Why PR is a Game of Persistence
Question: How do you balance persistence with not being overly pushy when following up with journalists?
Follow up is very important in the world of PR. Journalists and podcast producers are getting hundreds or even thousands of emails every day.
You can't just email once and expect it to work. You have to email with a new angle. But you don't want to be that annoying person who's like, “Hey, did you get my email?”
For example, if you emailed them saying you have commentary on tariffs, and then—hopefully—a month later the news cycle shifts, you can follow up with a new angle. It shows that you’re a timely source they can rely on.
Also to know if they saw your pitch is really helpful–that’s why we use open rates. It's data that tells us whether this angle is resonating or not.
Qwoted is a platform that gives you visibility and insight into how many other people are pitching a reporter in response to a specific story they need a source for. If you're a paid customer, you can see which companies have also pitched them, and you can also see if they've read your pitch.
I’ve had situations where people don’t respond right away, but then months or even a year later, they’ll look up your email and reach out. So just having that track record or history of reaching out can come back to help you later.
Same with press releases. When you put them out on the wire, they basically live for eternity. Even press releases from years ago show up in LLMs and searches.
Even journalists will sometimes find you because of a press release you put out.
For example, during the whole ChatGPT news cycle, NBC News and Lester Holt’s team found a press release we had published and called us. So it can work when you least expect it.
📈 Key Takeaways on Pitching Strategy, Media Tools & Long-Term PR Wins
🔁 Follow up with fresh angles. Don’t just say “Did you get my email?”—bring something new and timely to the table each time.
📬 Open rates are your feedback loop. They help you gauge if your pitch is resonating and inform whether or not to follow up.
🛠️ Paid platforms give you added visibility. For example, Qwoted gives insight into how many others are pitching, and whether your pitch has been opened.
🎯 Timeliness builds credibility. Position yourself as a relevant source by connecting your outreach to current events and news cycles.
🕰️ Persistence pays off. Journalists may not respond immediately, but consistent, relevant outreach can lead to opportunities months or years later.
📢 Press releases have long shelf lives. When published on the wire, they can be found through LLMs and searches, leading to media inquiries.
Book some time with us, and let us help you make a splash! 🌊
