How do I pitch to my clients?

Modified on Sun, 27 Nov, 2022 at 5:01 PM

There are three ways you can create content for Contently clients:

Clients can assign stories with content requirements.
Clients can invite you to pitch ideas by sending out pitch requests. You’ll be given specific requirements on what’s needed in your pitch, along with publication-level guidelines for all pitches.
Clients may have set their publication as open to pitches. If your client is open to pitches even if they haven't sent out a pitch request, you'll see a "Create Pitch" button in the top righthand corner.

Before Pitching

So your client's looking for pitches. Now’s the chance to show your stuff—your creativity, understanding of their content strategy, and ability to execute. Here are a few things to tackle before you dazzle them with your brilliance.

Have you reviewed the client’s content strategy?
Don’t waste your time pitching before you’ve read and understood the client's content strategy, including their pitch guidelines. The strategy provides critical information on the client’s goals and objectives, target audiences (aka, who will be reading or viewing what you produce), topic areas, and SEO keywords. The more you can demonstrate how well your story aligns with that strategy AND helps fulfill their goals, the more likely it is your pitch will be accepted.
Have you done your research?
Are your potential interview subjects available? Do you have the data to support your claims? Before your pitch is accepted by the client, get the ball rolling.

Submitting a Pitch

1. If your client sends out a pitch request, you can go under the "Ideation" tab in the global navigation bar to respond to it.

2. If your client is open to pitches, you'll see the "Create Pitch" button on the top righthand corner.

In the pitching form, you will find spaces to enter the details of your story. Using the pitch request and pitch guidelines, describe the story you want to tell and why you think it should be told. Try to keep it to 50–100 words, and include a list of sources, examples, a rate quote, and estimated turnaround time.

After You Submit a Pitch

The client will be notified immediately of your pitch submission and is able to comment directly on your proposal via the platform. They may seek clarification or ask you to provide more information. You’ll be notified whenever they tag you in a comment.

After you enter your first pitch in the Contently platform, you’ll be able to view its status and manage all ongoing pitches from the Ideation page. Here you can view your pitches, the submission dates, publications, and statuses.

You will be notified via email if the client accepts or passes on your pitch. The Contently platform does not allow pitches to be assigned to anyone but the contributor who submitted the pitch.

If your pitch is accepted, congratulations! The client will assign you a story in the platform that includes specifications, word count and pay. If you haven't heard back yet on your pitches, check out our help center article How long does it take for pitches to be reviewed?