In the fast-paced industry of public relations, staying ahead of the curve is crucial. One effective strategy our team at PIVOT PR utilizes to gain media attention and boost our client’s visibility is newsjacking. This technique can bring more visibility and awareness to a brand by generating significant media coverage. In this blog post, we’ll explore what newsjacking is, why it’s effective, and how you can master this art to create impactful media opportunities.
What is Newsjacking?
Newsjacking refers to the practice of injecting your company or ideas into a breaking news story to gain media attention and amplify your brand’s message. It involves quickly reacting to news events and creating relevant content that aligns with the story, thereby positioning your brand as a thought leader in the industry.
Why Newsjacking Works
Newsjacking capitalizes on the immediacy of breaking news, making your content relevant and engaging. By associating your brand with trending topics, you increase the likelihood of being noticed by journalists, influencers, and the public.
One of the best examples of newsjacking from our team resulted in a story in The Washington Post when the largest port in Ukraine reopened during the Russia/Ukraine War. We saw the port was opening, and immediately sent out a rapid response pitch leveraging the news and offered thoughtful commentary from our client.
Steps to Successful Newsjacking
- Stay Informed: Regularly follow reputable news sources, industry blogs, and social media platforms to stay updated on current events.
- Act Quickly: The success of newsjacking hinges on your ability to act swiftly. As soon as a relevant story breaks, create content promptly and distribute it to a highly targeted media list. Ensure you have a streamlined approval process to avoid delays in publishing your content.
- Choose the Right Story: Select news stories that are relevant to your industry, brand, or audience. Avoid sensitive or controversial topics that could backfire and harm your brand’s reputation.
- Identify the Ideal Expert: Have a credible subject matter expert ready to give their expertise on the breaking story and be available for interviews if need be.
- Create Compelling Content: Offer a fresh perspective or unique insight related to the news story.
- Promote Your Content: Pitch your story to journalists and media outlets that cover your industry.
Newsjacking is a powerful tool for creating media opportunities and boosting your brand’s visibility. By staying informed, acting quickly, and crafting compelling content, you can effectively leverage breaking news stories to enhance your PR efforts. Remember, the key to successful newsjacking lies in relevance, timeliness, and authenticity.
To explore how PIVOT PR can utilize tactics such as newsjacking and more to elevate your brand’s visibility and awareness, email us at [email protected].