Imagine waking up to a flood of orders, your inbox buzzing with new customer emails, and your brand’s name plastered across Forbes, The New York Times, or Vogue.
Sounds like a dream, right?
There’s a simple, repeatable method that anyone can apply to break into major publications, using a value-driven approach that journalists actually respond to.
In this post, i’m unpacking the CPR pitching method, why journalists actually want to hear from you, and how you can start landing press coverage—today.
Let’s dive in.
Most people fail at PR because they pitch like they’re writing an ad.
Journalists don’t care about your product’s features or your latest sale. They’re not your customers. They care about stories, trends, and value.
That’s why the CPR Method was developed—a simple framework that makes your pitch irresistible to journalists. Here’s how it works:
C – Credibility
Why should they listen to you? Have you been featured before? Are you an expert in your space? Did you create a product for a specific reason? Your credibility doesn’t have to be massive—it just needs to be compelling.
P – Point of View
What’s your unique angle? Journalists don’t want generic pitches. They want a story—something tied to a trend, season, or cultural moment.
For example:
- Instead of pitching just a skincare brand, frame it as: “The Winter Skincare Routine Dermatologists Swear By”
- Instead of pitching a new travel bag, try: “The Ultimate Packing Hack for Your Italian Summer Getaway”
R – Relevance
Why now? Journalists work on tight deadlines, so your pitch needs to be relevant to the current season, trend, or major event.
- Q4? Pitch holiday gift guides.
- Summer? Pitch travel or wedding-related products.
- A major pop culture moment? Find a way to tie your brand into it.
For example, when White Lotus was trending, a swimwear brand could pitch: “The Best Swimsuits for Your White Lotus-Inspired Vacation”.
See how that instantly connects with what people are already talking about?
How to Find the Right Journalists to Pitch
Knowing who to pitch is just as important as knowing how to pitch.
Here’s how to build your own media list—without spending money on PR databases:
1. Use Google News Alerts
Go to Google News and type in your industry keyword (e.g., “sustainable fashion” or “best protein powder”). Look at who’s writing the latest articles on these topics, and write down their names and emails.
2. Follow Journalists on Twitter & LinkedIn
Most journalists post their recent articles and pitch requests on Twitter using the hashtag #journorequest. Follow them, engage with their content, and when the time is right—send your pitch.
3. Sign Up for HARO (Help a Reporter Out)
HARO is a free service where journalists send out requests for expert quotes and product recommendations. Sign up at helpareporter.com and respond to relevant queries.
How to Write a Winning Media Pitch (With Example)
Here’s a CPR-based pitch template you can use right now:
Subject Line: Best Holiday Stocking Stuffers Under $20 (Editor’s Pick)
Hi [Journalist’s Name],
As holiday shopping ramps up, readers are looking for affordable yet thoughtful gifts. That’s why I wanted to share [Your Product], a [one-liner about what makes it unique].
Here’s why it stands out:
- Perfect for last-minute shoppers – Ships in 48 hours
- Eco-friendly & sustainable – Made from 100% recycled materials
- Already a bestseller – 5,000+ five-star reviews on Amazon
Available at: [Website or Amazon link] | Price: $19.99 | Ships nationwide
Happy to send a sample if you’re working on a gift guide!
Best,
[Your Name]
[Your Email]
[Your Website]
Why PR is the Most Underrated Growth Strategy
Here’s why PR beats ads, social media, and influencer marketing every time:
✅ SEO Power: A single press mention can boost your rankings for years.
✅ Credibility: When Forbes features you, customers instantly trust you more.
✅ Free Traffic: No ad spend required—just one pitch can drive thousands of new visitors.
And the best part? Once you land one feature, it’s easier to keep getting featured.
Your PR Action Plan
Here’s your 3-step action plan to get started today:
✅ Write your first CPR pitch – Keep it short, relevant, and timely.
✅ Find 10 journalists in your niche – Use Google News, Twitter, and HARO.
✅ Send your pitch & follow up – If you don’t hear back, tweak your approach and try again.
Now over to you: What’s stopping you from pitching your brand to the media? Drop a comment below and let’s get you featured!