Joshua Milne’s PR Ramblings – April 1, 2025
Industry Coverage Can Be More Valuable Than a National Hit
I recently worked on a fast-turnaround PR project for Mythica at the Game Developers Conference (GDC). The startup wanted to showcase its innovation in open-sourcing procedural tools for game development. I have worked off-and-on within the gaming industry for more than 20 years. Thanks to my longstanding relationship with Dean Takahashi at VentureBeat, I was able to get the news in front of him, resulting in this great VentureBeat article—one of Mythica’s top-targeted outlets.
Personalize, Personalize, Personalize
Yes, it takes longer to personalize a media pitch, but in an inbox flooded with emails, personalization to a reporter makes all the difference. Have you referenced a journalist’s recent work? Checked their social feeds? Taking the time to tailor your message can significantly improve engagement. (Note to self: I need to double down on this too.)
A Simple Thank You Goes a Long Way
If a journalist covers your company, take a moment to say thanks. A quick email like, “We appreciate the coverage—thank you!” helps build lasting relationships. You’d be surprised how many reporters never hear back after writing a story. A little gratitude can set you apart.
In March, I helped existing clients secure 17 media hits, including placements in WCVB (Boston), Worcester Magazine, Boston.com, and Creative Bloq.
Thank you for tuning in to PR Ramblings! Questions, ideas, or feedback? Let’s connect.
Joshua Milne’s PR Ramblings – March 3, 2025
Podcast Coverage Can Drive New Business
It’s surprising how impactful podcast interviews can be in generating new business. A former client, Mad*Pow, saw firsthand how podcast exposure led to inbound inquiries. After featuring executives on various podcasts, they repeatedly received outreach from businesses interested in working with them. One example is their 2021 interview UI Breakfast: UI/UX Design and Product Strategy, which I helped secure.
Coverage is Never Guaranteed
Even after an interview, a company event, or sending a product for review, media coverage is never a sure thing. Journalists juggle multiple priorities – they might get pulled onto another story, find the executive’s quotes unusable, or simply not like the product they reviewed. Until you see the article published, hear the podcast aired, or watch the segment live, coverage is never confirmed.
Media Coverage is Gold – Share It!
When you do secure media coverage, maximize its impact! Share it across social media, add it to your website, and add it to your marketing materials. Customers and prospects still trust and value earned media—whether it’s a feature story, product review, or executive insights.
February Client Coverage Highlights
This past month, I secured 12 pieces of media coverage for my clients, with a lot of the articles talking about the World Marathon Challenge.
PR Ramblings from Joshua Milne PR – February 17, 2025
Hometown Coverage for the Win
For those following Boston sports, the Sunday Notes Columns in the Boston Globe are a must-read. While they primarily focus on the specific sport, they often highlight local events, new books, or fundraisers at the end of the column. I have only been able to get clients included in these columns a few times so it was really cool to see the National Baseball Poetry Festival mentioned in yesterday’s Baseball Sunday Notes column.
Repeat after Me – Don’t Go “Off the Record”
The media landscape is continually evolving. Traditionally, reporters wouldn’t include information that was discussed “off the record.” That being said, I now advise clients to avoid going “off the record” entirely. Instead, consider providing information “on background,” knowing that the info might be included without direct attribution. Remember, once you’re on the phone with a reporter, anything you say could be used in the story.
The Power of Podcasts
Looking to gain exposure for yourself or your business? Securing a podcast interview might be the way to go. Many clients have reported an increase in new business inquiries after appearing on podcasts. Listeners tend to be highly engaged, making them more likely to remember the interviewee. They also tend to be a great forum for longer form discussions.
Thank you for tuning in to PR Ramblings. If you have questions, ideas, or feedback, let’s connect!
PR Ramblings from Joshua Milne PR – January 31, 2025
Hometown Coverage for the Win
There’s a common belief that national media coverage always packs the biggest punch. But in my experience, securing multiple local hits can sometimes provide even greater value for my clients.
For example, earlier this month I pitched a World Marathon Challenge participant (run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days!) to the Tucson, AZ media. Four local TV stations expressed interest in speaking with the local runner.
Sometimes, Silence is Golden
Timing is everything when it comes to working in PR. Before distributing news – locally or nationally – it’s critical to check the broader news landscape.
For instance, when Boston was excited about the announcement of the New England Patriots’ new head coach, I stayed away from pitching any news to the Boston sports media as it wasn’t Pats-related.
Similarly, trying to pitch news to LA media during the recent wildfires would’ve been insensitive and likely ignored. When major news breaks, sometimes the best strategy is to wait until the news cycle settles.
While local journalism has been in the decline of late, I’m optimistic about its comeback in 2025.
You’re a Star
Want to boost your professional profile? Establish yourself as a trusted thought leader. How? Whether it’s reaching out to media in your industry or connecting with outlets in your hometown, introducing yourself as a reliable source can potentially be beneficial in the future.
Not ready for interviews? Instead consider providing expert commentary on LinkedIn. A short paragraph posted twice a week is enough to position yourself as an industry expert. It’s easy and effective in the long run.
January Client Coverage Highlights
This past month, I secured 9 media placements for clients, with a strong focus on hometown stories for participants in the World Marathon Challenge.
PR Ramblings from Joshua Milne PR – January 15, 2025
As 2025 is now upon us, I have created this newsletter where I can discuss PR and media relations, share insights and trends, and bring to life what exactly I do for clients.
Some topics I plan discuss include highlighting interesting press clips I have secured for clients in the past, media relations tips and tricks – both from me personally and industry pundits – and actionable things you can do to generate exposure for your brand or business.
I should add that this newsletter will be brief, to the point, and easy to read on your mobile device.
This Coverage Deserves a Gold Star
In November, I worked on a rush campaign for Eastern Standard Provisions, hoping to generate some last-minute holiday exposure. If you’re a B2C business, doing outreach to secure inclusion in holiday gift guides can be one of the smartest ways to secure exposure. It is important to add that starting this endeavor in November is an extreme rush campaign. While national gift guides can be considered the ultimate exposure for a client, I believe local publications often provide just as much impact. Thanks to some strong relationships with Boston-based food reporters, I was able to land coverage for Eastern Standard Provisions in both the Boston Globe and a roundup in Boston Magazine, arguably the two biggest and most impactful regional media outlets for this client.
Wait, I Have to Pay for a Feature Story on My Company?
The media landscape is changing fast. Years ago, you could pitch reporters to secure a profile story about your company without paying a dime. But now? It’s increasingly common for feature stories to be part of a “pay-to-play” model. While earned media feature stories still happen from time to time, they’re becoming rarer. That being said, there are other ways to get included in articles – as an expert source, as part of a roundup story, being interviewed on a podcast which can then translate into additional print or online coverage, etc.
Help Me, Help You!
Enhance your website for 2025.
Here are my two small updates that can make a big difference:
- Create a Media Contact Email: Make it easy for journalists to reach you. Something as simple as press@yourcompany.com or media@yourcompany.com can go a long way. I can’t tell you how many times reporters have been frustrated by an inability to contact someone. If they can’t reach you, they will likely move on to a competitor.
- Add an Email Subscription Widget: Even if you don’t have a newsletter now, adding an email sign-up option to your website is a smart move. It’s a great way to start building an email list that can pay off in the future when you do launch communications.
Monthly Client Coverage Highlights
In December 2024, I secured 11 pieces of coverage for my clients. Here are some key takeaways:
- This month’s media coverage spans multiple industries, from general gift guides to specialized sectors like food, business, and nonprofits.
- Coverage appeared in mainstream outlets like The Boston Globe and PitchBook, alongside niche industry leaders such as Snack Food & Wholesale Bakery.
- These placements cater to highly targeted audiences, whether they are consumers, investors, or industry professionals, helping to build strong brand visibility across key sectors.
Looking forward to sharing more media relations insights and PR tips in 2025 and beyond.
