Story pitch follow-ups: what if you get sent to voicemail?
You've sent out a press release or story pitch and now it's time to follow up. You dial the reporter's number, and get sent to voicemail. Should you just hang up or should you leave a message?
Especially if it's your first follow-up call, don't hang up! Leave a powerful message, one that makes them want to return your call.
To do so, you should have a scripted message. You don't want to sound like you're reading something, but you do want to clearly know ahead of time what your message is.
So your message may consist of something like, "Hi, this is Jill. I'm calling about using publicity in a down turned economy," and then give them the bottom line of your message really quickly - in 10 to 30 seconds. Your message should be clearly benefit/solution oriented. And then you say, "I'd love to talk with you further. Please call me at ..." and state your phone number twice clearly, then hang up.
Practice this frequently with a recorder, until you can naturally deliver a strong benefit-oriented message in 10-30 seconds. Only then should you actually pick up the phone and start following up!
For more information on how to properly follow up with reporters, check out our report Failproof Ways To Follow Up After Sending a News Release or Pitch Letter
