What's in a media kit : Things have changed in 2012.Have you?
In the past week, we have been organising media interviews for a financial services firm. Our inhouse PR expert is very talented and well-connected, and has organised more than 13 interviews for an international money markets expert. The thing is, this was done, all without using their media kit. Why? Because it is a bit out of date and doesn't represent the company and how forward thinking the company really is.
This got me thinking. What should go in a press kit (or media kit) in 2012?
Here are some things you should be considering;
This got me thinking. What should go in a press kit (or media kit) in 2012?
Here are some things you should be considering;
- Company Profile: Make it one page long - no more. Include information on when your company started, what you do, how you do it, your customers, how many staff (if it is significant), what markets you operate in, any awards you have received etc.
- FACT Sheet: This is a one page document with a list of quick facts about the business. Included would be when the company was founded, who is the founder, one line on what you do, awards, geographic reach.
- Pictures: For magazines and newspapers, this is imperative. Make sure you have professional photographs that are not BORING. The more creative the photo, the more likely the editorial will use it in their next issue. Ensure you have 5 to 10 to choose from and don't be afraid to organise a photoshop specialist to make sure the pictures are as good as they can be.
- Profile: Ensure you media kit has a one page profile of the key spokesperson from the company. Include their background, experience and education credentials.
- Social media: Provide links to all company social media platforms including facebook, twitter, linkedin, youtube etc.
- Media page on website: Include previous media releases (press releases), picture library with password access (ensures that you get the details of the journalist who is accessing it and will keep others out who may misuse your image), previous stories that have been published or links to media coverage on television, radio and online.
- Pinterest.com: Place images on pinterest.com of your spokesperson and products. Make sure they are creative.
- YouTube: If you are super creative, do an introduction on your company, first person, on YouTube and send link to journalists. This will set the tone for the interview that they may be considering and if you are particularly good talent, may open some doors for you to gain even greater exposure.
- QR Code: Link your media kit to a QR Code and show you are really 2012! Send in the mail on a card and see how many people download. You will be surprised!
Media kits should be sent as a link or attachment to media releases when you are first making contact electronically with a journalist. Alternatively, be creative and post it in the mail, but make sure it is not boring and bland - and ready to be thrown into the bin. The more creative, the more likely journalists are of remembering you.
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comments ( 9 )
Coral
21 Jan 2014Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote
Replythe book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to
drive the message home a little bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog.
A great read. I'll definitely be back.
Carrie
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Brittany
05 Mar 2012I think a media kit is an essential tool for any company to showcase themselves in a modern and simple way.
ReplyIn our modern society, times have changed and we are now looking for information that is easy to access and simple to understand.
Mellissah's media kit is just that, as it delivers all the necessary information to the journalist in a simplified manner which grabs their attention.
With new social media tools being developed, companies should get connected with websites such as pinterest.com and other forms of social media as these are fast becoming an effective marketing tool.
Raihan
02 Mar 2012I am not familiar with press releases or media kits just yet, but this is definitely a good and useful information for future references ;)
ReplyRen
01 Mar 2012The modern day media kit:
ReplyI agree with your points Mellissah, a media kit would not be complete without the essential media tools that make up the foundations of todays digital and social media communications.
This is such a relatable way to inform others of your tech savvy and up to date Marketing agency.
* You tube video:
* QR code
* Social Media
* Media page on Website.
The you tube video, is a great touch and really personalises the experience.
Love the ideas
cody
29 Feb 2012This is a great post! I think it is essential to have a media kit that is with the times so to speak. Even within this post, a QR code could be replaced with an updated AR (augmented reality) link to your Kit. I am also very fond of the aspect of linking or intertwining your media kit with all aspects of media in which your company or agency may be involved i.e. social media, print, viral video, as well as print.
Reply