
Sending out pitches early in the morning, preferably before 8 AM, can be effective. Journalists often check their emails first thing in the morning, and catching them before they dive into their day’s tasks can make your pitch stand out. Sending a pitch early ensures it’s at the top of their inbox.
If you miss the early morning window, another strategic time is around 10 AM to 12 PM, before journalists go to lunch. This is often when they look for stories to work on for the day and it is also the calmest part of a media professional’s day. They’ve settled in, sorted through the morning rush of emails, and are likely in a better position to consider new pitches before afternoon deadlines press in.
Avoid sending pitches late afternoon and evening, after 3 PM. By then, people may have already planned their stories for the next day or are too close to finishing up their day to consider new pitches.
Tuesday through Thursday are generally the best days to send pitches. People are more settled into their working week and are more receptive to new ideas and stories. Mondays are usually busy, especially for journalists, when they are catching up from the weekend, and Fridays are when they wind down, often meeting internal deadlines and less likely to start new stories. Your pitch is more likely to be overlooked or lost in the shuffle during these times.
The month is pivotal for a pitch, especially is you are looking to secure an interview in a podcast. Mid-January to the End of February is a great time as hosts are planning their upcoming episodes after the holiday break. April to May are typically when hosts look forward to filling their summer slots. Between September and October, hosts are planning their final episodes for the year and are more open to securing guests.
If the podcast operates seasonally, the best time to pitch is right after the announcement of the upcoming season. Hosts are planning their episodes and may be looking for new guests that align with the season’s themes.
Avoid major holidays and long weekends. Your pitches might go unnoticed during Christmas, New Year’s, or summer when many journalists and hosts are out of the office. Additionally, steer clear of pitching right after long weekends because they are likely catching up on piled-up emails during these times, and your pitch might get lost in the shuffle unless your content is directly related.
Timing your pitch when it aligns with relevant events or seasons can increase its relevance and urgency. For example, financial services pitches might be more timely around the end of the fiscal year or tax season.
Timing your pitch well shows professionalism and respect for the recipient’s schedule, significantly enhancing your chances of success. By planning your approach according to these guidelines, you’ll position yourself effectively for positive responses across various media and event opportunities.
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