Reporters respond to about three percent of pitches they receive, according to a recent analysis. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are a few important tips from our Health Media Insights newsletter to help your next pitch break through the noise. 

• Make a strong first impression. Make sure your pitch shows you’ve done your homework. Reporters are more likely to respond to pitches if they’re personalized and relevant to their beats, interests and/or previous coverage.

• Keep it short and sweet. Pitches tend to be more successful when the subject line is fewer than five words, according to the analysis. On a similar note, reporters are also more likely to respond to a shorter pitch. In fact, the sweet spot is anywhere between 50 and 150 words.

• Link out to additional resources. Reporters are also more likely to respond to pitches that include links embedded in the body of an email. Linking to additional resources, such as studies or relevant news articles, can also help cut down on word count. Additionally, providing examples of recent media coverage about your company or featuring your spokesperson can be a great way to show broader interest in the topic.

To sign up for FGS’ Health Media Insights newsletter, email health@fgsglobal.com.