Social media, SEO, marketing and writingWhat is the Best Way to Pitch an Interactive Project?
Pitching is the art and business of taking your content idea (whether it’s a work-for-hire project or an original idea) and convincing someone on the other side of the desk to support it (usually by funding the project). Seems simple enough. In fact, many writers are great at pitching. However, for every writer who can really work a room, there are probably ten others who are lousy at it. And that’s unfortunate because poor presentation skills will lose you work in this highly competitive industry.
Larry Kay, an accomplished interactive writer/designer and producer, gives his thoughts on pitching:
“Before I pitch an idea, I put together a fairly full proposal. Sample writing, navigation maps, concept illustrations, etc. I pitch somewhat selectively, and try to prequalify that a producer might be interested in this particular category or may consider me for one of their assignments. A successful pitch more often leads to a writing assignment than to actually placing my spec project. Placing a spec project happens very rarely, but pitching one of my own original creations gives a producer an idea of what my own peculiar passions and voice are all about.”
Multimedia guru David Greene shared some of his thoughts on the pitching process:
“It is very important to understand the individuals you are going to meet with. Are they technical people who are more interested in the technology than the story, or are they marketing types who are more interested in the demographics than the specifics of the project? You will often find yourself modifying your pitch for your audience. Granted, this is a pain, but you need to target your pitch to your audience; otherwise, you stand a good chance of losing their interest rather quickly.
If possible, try to do more in-depth research on the individuals you will be meeting with. A lot of companies actually have biographies of their primary officers listed on their Web site. You don’t want to pitch your new concept ‘CyberChrist with an Attitude’ to a company run by a born-again Christian. A little research might save you time, effort, and embarrassment.”
