Need some tips please

[Pet Nanny]

I have just approached the editor of the Ramblers magazine, with a view to getting some editorial for sitters.

At least 4 of our staff belong to the Ramblers, and pet sitting is a great opportunity for them to visit different groups all over the country, while obviously taking along their new found doggie friends.

Just spoken to the editor, and he basically said that I would need to convince him that it would be of interest to his readers.

I need a good strong, catchy headline, and angle. You have helped me before, so I'm hoping you can do it again. A peice in this mag may well find us the sitters we are desperate for.

 

[pvcprinting]

Dont Amble, Ramble with your pet?

nina - would a rambler really need a pet sitter? wouldnt they take them along with them?

 

[dotwhack]

Bravo!
R u a secret copywriter?

 

[pvcprinting]

I wouldnt like to say

 

[imp man]

I'm not sure why you put so much emphasis on the headline. You could have the funniest headline since the dawn of time but if there is no substance to the story or if the story is not right for the publication then it is not goling to be used.

 

[dotwhack]

Offer Ramblers readers a discount - then it's of interest!

 

[imp man]

Offer Ramblers readers a discount - then it's of interest!

Not to the editor. If you are approaching someone for editorial coverage then it has to be of interest specifically to ramblers. Otherwise their magazine would be filled with discount offers from banks, supermarkets. car dealers, bookshops etc

 

[Pet Nanny]

No guys, you have it all wrong. I am not advertising our service, I want pet sitters.

Three of my sitters belong to the Ramblers, and its a great way of them joining new walks in different areas, taking our clients dogs with them. hence the story angle.

 

[dotwhack]

oh sorry - i thought you were looking for PR your services.

So you need to decide what benefits an article on recruiting pet sitters will bring to the readers - correct?

Wages
Opportunity to travel - and explore more rambles
Lifestyle enrichment - the therapy side of things i.e. pets relieve stress (although no-ones told my dogs that), stop people being lonely etc

any help?

 

[Fill-Your-World]

Maybe if you set out a few questions, and do some mini-interviews with the sitters you already have, you might stumble across a story or angle that you can develop upon. Just an idea, but it might just give you the inspiration you are looking for

 

[Pet Nanny]

Yes, that's the angle I would go for. It's just nice to get other peoples feedback, and of course anything else that I may miss.

 

[Pet Nanny]

What about 'Rambling towards a new job' for a title.

Just a thought!

 

[Fuzzy]

What about 'Rambling towards a new job' for a title.

Just a thought!

Fuzzy loving that!

 

[Marzipan]

'Rambling towards a new job'

That's catchy! If they do run an article though, I should think the editorial team will want to come up with the headline for the mag so your headline needs to grab the editors attention really, followed by a solid case of why becoming a pet sitter can reap big rewards for his readers. Could just be a case of turning the headline into "How your readers can ramble towards a new job" or "Help your readers to find profitable trails".

IMO the opportunity to go to different parts of the country exploring new trails and meeting other groups is probably the main interest for his readers, with the fact that they'd be paid to do this being the icing on the cake. Laura had a great idea about brainstorming it with the ramblers you already have on your books, and if you ask them for some back copies of the magazine so you can flick through and get a feel for what kind of articles the editor seems to favour that might give you a heads up as well.

One other thing, I presume you don't only do dogs so what about ramblers with other pets they'd like sitters for while they go off on a jaunt to pastures new - would it be worthwhile running an ad in the magazine? Editorial articles can sometimes be looked on more favourably if you're also an advertiser with them.

 

[pvcprinting]

That is the way to go nina

 

[dave_n]

Rambling with Rex

 

[Pet Nanny]

I just love this forum, and the people who take the time to help others.

As always great feedback, and I have taken all the points on board.

Big cyber hug to you all x

 

[Fuzzy]

I second that!

 

[pvcprinting]

Big hug right back at ya Nina,

Good luck with this, looks like a great oppurtunity

Regards

Pete

 

[Pet Nanny]

I have just emailed a newspaper in Hemel. One of the journalists and I locked horns on one occasion and since that time, they have refused to give us further editorial.

Still, I am a trier if nothing else lol