, she offers some valuable lessons around how PR's may still work with freelance reporters like her. In this episode you will learn: What’s changed for Michelle’s reporting due to Covid-19 (& how the recession set her up for this!) The kinds of stories she’s focusing on under this pandemic (& how she’s sourcing her stories!) How she best works wi...2020-05-1129 min

We Earn Media7: Automated cars are good, but automated emails are bad!We caught up with Carl Anthony, the Managing Editor of Automoblog, to learn more about his perspective on best practices for working with PRs and content marketers. Even if you don't work in the auto or tech industries, this one is full of useful pitching tips. Especially if you've ever been curious about (or have personally implemented) guest-posting and thought leadership content strategies.2020-05-0549 min

We Earn Media6: Pitching in the Covid-19 Era, ft. Lisa Rowan (Lifehacker) & Frankie Rendon (SLH)We chatted with Frankie Rendón, head of media relations for Student Loan Hero and Lisa Rowan, a reporter for Lifehacker: Two Cents, to get the scoop on what it’s like to work on both sides of personal finance media during Covid-19. In this episode you’ll learn about: The new challenges that both Frankie and Lisa have dealt with during this unprecedented time Successful PR strategies that both Lisa and Frankie have seen work Actionable advice for pitching under this "new normal" Even if you’re not in the personal finance industr...2020-05-0432 min

We Earn Media5: There's a good chance Miranda Marquit might trash your pitchMiranda Marquit has been a full-time freelance financial writer and money expert for almost 15 years. If you’ve ever been involved in the personal finance space, it is very likely that you have come across (and even pitched) Miranda. She has contributed to several financial outlets including Huffington Post, The Balance, U.S. News World & Report. Needless to say, she is one of the most prolific writers in the space. If you all listened to our episode with Alan Henry, then you’ll remember how he believes freelance writers are the future of mass media and highly reco...2020-04-2840 min

We Earn Media4: To Catch a Fake Financial Expert with Casey Bond of HuffPostWe sat down with Casey Bond, money reporter for the Life section at HuffPost, to talk about the time she uncovered a fake financial expert, and then another. While it’s unfortunate that she can’t stay away from these PR fraudsters, her experience opens up the conversation for pitching best practices, ethics and more. As Casey puts it, “Whenever you call in an expert it’s because they are supposed to be providing something to you that you can’t figure out yourself or find easily.” Listen to learn about Casey’s journalistic standards, including but not limited to: the best wa...2020-04-2158 min

We Earn Media3: How to pitch the Smarter Living section of The New York TimesWe chat with Alan Henry, editor of the Smarter Living section of The New York Times (but soon-to-be Service Editor at Wired), about how to build collaborative relationships with journalists. As Alan simply puts it, "The New York Times doesn’t exist to be PR for a company." So, if you're going to try to pitch your story and/or client to Alan or his colleagues, how do you convince them to care enough to do so? Along with this answering this question, we discuss the art of following up, how to be persistent (without being creepy!), an...2020-04-1454 min

We Earn Media2: TechCrunch Editor at Large shares pitching tips for startupsIn this episode, we chat with Josh Constine, Editor at Large at TechCrunch. We first discuss why he decided to write about a pitch that was sent to him by a startup called Slightly Robot detailing the Immutouch wristband. Slightly Robot originally designed the wearable to help people with trichotillomania, a disorder that compels people to pull out their hair. But with Coronavirus cases increasing in the US, they redesigned their wearable so that it buzzes when you touch your face. You can read the article here: Immutouch wristband buzzes to stop you touching your face In...2020-04-0727 min

We Earn Media1: An interview with Noah Manskar from NY PostIn this episode, we chat with Noah Manskar, a business reporter for New York Post. To kick-off the conversation, we asked Noah to share a story with us that originated from a pitch sent by an earned media professional. The story he shares is a heartwarming human-interest piece that he wrote while he was reporting for Patch NYC: NYC Dad Gives Daughter New Life with Liver Donation. It was pitched to him by Mahlori Isaacs, a Senior Media Relations Associate at New York Presbytarian Hospital and is a perfect example of how a PR pro can build...2020-03-3037 min

We Earn MediaWe Earn Media, Season 1 [Trailer]No matter how long you’ve been pitching media, the same questions run through every earned media professional’s mind...Who should I pitch this story to? What makes a pitch compelling enough to stand out from the clutter? How do we build relationships with journalists without feeling creepy? The answers to these questions aren’t so simple. PR is a craft, and we all have our own personal approach to it. Not to mention, each media professional you’ll encounter has their own unique preferences. This is at the heart of why we started this podcast. We...2020-03-2401 min