attention strategy · brand visibility · business growth · media coverage · pitching the media · PR tips · press strategy · public relations · small business marketing · storytelling ·May 09, 2023

How to Get Media Attention Without Begging for It

by Drewbie Wilson

Let’s be real — everyone wants media attention, but most people go about it the wrong way.

They send cold pitches that sound like a LinkedIn bot wrote them.
They try to “network” by liking a journalist’s tweet and immediately sliding into the DMs.
They treat PR like a lottery ticket — cross their fingers and hope someone notices.

Newsflash: reporters aren’t waiting around to make you famous. You’ve got to give them a reason to care.

If you want to get real press — not just a one-off mention, but meaningful, brand-boosting media — here’s what actually works.

🔍 1. Know What Reporters Actually Want

Before you send a single pitch, do your homework.

What kind of stories do they cover?
Who have they interviewed lately?
What’s their tone — snarky, serious, stats-driven?

Study their bylines like you're prepping for a sales call. You wouldn’t pitch a luxury real estate reporter a productivity app. Same goes for media.

Don’t just want coverage — understand what kind of coverage you’re asking for.

🚨 2. Have a Real Story — Not Just a Vibe

This is where most people fall flat. They pitch something they think is “cool”... but it’s not news.

You need a story that’s:

Timely – Tied to something happening now
Unique – Shows a different angle or insight
Impactful – Helps, solves, or exposes something
Relatable – Easy to explain and easy to care about

A great pitch makes the reporter look smart. It gives them a hook that makes sense for their beat and audience.

🧠 3. Write a Headline That Grabs, Not Rambles

This is your subject line, your DM, your first impression. If it doesn’t stop the scroll, you’re toast.

Keep it tight. Think like a headline writer, not a college professor.

Examples:

“Why This Texas Entrepreneur Turned Down Shark Tank”
“The $0 PR Hack That Landed Me in Forbes”
“How One Failed Gym Owner Flipped His Life With One Daily Rule”

Clarity over cleverness. Always.

📨 4. Make Your Pitch Short Enough to Read on a Phone

No 8-paragraph life story. Get to the point.

Tell them:

Who you are
What the story is
Why it matters right now
Why their readers/viewers will care

And give them everything they need to say yes: links, stats, quotes, or access.

🎯 5. Pitch the Right People, Not Just the Big Names

Want to land a feature? Stop blasting Forbes editors or national news desks.

Start smaller. Regional outlets. Niche podcasts. Industry blogs. Local biz sections.

Get wins under your belt, build momentum, and let the press stack up. A writer for a big outlet is more likely to take you seriously if someone else already has.

🔁 6. Follow Up Without Being a Clown

Yes, follow up. Just don’t be weird about it.

Give them a few days
Reply to the original pitch
Be polite, not pushy
One follow-up is enough

If they’re interested, they’ll circle back. If not, move on — and maybe rethink the pitch.

Final Word

Getting media attention isn’t luck — it’s leverage.

When you show up with a clear, timely, and relevant story... when you respect their time and give them something worth sharing... reporters will notice.

It’s not about begging for exposure. It’s about being so damn relevant they can’t ignore you.

So start acting like your story matters. Package it like a pro. Pitch it with confidence. And when the headline drops?

Share it like you earned it — because you did.

🎯 Ready to Turn This Into Action?

Want to crush call reluctance, follow up with confidence, and close more deals — without sounding pushy or scripted?

Start with the Damn Closer Bundle — the exact system Drewbie uses to help sales professionals simplify their process, stay consistent, and win more conversations.

👉 Get the Damn Closer Bundle Here