Rachel Chang, a seasoned journalist with more than two decades of editorial experience, has built a successful career in travel and pop culture reporting. Formerly a Senior Editor at Us Weekly, Editor-in-Chief at J-14, and Entertainment Editor at CosmoGIRL!, today Rachel is a freelance writer and editor. She regularly contributes to Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure, and has taken on editing projects for Tripadvisor and Time. Additionally, she has written for Lonely Planet, New York Times for Kids, Wall Street Journal’s Buy Side, Washington Post, and Hemispheres, among other media outlets. In this week’s episode, Lexie Smith and Rachel Chang discuss Rachel’s career and her expertise in producing SEO-driven news pieces and stories. Rachel walks through her tips on how to incorporate more SEO-driven news writing into content and freelance work in the digital age of journalism. Here’s What You’ll Learn:More about SEO-driven news writing and how it applies to journalism and storytellingRachel’s thoughts on the need to understand SEO as a journalistThe significant role of SEO in her work as a freelance journalistTips on incorporating SEO-driven content into writing Different SEO tools that she usesConnecting trending moments with specific beat coverage‘Formulas’ for headlines that generate viewsThe importance of humanizing pitchesHer personal pitching preferencesAnd more!Listener Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelschang/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelchang/Conde Nast Recent Articles: https://www.cntraveler.com/contributor/rachel-changSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

In this first minisode of season 6, Lexie Smith drops tips, strategies and hacks to try when pitching follow-ups. From free tools, to what to include in the body of the email pitch, Lexie shares how she and her team conduct thoughtful and relevant follow-ups at THEPRBAR Agency. Here’s What You’ll Learn:How a recent Pitching SOS Training she conducted with a PR client inspired this episodeThe importance of sending follow-ups when pitching pressFree tools you can use to help in the follow-up processPitching Follow-Up Hacks & Strategies to TrySpecific platforms and items to research prior to sending a follow-up What to include in the body of an email pitch when following upAnd more!Listener Links: Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Elaine Ayensu Mensah is a fashion and luxury founder and strategic brand advisor. She has worked with brands across industries such as Netflix, HBO, Starz, British Fashion Council, London College of Fashion, Deloitte, and US Small Business Administration, to name a few). Her company, Showroom Etc. Provides a bridge between African designers, brands, and artists and the North American mass market through entertainment, media, retail, hospitality, and arts. Showroom Etc. Clients have been seen in blockbuster films, hit television shows, and Hollywood red carpets. In this episode, Lexie and Elaine walk through Elaine’s career, exploring the twists and turns that have shaped her journey and led her to where she is today. Elaine breaks down the strategies behind how Showroom Etc. has landed TV product placements, film partnerships, and collaborations with major shows, networks, and studios across Hollywood.  Here’s What You’ll Learn:Elaine’s career journey The start and development of Showroom Etc.Showroom Etc.’s mission and Elaine’s commitment to promoting the world of African fashionHow she has landed major product placements across TV shows and film.How to enter the TV and film industry as a new fashion designer or brand. Who to pitch to land placements on TV, and how to cultivate long-lasting relationships. How the fee structure works when landing TV placementsWhen you’re ready to pursue these opportunities, and how to leverage the opportunity to increase salesAnd more!Listener Links: Instagram - @elainemensah @showroometcetcLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/elainemensah/                 https://www.linkedin.com/company/showroometc/Website -  www.showroometc.comSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Michelle Songy is a serial tech entrepreneur and founder and CEO of Press Hook, a media relations platform that connects brands, media, publicists, and journalists. Recognized as a changemaker in the PR industry, Michelle recently earned her spot on PRWeek’s Dashboard 25, a list of the most influential people in communications technology, representing the enterprises that are shaping your tech stack. She has more than a decade of experience developing, managing, and marketing businesses from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies.In this episode, Lexie and Michelle Michelle dive into Press Hook’s inception and growth over the years. They explore its evolution in the ever-changing landscape of journalism and media, particularly in relation to AI and media strategy. Michelle highlights how leveraging AI can enhance your media strategy. Here’s What You’ll Learn:Michelle Songy’s background in media and journalismThe inception of Press HookAdvantages of using Press Hook for your businessHow to effectively use the Press Hook platform for your PR strategyTactics to enhance your media strategyTips on navigating the world of AI in relation to media and PRAnd More!Discount Code for Press Hook: pitchin50Listener Links: Social Media and Website Links:https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellesongy/https://www.linkedin.com/company/presshook/https://www.instagram.com/thepresshook/https://www.presshook.comSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

This episode is extra special, featuring a guest trifecta from the Qwoted team, the network and platform that fosters relationships between the media, experts, and PR talent. In this episode, Lexie Smith speaks with Vannyda Thach (Media Support Manager), Maddy Kislovsky (Head of Sales), and Shelby Bridges (Success Manager). Each guest breaks down their respective role with Qwoted, sharing insights into the platform’s uniqueness and how listeners can best utilize the platform to foster high-quality connections and land press! This episode highlights what sets Qwoted apart from other platforms and elaborates on how to leverage and operate the platform for success. Here’s What You’ll Learn:More about what Qwoted is/doesQwoted's role in fostering connections with journalists and PR prosAdvantages of using Qwoted for your business and generating press contactsThe ins and outs of how Qwoted works - with insider tips and tricksExamples of successful networking and strategies for connections on QwoteedHow to use Qwoted and interface with it on a daily basisThe benefits of basic and pro Qwoted plansData insights into pitch performance through journalist connectionsHow PR pros and members of the media are using Qwoted successfullyAnd more!Listener Links:Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Learn more about Qwoted: https://www.qwoted.com/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Kells McPhillips is a health and wellness writer whose journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Well+Good, Fortune, Runner’s World, Outside, Yoga Journal, and others. Kells also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from The New School in New York City. In 2022, her short fiction was shortlisted for The Masters Review Summer Short Story Award for New Writers, and she is the 2023 recipient of theOffice fellowship in Santa Monica. She’s hard at work on a novel in the early mornings.In this episode, hear how Kells got to her place as a freelance writer and her many different positions held at the highly regarded wellness magazine, Well + Good. Hear her thoughts on the world of freelance writing and how the world of journalism and media is changing now more than ever. Here’s What You’ll Learn:Kells McPhillip’s journey into freelance journalismKells McPhillip’s beats and favorite things and topics to coverThe difference between a staff writer and news writer on an editorial teamKells McPhillip’spreferences on lead times for pitchesHer personal pitching preferencesHow her time at Well + Good as a staff writer shaped her work todayHer favorite aspects of writing and journalismHer perspectives on the world of media today and how it’s evolvingAnd more!Listener Links:Website: kellsmcphillips.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kellsmcphillips/Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR inc.: https://theprbarinc.com/the-bar-menu/Learn about THEPRBAR Agency: https://www.theprbaragency.com/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

In the season 5 finale minisode of the Pitchin’ and Sippin’ Podcast, Lexie Smith shares how she ‘made it’ in PR and key tips on landing press. She discusses the six things that led to her success in public relations and shares valuable lessons learned along the way. Here’s What You’ll Learn:Lexie’s background in PR and her path to successThe different types of PR roles she’s had throughout her careerSix things that helped her succeed in her career and businessLexie’s thoughts on hustle culture in businessHow to ‘hustle mindfully’Strategies for networking and building long-term relationshipsIdeas on building a portfolio as an aspiring PR professionalThe importance of continuing to learn and develop your skills professionallyMindset advice on reprioritizing your time and how this has been a key part of her successSign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Ways you Can Work with THEPRBAR: https://theprbarinc.com/private-workshops/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Nicole Pearl is a former national magazine editor turned On Air Beauty, Fashion, and Lifestyle Expert known as The Beauty Girl. She’s written for countless magazines, such as Marie Claire, Allure, Health, In Style, Byrdie.com, and Parents, to name a few. She regularly appears on local and national TV shows sharing the latest trends, tips, and products to try.  Her mantra is "Beauty Shouldn't Be a Bitch"... and neither should getting on TV. Tapping into her 25+ years of industry experience, she launched her PR & Media Consulting business during the pandemic, which you’ll learn more about in today’s show.In this episode, Lexie Smith and Nicole Pearl discuss Nicole’s transition from working in editorial, to freelance, to launching her own consulting business. Nicole tells listeners how to land a TV segment at both a local and national level and reveals her personal pitching preferences. Here’s what you’ll learn:Learn Nicole’s journey in starting her consulting business during the pandemicNicole’s advice for pitching yourself for TVWhere she suggests people start when pitching for TVHow a TV pitch is different than an editorial pitchTips on who to reach out to when pitching for TV Advice on what to put in a pitch to land a TV segment Core information to put forth when pitching a producer Ideas on how to get your pitch to stand outHer personal pitching preferencesHow to get connected with NicoleAnd MoreSocial media links:IG: @nicolepearlbeautygirlTikTok: @nicolepearlbeautygirlLinked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pearl-5413516/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAb-2CrL4H9kA3kf4tayzPQThe Beauty Girl Blog: https://www.thebeautygirl.com/Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

Kelsey Ogletree is an independent journalist covering travel, food, design, and golf. Her work has been featured in various print and digital outlets, including Midwest Living, Conde Nast Traveler, The Wall Street Journal, and Food & Wine. Alongside her husband, Derrick, she's also the co-founder of Pitchcraft, a journalist-led membership platform helping PR professionals build relationships with freelance writers and editors in the national consumer lifestyle space.In this episode, Kelsey shares her journey from a successful journalism career to becoming a founder, business owner, and new mom. Kelsey and Lexie discuss why pitching content marketing writers is strategic, how to do so, and the added PR benefits for all parties involved. Here’s what you’ll learn:Kelsey Ogletree’s career journey from journalism to becoming a founder Her personal pitching preferencesExamples of successful content marketing pitches that land wellHow Kelsey operates her business, PitchcraftThe importance of knowing journalists’ pitching preferences What motivated Kelsey to start PitchcraftInsights into the content marketing industry and strategies for pitching content marketing writersTips on how content marketing can uplevel relationships with journalists and drive traffic and salesAnd more!Social media links:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbogletree/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelseyogletree/Twitter: https://twitter.com/KelseyOgletreePitchcraft Information: https://pitchcraft.media/Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Instagram: @theprbar_inc

This week’s minisode recaps Muck Rack’s State of PR 2023 report. Your host, Lexie Smith, offers her most notable findings from the report, including the challenges PR professionals encounter and breaks down numerous challenges the PR industry faces. She also highlights key findings related to diversity in the workplace and the workload of PR pros based on the survey conducted by Muck Rack to gauge the state of PR in 2023.  Here’s What You’ll Learn:The most notable stats from Muck Rack’s State of PR 2023 reportChallenges PR pros have faced over the past yearStatistics on the most used social media platformsWhat the findings mean for the PR industry as a wholeLexie’s thoughts based on her experience as a PR proAnd moreMuck Rack full report: https://info.muckrack.com/state-of-pr-2023 Sign up For Lexie's Weekly Insider to Receive Insider Tips, Invites, & More at: https://theprbarinc.com/newsworthy/Instagram: @theprbar_inc