How to Use Your Media List

CSV File: Comma-Separated Values format is compatible with most spreadsheet software and CRM systems. CSV files are plain text files without any formatting data (fonts, colors, cell styles).

• Pros: Compatible with any spreadsheet software (including Excel); Easy to import into any CRM or database.
• Cons: No formatting (fonts, colors, cell styles)
• Best For: importing into a CRM or database where formatting will not matter.

Excel File: Excel files store data in a proprietary format developed by Microsoft which contains not only the data, but also the information about formatting, formulas, charts, and other visual elements.

If you're still curious about which file type is best for you, we took a deep dive into this topic on our blog. Click here to learn more about Choosing Between CSV or Excel Files for Your Media List.

How to Import Your Media List into Different Platforms:

Importing your media list into Microsoft Excel:

1. Open Excel: Launch Microsoft Excel on your computer.
2. Import Data: Go to the "Data" tab on the Excel ribbon and select "Get Data" or "From Text/CSV" depending on your version of Excel.
3. Select File: Choose the downloaded CSV or XLS file from Media List Market on your computer and click "Import."
4. Set Delimiter: If prompted, specify the delimiter (comma) used in your CSV file and click "Next."
5. Preview Data: Review the preview of your data to ensure it is correctly formatted, then click "Load" to import the data into Excel.

Importing your media list into Apple Numbers:

1. Open Numbers: Launch the Numbers app on your Mac or iOS device.
2. Create New Spreadsheet: Start a new spreadsheet or open an existing on where you want to import your media list.
3. Import File: Go to "File" > "Import" and select the downloaded CSV or XLS file from your computer.
4. Adjust Import Settings: Choose the appropriate import settings, such as delimiter and text encoding, then click "Import."

Importing your media list into Google Sheets:

1. Open Google Sheets: Access Google Sheets through your web browser.
2. Create New Sheet: Start a new spreadsheet or open an existing one where you want to import the data.
3. Import File: Go to "File" > "Import" > "Upload" and select the downloaded CSV or XLS file from your computer.
4. Adjust Import Settings: Choose the import settings when prompted, and click "Import data."

Navigating Media Contact Data

We've carefully crafted your media list to be a treasure trove of valuable information that can help you identify the most relevant contacts for your PR campaigns. Here are a couple examples of how to navigate the data in your new media lists.

Sorting Your Media List by Domain Authority (DA)

Sorting your media list spreadsheet by Domain Authority (DA) can help you prioritize contacts from high-authority publications. If you're using media outreach as part of an SEO backlink strategy, or are just looking for the most reputable publications to represent your brand, you can sort your data by the "DA" column to find the best media contacts for your PR goals.

Higher DA indicates greater credibility and influence, making it advantageous to target such outlets for media coverage. Typically, the higher the Domain Authority on a do-follow backlink, the greater the positive impact on your Google ranking.

Sorting Your Media List by Publication

Media List Market prides itself on providing comprehensive media lists that include more data fields and more publications than any of our media list competitors. In our media lists, you'll find media contacts for:

• Newspapers
• Magazines
• Online/Digital Magazines & News Sites
• Blogs
• Local Television Programs
• National Television Programs
• Radio
• Podcasts

Sorting your media list by the type of publication allows you to segment contacts based on their focus and audience demographics. This segmentation can help you tailor your pitches and messages more effectively to each publication's niche and audience.

Media List Data Fields

To conduct targeted PR outreach, it's essential to understand the various data fields included in your media list and how they aid in more effective communication. Below are the data fields included in each type of media list, along with a description of their significance.

Category Media Lists

• Publication: Name of the publication.
• Type of Publication: Categorization of the publication (e.g., magazine, blog, podcast, newspaper, etc.) to categorize and prioritize your media outreach.
• Website: URL of the publication's website to see the latest content and have a general understanding of the publication.
• Address, City, State, Zip Code: Location details of the publication.
• Phone Number: Contact number of the publication to call for specific inquiries such as finding a specific media contact's email or developing a contact in the newsroom to address a press release to.
• Publication's Social Media Profiles: Links to the publication's social media profiles including X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, and LinkedIn to see what kind of content they are sharing and get a better feel for their audience and content.
• Unique Visitors Per Month (UVPM): Estimated monthly visitors to the publication's website to gain a better understanding of your potential audience and have measurable metrics for your reporting.
• Domain Authority (DA): Measure of the publication's website authority and credibility to help prioritize your media outreach.
• General Editorial Contact Email: Email address for general editorial inquiries/the editorial team when you don't need to email a targeted journalist.
• Description of the Publication: A brief overview of the publication's focus and content to get a better understanding of how your brand or product can provide value to their audience.
• Keywords + Unique Features: Keywords and distinctive features that characterize the publication's content and can help you organize publications by finding the most relevant media outlets for specific PR campaigns or brands.
• Content Pillars: Core topics or themes covered by the publication to find publications that fit your brand or product best.
• Publication Tone: Tone, style, and voice of the publication's content to help frame the messaging and format of your PR pitch.
• Pitch Notes: Notes and insights to help guide your pitching strategy or alert you to valuable PR intel that can aid your pitch.
• Masthead Link: Link to the publication's masthead or editorial team page to find additional media contacts, as needed.
• Journalist Contact Information: Details of individual journalists and/or editors associated with the publication including name, title, email, and social media profiles so you can conduct authentic targeted PR outreach.

How to Use Your Media List for Effective PR Outreach

Now that you're familiar with the data fields included in your media list and how to navigate that data effectively, here are some tips on how to leverage your new media list for successful PR outreach:

1. Personalize Your Pitches: Use the journalist and publication details from your media list to craft personalized PR pitches. Address journalists by name, reference their recent and relevant content, and tailor your messaging to align with the publication's tone and content pillars.
2. Segment Your Contacts: Segment your media list based on relevant criteria such as publication type, audience demographics, or content focus. This allows you to send targeted pitches to the most appropriate contacts.
3. DO NOT MASS EMAIL: Not only will this quickly lower your email deliverability and possibly get your email address reported as spam, but it will not help you get any more coverage. Aim for quality over quantity and choose media publications you truly believe would feature your brand, product, or service.
4. Track Engagement Metrics: Monitor the success of your PR outreach efforts by tracking metrics such as open rates, click-through rates, and media coverage. Analyzing these metrics helps you refine your strategies and optimize future outreach campaigns.
5. Follow-Up Strategically: Follow up with journalists after sending your initial pitch, but do so tactfully and respectfully. Journalists are people, too, and their time is valuable. In your follow up, provide additional helpful information or offer assistance to give something of value rather than just asking for a favor for media coverage, which brings us to...
6. Provide Value: Offer journalists valuable and newsworthy content that aligns with their interests, and their audience's. Find a genuine way to position your brand or product as a solution to their readers' needs or challenges.

Ready to elevate your PR outreach?

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Or, explore our Free PR Resources and blog for more detailed insights and how-to guides on effective media outreach strategies. We want to provide you with all the tools and knowledge you need to secure valuable media coverage and amplify your message.

Remember, ethical and strategic PR practices are key to building positive relationships with journalists and securing meaningful media coverage for your brand or product. Use your media list wisely, and always prioritize transparency, relevance, and respect in your communications.

Happy pitching!