Crafting The Perfect Media Pitch: A Startup Founder’s Playbook Using ChatGPT

Raymond Yeh
4 min readDec 3, 2023
Send the message with AI

If you’re a startup founder aiming for the stars, you know that securing media coverage isn’t just a vanity metric; it’s a game-changing strategy to amplify your brand’s message.

Storming onto the media’s radar, however, isn’t a task for the faint-hearted. In the competitive startup sphere, your pitch must shine brighter than the rest.

And luckily, armed with ChatGPT, you’re about to craft a media pitch that not only stands out but sticks.

The Art and Science of The Media Pitch

Writing a media pitch that captures a journalist’s attention holds a delicate balance between creativity and precision. Your pitch is not just an email; it’s a gateway to your startup’s story — and you want it to open doors.

But how do you write one that’s persuasive enough to rise above the noise?

ChatGPT can guide you through this journey, but before we enlist its help, let’s dissect the makings of a successful media pitch.

Unearth Your USP

Your startup’s unique selling proposition (USP) isn’t just a fancy term; it’s the heart of your media pitch. It’s vital to deliver your USP in a manner that’s succinct yet striking. This isn’t just about what you do; it’s about why you matter.

Embrace the Newsworthy Narrative

Journalists are always on the hunt for fresh and impactful stories. Align your startup with a current trend or a pain point you’re addressing. This provides immediate relevance and increases the likelihood of your pitch getting noticed.

The PAS Framework: More Than a Buzzword

The Problem-Agitate-Solution (PAS) framework is your playbook for compelling storytelling. Start by highlighting a problem, intensify the need for a solution, and then present your startup as the hero with its unique answer to the issue.

Know and Grow with Your Audience

Understanding the journalist’s beat and their readers is crucial. Your pitch should reflect insights into their interests, ensuring that your story is not just heard but resonates with them.

Customization is Key

Hit the bullseye with a personalized approach. Use ChatGPT to craft bespoke pitches that speak directly to each journalist’s niche.

The Supporting Cast: Data and Testimonials

Proof is power. Support your claims with data, testimonials, and user feedback. This evidence builds credibility and paints a vivid picture of your startup’s impact.

Your Direct Line: The Call to Action

Conclude with clarity. Be explicit about what you’re asking the journalist to do next, whether that’s an interview or more information. Don’t leave them guessing — give them the next step.

Putting it together — The ChatGPT Prompt

Long gone are the days of staring at a blank screen, struggling with drafts. With ChatGPT at your side, structuring your media pitch becomes an engaging and efficient process. Refine your startup’s narrative, ensure a professional tone, and personalize every word with AI-assisted precision using this prompt:

Given that I am the founder of an startup, create a media pitch following the PAS (Problem-Agitate-Solution) framework to generate coverage for my startup. Begin by introducing a problem relevant to the current industry climate that my startup aims to address.

Communicate the urgency of the problem and how it affects potential customers or the industry at large. Agitate by elaborating on the consequences if this problem goes unresolved.

Then, present the solution my startup offers, detailing its unique advantages and how it stands apart from the competition. Ensure this section of the pitch showcases my startup’s USP in a compelling manner.

Incorporate key data points or testimonials that prove the efficacy of our solution. Be concise yet impactful with this evidence to build credibility.

Conclude with a direct call to action, prompting the journalist to take the next step, such as arranging an interview or requesting more information.

Please maintain a professional tone throughout the pitch but ensure it feels personalized to the journalist's beat and interests. Attach any relevant press releases or additional materials that would assist the journalist in seeing the full potential of the story.

The pitch should not exceed 350 words, allowing for quick readability while being rich in content. Format the pitch in Markdown for readability and emphasis where needed.

Before we begin, you may start by asking me a series of questions to help you with the task.

Our example conversation showcases this prompt in action, providing a glimpse into the streamlined productivity that awaits.

As you endeavor to spotlight your startup, let ChatGPT be your drafting partner, refining your media outreach to a fine art. With these key plays at hand, your media pitch is ready to leave a mark — securing the coverage that could very well be your launchpad to success.

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