– Rachel E., PR Account Coordinator
What is Newsjacking and How Can it Catapult Your Biz to the Spotlight?
If you’re looking to implement some basic public relations into your business plan, consider perfecting the art of newsjacking to add to your PR arsenal. Newsjacking is a tool that is in every PR pro’s back pocket — locked, loaded, and ready to go at any moment.
What is Newsjacking?
Newsjacking is the art of positioning yourself or your brand as an expert on a topic to provide insight or commentary into a bigger story or trend that’s circulating the news cycle. Utilizing this simple PR strategy catapults you as a leader in your industry and an expert source on specific topics.
Of course, not every major news story is going to be a newsjacking opportunity for you and your brand. Plus, you have to know when it’s appropriate to newsjack. If it’s a stretch for your credentials, then don’t waste your time on it. Newsjacking should be authentic and provide a useful and unique insight into a larger story.
Tips for How to Newsjack:
Monitor the news daily
To effectively newsjack a story, you have to be continually monitoring the news. However, scrolling through endless articles across countless media outlets can be a nearly impossible task. To make it easier for yourself, set up Google Alerts to notify you of new stories on topics relevant to your industry. On top of this, you can follow hashtags on Twitter, follow news outlets or specific journalists on social media, and more.
Be quick
With a 24/7 news cycle, you have to be ready to jump on a newsjacking opportunity before it becomes old news. Once you find a major story where you can provide expert commentary, draft a quick pitch that links back to that major story. In the pitch, be sure to explain the issue or topic, who you are, and give a few key points that you can elaborate on for the story.
Be relevant
Make sure you are newsjacking stories that are genuinely relevant to your industry and your expertise. Be careful to avoid wasting a journalist’s time if you do not have the credentials to speak on a particular topic.
The news cycle is continually shifting, so it’s crucial to remain engaged and alert. Newsjacking – when done right – can be a useful and effective PR tool to use to propel you and your brand forward as a leader in your industry. A well-executed newsjacking opportunity can boost your overall brand awareness, as well as position you as the go-to expert in your field. Don’t be afraid to give it a try!
Are you looking for a way to boost your PR game for your business? At Serendipit, we are purveyors of public relations and connoisseurs of conversations, and we know what we’re doing. Give us a call or email us at info@serendipitconsulting.com – you’re in the right hands!