Election season can be a notoriously challenging time for brands looking for media coverage. With the airwaves, newspapers, and social media feeds dominated by political candidates, debates, and polling data, it’s easy for non-political news to get lost in the shuffle. That means fewer media hits for your brand. Here’s how to cut through the clutter and get your story heard.
Know the Landscape During Election Season
Election seasons usually follow predictable patterns: from the intense candidate debates to voter turnout campaigns and, eventually, the final Election Day push. Media outlets focus heavily on political coverage, leaving limited room for non-election stories. If your brand wants to gain media traction, you need to understand the competitive media landscape and adjust your strategies accordingly.
If your brand operates in the political or social spheres, you might find natural opportunities to insert yourself into ongoing election conversations. However, for other industries, it’s important to understand how to pivot accordingly and mind your niche.
Get the Timing Right
The key to getting media attention during election season is relevance. Brands that align their messaging with current events without forcing a connection are more likely to capture journalists’ attention. Ask yourself: How can your brand or product speak to the issues people are talking about right now?
For example, a tech company could share insights into how technology shapes elections or discuss cybersecurity concerns. A healthcare brand might offer expert commentary on healthcare policy debates during the election. Even lifestyle brands can get in on the action by aligning with cultural trends sparked by election season, like promoting unity.
Position Your Brand as Break from the Buzz
Journalists are always on the lookout for non-election stories that provide a break from the intensity of the political news cycle. Position your brand as a breath of fresh air. For instance, a wellness company might pitch a story on stress relief during election season, helping people cope with the intensity of political coverage. This connects to the current climate and presents a relevant and helpful angle.
Audiences are more likely to engage with stories about upcoming events or actionable thought leadership that addresses business challenges. Content with a clear call-to-action or next step for readers usually stands out in a crowded media landscape.
News that provides a refreshing break from the election buzz, like positive community impact stories, can also resonate with both reporters and audiences experiencing election fatigue. So, lean into authentic storytelling to engage audiences with content that gives them a break from election year noise.
Stay Focused and Keep it Local
To stand out, you should stay focused on your message and make sure you keep it local. Localizing your content can give it a better chance of breaking through. Tailor your message to address the unique challenges, events or opportunities in the local area. Whether highlighting a community partnership, supporting a local cause, or discussing a regional issue, focusing on local relevance can make your pitch more appealing to journalists and more relatable to audiences.
Zeroing in on your brand’s core message and giving it a local angle will increase your chances of standing out in the crowded media space during election season. It’s a strategic way to ensure your story feels both timely and meaningful to your audience.
It Easy for Journalists to Say Yes
When reporters are inundated with political content, your media pitches need to arrive early and be consistent. Election cycles can create unpredictable news moments, so having your pitch ready to go at just the right time can help make your story an easier sell.
Reporters appreciate pitches that are easy to execute. When crafting your pitch, provide clear, concise information and make sure it’s newsworthy. Also, high-quality images and readily available quotes can make your story more appealing to time-strapped journalists.
Providing data, research, or quotes from experts can also add credibility to your pitch. For instance, offering insights into how your brand or industry responds to election-related issues—such as economic uncertainty or shifts in consumer behavior—can lend weight to your story.
Call in the Professionals
While many companies attempt to manage their PR efforts in-house, there often comes a point where the expertise and resources of a dedicated PR firm are needed to evolve your brand to the next level. Election season could be that moment for your brand.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It could be the difference between the coverage you want and need and no coverage at all. PR firms invest a great deal of time in building valuable relationships with the media. They can leverage those relationships to help tell your story. PR firms also have their finger on the pulse of the latest content trends. Let them use those insights to help you find the right angle for your pitches.
While election season can make quality media coverage harder to come by, with the right strategies, brands can still thrive. You can cut through the noise and secure valuable media coverage by aligning with timely topics, offering fresh perspectives, and making life easier for journalists. For more information on getting media during election season, schedule a meeting with RPR today.