Making Headlines: Tips for Getting Your Girl Scout Events Featured in the News
Getting your events published in local media can help you reach a wider audience and generate more buzz around your event. Here are some tips to increase your chances of getting coverage:
Identify relevant media outlets | Research local newspapers, magazines, radio stations, TV channels, and online platforms covering events and activities in your area. Understand their target audience and the types of events they usually cover.
Look at their recent articles or broadcasts to see if they have covered similar topics in the past. Make sure that your story aligns with their editorial style and core interests. Identifying journalists or reporters who regularly cover similar stories is also helpful.
For example, if your story is related to technology, you might want to target tech-focused media outlets or publications. Look for regional newspapers or TV channels if it's a local event.
Craft a compelling press release | Write a concise and engaging press release highlighting your event's key details, such as the date, time, location, purpose, and any special guests or attractions. Include quotes from organizers or participants to add a human touch. Follow standard press release formatting and include contact information for media inquiries. Keep your press release informative and newsworthy, focusing on what makes your event interesting or important to the community.
Aim for a one-page press release if possible, ensuring that all essential information is included.
Start with a Strong Headline | The headline is the first thing journalists and readers will see, so it needs to be attention-grabbing and concise.
For example:
Sweet Success Ahead: Girl Scout Cookie Season Kicks Off with Irresistible Delights and Empowered Young Entrepreneurs!
Greening Our Community: Girl Scouts Take Root in a Tree-Planting Community Service Project
Empowering Tomorrow's Innovators: Girl Scouts Step Up at Local STEM Event to Explore Science and Technology
Early in your press release, make sure you have included key details about the event, such as the theme, date, and location. An easy way to check if you’ve included all the relevant details is to check for the 5 W's make sure the opening paragraph answers the essential questions: Who, What, When, Where, and Why. This provides the necessary context for the event and entices the reader to continue reading. Include relevant information about the purpose of the event and its significance for the community.
Highlight Unique Selling Points | Emphasize what makes the Girl Scout event special and different from others. Whether it's a notable guest speaker, a community initiative, or an exciting activity, showcasing these unique selling points will make the press release more compelling. Do your best to bring the message back to the impact of Girl Scouts and the difference Girl Scouts make in your community.
Incorporate Quotes | Including quotes from key individuals involved in the event, such as Girl Scout leaders, Girl Scout participants, Girl Scout staff, or community leaders, adds a human touch and credibility to the press release. Quotes can help convey the enthusiasm and importance of the event.
Include Background Information | Offer some background information about the Girl Scout organization, its mission, and its impact on the community. This helps journalists understand the broader context and significance of the event.
Personalize your approach | This might be a specific editor, reporter, or the events department. Call or email the outlet to inquire about the correct contact information if it's not readily available. Address the press release to the appropriate contact person at each media outlet. Take the time to find out the name and title of the journalist or editor responsible for event coverage. Personalizing your communication shows that you've done your research and increases the chances of grabbing their attention. Briefly explain why your event would be of interest to their readers or viewers.
Follow submission guidelines | Pay close attention to any submission guidelines provided by the media outlets. Some prefer email submissions, while others have specific online forms or submission portals. Some outlets will even have designated event calendars. Adhere to their requirements to ensure your press release doesn't get overlooked.
Timing is crucial | Send your press release well in advance of the event, ideally two to four weeks prior. This gives journalists enough time to review and consider your story. If it's a high-profile event, you may even want to send a "save the date" announcement several months in advance.
Include compelling visuals | Attach high-quality, relevant images or videos along with your press release. Visual content can significantly enhance the chances of your event being featured. Make sure your visuals are eye-catching and professionally produced. Be sure you use the current Girl Scout and GSNWGL branding, including logos, servicemarks, and the GSNWGL acronym. Make sure they are attached or easily accessible for download from a cloud storage platform like OneDrive or Dropbox.
Please ask us! The GSNWGL Brand & Communications team is happy to provide our logos, high-quality photos, or videos to complement your press release. Email your request to info@gsnwgl.org.
Build relationships with journalists | Networking and establishing relationships with local journalists can be highly beneficial. Attend local press events or invite journalists to cover your previous events. Engage with them on social media and show genuine interest in their work. When you have a good rapport, they may be more likely to consider covering your future events.
Offer exclusive stories or interviews | Provide journalists with exclusive angles, interviews, or behindthe-scenes access to your event. Offering unique content gives them a reason to prioritize your event over others. Consider reaching out to key journalists individually to offer these exclusives.
Follow up politely | After sending your press release, wait a few days, and then follow up with a polite email or phone call to inquire if they received it and need any additional information. Be courteous and professional, understanding that journalists receive numerous pitches and might not respond immediately. Most importantly - be respectful of their time and deadlines.
Leverage social media and online platforms | Share information about your event on your social media channels and relevant online platforms in your community. Tag local media outlets and journalists and encourage attendees to share their excitement. Sometimes, media professionals browse social media for event ideas or may notice the buzz surrounding your event.
Questions | Remember, getting media coverage for your event is not guaranteed. Still, by following these tips and presenting your event in a compelling and professional manner, you can improve your chances of getting your events published in local media. Publication and coverage require persistence and building relationships. Even if your event doesn't get published immediately, don't be discouraged. Keep trying, and with time, your efforts will pay off.