Submitted by Sabina Hitchen on | 0 Comments
February is right around the corner which means it's time for our monthly installment of "what to pitch". The ideas we share with you in this column reflect press-worthy, timely and relevant topics that when used can increase your chances of landing press because they're topics the news will definitely be talking about. Your job is to use these ideas as a springboard to your own customized story angles and pitches. Just think - you could be on the news in just a couple of weeks! Exciting, eh? With that, let's get going...
50 Shades of Grey
That got your attention didn't it? Well folks, 50 Shades is in theaters this Valentine's Day, yes Valentine's Day. Just in case you need a reminder about what this movie will be about, here's the trailer! Now that we're all on the same page, let's discuss: what could your small biz possibly talk about where 50 Shades of Grey are concerned? Get creative! This topic can lend itself to angles that a relationship, romance or love expert could delve into, but you could just as easily turn it into a topic that an author or even a book club group could piggyback onto. I've already seen the press looking for 50 Shades inspired makeup, fashion and so forth, so if you think there could be a connection, start brainstorming. But hurry, because Mr. Grey will see you very soon...and that means other savvy buzz builders will be creating similar story angles.
Cinderella
Yes, it's another movie, and the reason I'm listing this in February's hot topics as well is because it's going to be another big one ladies and gents! Cinderella officially opens March 13th but because this is such a magical and famous story, and because so many generations have been touched by it, the short lead news outlets (TV, websites, blogs, radio, newspaper, celebrity weeklies) are going to be buzzing about it by the end of February and continue that into the first half of March. If you think you can speak to some angle related to this story, you want to get cracking! Needs some help getting your idea muscles pumping? Here you go: relationship experts can talk about the concept of Princess Charming and how it helps or hurts those looking for romance, parenting and children's experts can talk about the Princess-effect on little girls, experts can talk about why this story has captured out minds and hearts for generations, fashion and beauty experts can talk Cinderella-style, event pros can share tips for hosting Cinderella-inspired parties for kids...the list is endless. Don't have any clear tie to Cinderella? Don't worry! You can use the premiere to inspire a Disney-themed promotion or sale at your business. It's all about jumping on that sure-to-be-buzz worthy bandwagon!
PS - Indulge yourself in the Cinderella trailer as well, it will clean the palette after 50 Shades, and inspire your story creating!
Summer Everything
Don't forget, though we're all freezing in our boots in most parts of the country this month, the long lead magazines (the ones that come out every month) are well into their summer stories. Set aside a day to get into the summer spirit at work and work on some summer themed story angles. We've already received media requests over here at Tin Shingle (that you can find in our exclusive PR leads this week) for contributions to stories on summer skin protection, summer fashion, summer work-out tips and more. If you want to see your product, service or expertise in the glossy pages of a monthly magazine this summer, now is the time to act! Get a quality pitch together (you can access a template here) and be the early bird that catches those yummy press worms!
Valentine's Day
Obviously. The thing is, in February most of the gift guides and other tips and advice stories will be filled up - the press doesn't wait until the last minute for most of these. That said, there will still be places looking for last minute ideas and if you have a creative, originally and must-hear idea (run of the mill won't work here, they've already filled that up) I still encourage you to try a website, blog or even (though it may be too late you can always try) a local news station! That said - if you want to talk romance but don't want to get lost in the Valentine's Day chaos, think about this: February is also National Wedding Month - perhaps try your hand at that story angle. You'll find you have less competition and many of your ideas and pitches will work for it as well with just a few little tweaks!
