Preparing for a Virtual TV Interview

by | Dec 9, 2020 | Public Relations, Public Relations Building, TV Advertising, Uncategorized

Image Marketing’s Director of Client Services Katherine Bolas appeared in a recent virtual tv interview on Better Connecticut! ule Advanced settings.

Broadcast interviews are invaluable. They provide a direct platform to increase brand awareness and credibility, and allow consumers to see the ‘personal’ side of your business.

Though the benefits of TV interviews haven’t changed since the start of the pandemic, the interviews themselves look different. Social distancing regulations have prompted most news stations to conduct interviews via Skype or Zoom, instead of inviting guests to their studios. 

Virtual interviews expand coverage opportunities for businesses and media outlets, who can now host guests located anywhere, at any time. Given these benefits, virtual interviews are likely to outlive the pandemic. Knowing how to prepare for them will definitely give your business a competitive edge in our virtual world.

Having secured 20+ virtual tv interviews for our clients in just the past few weeks alone, the Image Marketing PR team is no stranger to the spotlight (even if we’ve traded in professional studio lights for our own at home “studio” set-up and ring light for the time being!) Read on for our team’s best tips and tricks to best prepare for your next virtual interview.

 

Here are the 3 key steps to preparing for your broadcast tv virtual interview: 

 

TIP #1: SET THE STAGE

Your “Zoom-Studio” should replicate the clarity and intimacy of an in-person interview. A clean backdrop, personable camera angle, and excellent lighting ensure that your viewers (and interviewer) engage with what matters most: you, your business, and your message. 

Backdrop

Keep your backdrop tidy and simple; avoid sitting in front of cluttered shelves, patterned walls, or posters. These items can distract your audience, or even steer conversation away from your business. 

Camera Angle 

Place your camera at eye-level, and sit about two feet away from your device. Keeping your face “center stage” will help you appear confident and professional.

Lighting

Be sure to avoid shadows or harsh lighting. Welcoming, natural light helps your audience form positive associations with your business. While natural light is preferable, it can be replicated with blue-tinted LED bulbs. 

Facing your light source eliminates shadows created by back and side-light; but, be sure to sit several feet away to avoid appearing “washed out.” 

Pro-tip: to take your lighting set-up to the next level, consider purchasing an inexpensive ring light.  They’re easy to use and will help eliminate any harsh shadows and make your set-up look professional and polished.

Tip #2: DRESS THE PART

Hoodies and sweats may be our “new normal,” but it’s important to dress your best!

Dangling headphones and multi-colored or patterned clothing can be distracting. Instead, opt for wireless headphones (or none at all), simple jewelry, amd a solid, long sleeve top. This will prevent you from getting “lost” in your backdrop, and keep your audience focused on your responses. When it comes to color, wear what you feel most confident in, but keep in mind that most tv studios will tell you to avoid wearing white or black, as they can appear unflattering in harsh lighting. 

 

TIP #3: PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT!

Practicing for your interview (independently or with colleagues!)  will help eliminate technical challenges, and help you feel more confident. 

Practicing also provides the opportunity to check that your headphones and microphone are working properly, and your lighting and backdrop are well suited for a television appearance. 

Zoom’s recording feature enables you to record and watch your practice interviews. Observing how you look, sound, and interact with the “interviewer” will help you perfect your body language, and eliminate any vague, awkward, or unnecessary elements in your responses or pitch.

 

Conclusion

A successful interview will help develop your brand and bridge the gap between you and your customers. Practicing, setting the stage, and dressing the part, will ensure you get the most out of your virtual TV interview.

Now that you know how to ace your interview, need some help getting your segment booked? Contact us for help developing media relationships, earning television exposure, and highlighting your business to the right audience!

 

Sources:

 

https://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/what-to-wear-zoom-meeting/

https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/5-ways-to-look-your-best-on-your-next-zoom-meeting.html

http://www.metiscomm.com/guide/broadcast-interview-guide

 

 

 

Now Is the Time to Start Focusing On Your Public Relations

by | Jul 29, 2020 | Public Relations, Uncategorized

Most businesses in 2020 understand the power of social media in building a relationship with customers, but have you ever considered how public relations can impact your marketing results? While social media marketing helps to build brand awareness, a public relations strategy will complement your social media efforts to further build trust between you and your customers.

As a public relations agency in Connecticut, we help build, maintain and manage the reputation of our clients. Recently, with COVID-19 saturating the news, it seems many businesses need to plan their marketing strategies day-by-day, rather than building out long-term campaigns. With so much uncertainty, it can be difficult to find an angle when it comes to pitching a newsworthy story to the media. This leads to the question: Why is NOW the time to start focusing on public relations in Connecticut?

Fact: Public Relations is 30% to 50% more cost effective than advertising. (Source: Strategic Vision PR Group)

Paid Media Versus Earned Media

First, let’s cover the basics. You’ve probably heard that Public Relations is all about “earned” media, but what does that really mean? It’s easiest to understand when you compare paid media versus earned media. Paid media efforts can be an important component of a well-rounded marketing campaign. Simply put, paid media refers to all the promotional opportunities your brand needs to pay for, from traditional print advertising and event sponsorship, to digital ad buys and social media targeting. On the other hand, earned media includes results from unpaid coverage received from outside media outlets, influencers, and even customers themselves. Earned media Public Relations efforts provide valuable visibility for your company – when a third-party shares content on your company’s behalf, it adds a level of trust and credibility that paid media simply can’t provide.

Incorporate Positive News

With the coronavirus still top-of-mind, more and more people are consuming news media on a more frequent basis, looking to stay informed on the current status of the pandemic. Because the news is so saturated with all things COVID-19, now is the time to be strategic with the lens through which your company shares its content. For example, think of all the ways your business has changed in response to COVID-19. From new business procedures to new product lines, consumers are interested in hearing from Connecticut businesses that are leading the way in finding news ways to adapt and thrive in our changing world. Furthermore, the media is also seeking out positive, human-interest stories to help balance out the daily “bad news” reporting surrounding the pandemic. Now is the time to pitch those uplifting, human interest stories about your business that can provide the public with some much needed positive news coverage to digest.

Have a Crisis Communications Plan

While the news media is seeking softer, positive news stories to counterbalance the hard news reporting on the pandemic, it is also important to consider the importance of having a crisis communications plan in place. A crisis can be defined as any threat to your business’ operations, finances or reputation that has the potential for negative consequences if not managed properly. Creating a crisis communications plan helps minimize any negative impacts, so that your company can regain control of the conversation and ultimately protect your business and stakeholders from further backlash. A strong crisis communications plan that incorporates proactive PR responses will help your business confidently navigate through the coronavirus.

Flashback: In the days prior to COVID-19 and social distancing, we managed the event coordination & publicity for an event with Mark Wahlberg (and 2,000+ happy fans!) for our client @westfieldtru – We had a blast welcoming Mark and his crew to Connecticut’s first Wahlburgers!

Art of the Pitch

Considering the state of the world, it is critical to think through your news pitch. What is the angle or viewpoint you are bringing to the table? Focus on how your business can be of benefit to both the media outlet, and to their viewers/readers. 

Don’t forget to think outside the box when it comes to drafting your media pitch list, too. Beyond traditional broadcast and print outlets, there’s digital magazines, blogs, influencers and community groups to consider. Get creative with how you share your message!

Long Term Benefits

Pitching your business’ stories in the Connecticut media market has many long term benefits. You start to build relationships with the local reporters and journalists that cover your industry and local community. Your brand can authentically build a strong rapport with the public. Ultimately, this increases your overall brand awareness and engagement – potentially transforming into additional sales, leads, clients, etc. – positively impacting your bottom line. (Because isn’t that what we all want?)

Why You Should Contact Image Marketing Consultants

President Kate Terricciano is an expert when it comes to securing valuable PR coverage for her clients in Connecticut. If you’re seeing insufficient results from your marketing efforts, consider the value a strategic PR plan can bring to your company. Word-of-mouth and earned media coverage are great ways to generate brand awareness, and there’s no better time than the present to tell your company’s story. Contact us to see how public relations can benefit your CT company right now.