Why do startup founders get no replies from tech reporters?
Are you struggling to get any responses to your startup pitch? You’re not alone. It can be incredibly challenging to get noticed in a sea of other startups vying for attention from journalists and influencers. However, if you’re not getting any responses at all, it might be time to take a closer look at your pitch and see where you can improve.
Here are some of the most common reasons why your pitch might be falling flat, and what you can do to turn things around.
1. You’re not targeting the right journalists
Journalists receive hundreds of pitches every day, so it’s important to make sure you’re targeting the right ones. Before you send your pitch, do your homework and research the journalists who cover your industry, and make sure you’re sending your pitch to the right person. Also, avoid using generic “Dear Sir/Madam” salutations — God, please! Spend some time to find the journalist’s name and address them directly.
2. Your pitch is too long, boring, or confusing
Journalists are busy people, so they don’t have time to read long, rambling pitches. Keep your pitch short and to the point, and use plain language that anyone can understand. Also, make sure you include all the necessary information, such as your contact details and any relevant media files, in a clear and easy-to-find format.
3. You’re not using the right angle
Your pitch needs to be newsworthy, and you need to make sure you’re pitching it from the right angle. Avoid using jargon that only people in your industry will understand, and make sure you’re pitching something that’s truly unique and interesting. Also, don’t try to use current events or hot topics as a way to shoehorn your startup into the news — this rarely works and can backfire.
4. You’re not using the right format
Make sure you’re sending your pitch in the right format, whether that’s via email or social media. Also, make sure you’re not sending attachments, which can clog up a journalist’s inbox and make it harder for them to read your pitch. Instead, use cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox to share any media files.
5. You’re not following up
If you don’t get a response to your pitch, it’s okay to follow up (but don’t overdo it). Wait a few days, and then send a polite reminder email. If you still don’t get a response, it might be time to move on and try a different approach.
Getting noticed as a startup can be a challenge, but by targeting the right journalists, using the right angle, and crafting your pitch carefully, you can improve your chances of success. Remember to keep your pitch short, simple, and easy to understand, and don’t be afraid to follow up if you don’t get a response the first time around.
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