Why the Media Need You

I’ve noticed that a lot of designers think that the media are saturated with content and pitches, that they have their go-to list of people and are not receptive to new ones. Or that their requirements are so unachievable that it’s not even worth trying.

Let me tell you, that is WRONG! Very, very wrong! I have never spoken to an editor who said, “Please don’t ever pitch me. I am not interested in great new content.” Quite to the contrary, the media are hungry for content - especially now with project pipelines running dry because of the pandemic and restricted travel.

But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here is what some of the editors of top design publications said in the interviews I did for their media profiles in the Design PR Insider Membership when I asked them about their work with interior designers.

“Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. If an editor rejects your project, it’s most likely because it doesn’t fit a specific aesthetic they’re looking for, not because it’s not beautifully executed.”

“We develop close relationships with PR teams and we welcome these relationships because they allow us to have go-to people when we’re looking for content.”

“We have featured a few designers two or three times, but their work warranted repeat features. I won’t lie: someone who is kind, enthusiastic, and responsive will always be remembered.”

“Yes, every editor has a few repeat designers that we can go to in a pinch because of a story being dropped or the edit line-up being changed. But at the same time, I want new faces in my Rolodex! It is harder than you think to find new talent—I comb Instagram, other publications and newspapers and word of mouth to find the new talent.”

Reality is, PR need media and media need PR. It’s a beautiful symbiotic relationship that benefits both sides. So next time you think about pitching something to the media, change your mindset and embrace that you are not asking for something unreasonable or are trying to sell them something they don’t want, instead you are being of service to them. 

Trust me, it will make being your own publicist a whole lot easier.

You are welcome :)