Writing | Steven Stiefel

Dec

4 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Media Coverage

Press releases exist because you want coverage from news sources that can equate to thousands of dollars in media attention that you’d otherwise have to pay for in the form of advertising.

Because I now earn a portion of my living from gathering and curating the news in my community, I encourage everyone to subscribe to and buy ad spots that keep the lights on and the printing press rolling.

Take this blog as my suggestion of ways to supplement your paid advertising with pitching content of newsworthy value to earn that free space or air-time.

Reporters and editors always look for great stories to tell. Emphasis on the word “great” so we typically have enough discretion to ignore a story pitch if it lacks news value on its face.

Additionally, coverage increases visibility that builds authority and credibility, positioning you as an expert source in your lane. A well-told story from an efficiently delivered pitch creates loyalty and trust with both your current and prospective customers/stakeholders that translates into lasting relationships

Read on for tips that will help your organization thrive from news coverage.
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Mar

Neal Wooten Writer’s Workshop

I participated in a fantastic Writers Workshop with Neal Wooten and Martha Templeton. Some of the information covered was a refresher, but I did enjoy getting their insight into what gets published. They really drove home the importance of hooking the interest of readers in the first sentence and how agents and publishers are like anyone sorting through a pile of potential employees, rarely giving documents more than a passing glance before moving on to the next person.

Neal shared a photo of Snookie from “Jersey Shore” to illustrate the importance of having a platform of potential readers than an author can attract. In other words, the inferior author with the book proposal who can demonstrate the capacity to generate the most exposure online or by word-of-mouth will likely get a book deal faster than someone with vastly superior talent who nevertheless lacks the ability to self-promote.

Jul

Chattanooga Blogging and Corporate Copywriting

I’ve been doing a great deal of blogging lately, covering a wide range of topics and industries. I thought I would take this opportunity share some of my recent commercial writing…

Hospitality Industry Blogging

Client: Acropolis Mediterranean Grill

5 REASONS TO CHOOSE ACROPOLIS FOR A GREAT CHATTANOOGA OUTDOOR DINING EXPERIENCE

Now that warmer weather time is upon us, you definitely want to take advantage of our patio space at Acropolis. The Scenic City comes to life as a summer travel destination, offering many opportunities to dine outdoors. Here are 5 reasons why you definitely want to join us for dinner on the patio…

Client: Amigos Mexican Restaurants

How to Eat Healthy at Chattanooga Mexican Restaurants

It’s May, so that diet you vowed to follow in January may be long forgotten by now. If not, good for you! For others, keeping things like sugar in moderation is a must if eating out with diabetes or similar conditions. For those of you wanting to eat out lighter fare so you can look good on the beach this summer or feel healthier, we offer this guide to how to eat healthy at Chattanooga Mexican Restaurants.

Some Like It Hot… And Spicy!

If your attitude about Mexican food is “the hotter the better!”, this article is for you! We’re going to suggest some of the boldest dishes you can find at Chattanooga Mexican Restaurants. Technically, “spicy” is not a taste. Yes, you heard me right! Spiciness is actually a form of pain, and spicy foods contain chemicals that stimulate the pain receptors in your mouth. Some of those nerves also monitor temperature, which is why spicy foods give off a burning (hot) sensation when we eat them. The same type of reaction causes us to cry when cutting onions. If you’re like us, you know it hurts so good!…

4 Ways to Improve Your Chances of Media Coverage