A media database is a powerful tool for PR outreach, but with so many options, choosing a media database can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we’ll equip you with the top 10 questions to ask a potential provider before switching to a media database. By asking the right questions, you’ll ensure that you invest in the right database to amplify your media outreach.
Cheat sheet: Guide to switching your Media Database
Struggling to choose the right media database? This cheat sheet cuts through the confusion and helps you ask the most critical questions.
Data
1. How frequently is your data checked and updated?
A frequently updated media database is essential for effective media outreach. It ensures you have access to the most recent information about journalists, media outlets, and their areas of coverage.
Don’t let an outdated media database hinder your PR goals. Make sure you choose a database that frequently updates its data to avoid inaccurate contacts and media lists.
Roxhill’s journalist database is updated daily, giving clients access to industry-leading up-to-date insights.
2. Is there a process to verify the accuracy of your data?
Verifying the accuracy of a media database is necessary for successful media outreach. Data scraping tools, while convenient, can lead to significant inaccuracies.
Without human oversight, they often miss crucial updates on journalists’ beats, contact information, or publication changes. These errors can result in wasted efforts and missed opportunities for your business.
A media database with a dedicated verification team, like Roxhill’s, ensures your press releases and pitches land in the right inboxes, increasing your chances of securing media coverage and amplifying your story’s impact.
Functionality
3. How quickly can I find the information I need?
Imagine this – you have a compelling story, but spending time searching for the right journalist could dampen its momentum. This is where the speed of a media database is crucial.
By quickly filtering through the data, you can pinpoint the ideal journalists to pitch your story to. This allows you to concentrate on crafting compelling messages that resonate with your target audience and increase your chances of securing valuable media coverage.
Think of it as racing against the news cycle – the sooner you connect, the fresher your story will be. Don’t let slow searches hold you back.
Too often, we hear about the struggles PRs face when using a complex and old-fashioned media database. Choosing a user-friendly database will help you simplify your workload and find information more quickly. Roxhill is built by ex-PRs who understands what you need from a database.
4. What training resources are available?
Navigating a new tool can be daunting. A media database is a powerful tool, but like any tool, it needs skilled users to tap into its true potential. Getting the right training equips you with the knowledge and expertise to:
- Use the platform with confidence.
- Find the right media contacts.
- Secure the highly coveted media coverage your story deserves.
Dedicated training provides a supportive environment to learn, ask questions, and gain practical experience. This builds confidence and empowers you to use the media database to its full capacity, increasing your PR success.
Find a provider that offers quality training through 1:1 sessions, online resources, and telephone support to ensure a smooth transition. Roxhill offers training whenever you and your team need it.
Events
5. Do you host PR industry networking events?
Industry events are a goldmine for PRs. These events offer opportunities to:
- Network with journalists: Connecting with journalists face-to-face can help build strong relationships, leading to future media coverage opportunities.
- Spot industry trends: Events often showcase emerging trends. Attending lets you stay ahead of the curve and identify a potential angle for a new story.
- Boost visibility: Participating in events can positions you and your business as thought leaders and industry players. This creates a positive brand image and can attracts media attention.
So, when choosing a media database, ask if the provider offers these opportunities. Roxhill hosts in-person and online events so you can build meaningful connections with the journalists you need to know.
6. Are there opportunities to meet journalists face-to-face?
While email pitches can be effective, nothing beats forging a genuine connection in person. Here’s how building relationships with journalists face-to-face can benefit you:
- Develop a deeper rapport: A handshake, a shared laugh, or a casual conversation can establish a connection much stronger than any email communications. This personal touch makes journalists more likely to remember who you are and consider covering your stories.
- Understanding journalists’ needs: This allows you to delve deeper into a journalist’s schedule, beats, publications, and preferred story formats. These valuable insights empower you to tailor your pitches more effectively, increasing your chances of landing media coverage.
Not all media databases champion personal connections. Some databases are just a look-up tool, but Roxhill offers so much more. Roxhill offers opportunities to meet journalists directly, giving you the invaluable chance to build relationships that fuel PR success.
Support
7. What support do you offer?
While features and functionality matter, the importance of great customer support is often overlooked. Don’t settle for generic contact forms and time-consuming chatbots. They will leave you feeling lost and frustrated.
Choose a media database with a track record of delivering high-quality customer support. Roxhill offer a dedicated account manager, a direct telephone number and a bank of online guides and videos.
8. Will I have a dedicated account manager?
Generic support can leave you feeling like just another customer. A dedicated account manager takes the time to understand your specific goals and challenges. They become your PR partner, offering tailored guidance and support to increase your media outreach success.
Ask if you’ll receive 1:1 support from your own account manager. Having multiple managers for your account often results in delayed communication, unresolved issues and time wasted. Roxhill provides you a dedicated account manager and their contact details.
Hidden costs
9. What functionality is included in the quoted price?
In today’s budget-conscious world, a media database’s quoted price can be enticing. But before you sign on the dotted line, understanding what’s included is crucial.
Beware of “bait-and-switch” tactics. Some databases offer a seemingly low price, only to charge extra for essential features like advanced search filters, journalist contact details, or press release distribution. A clear breakdown of included functionalities ensures you’re not hit with surprise charges later.
It can be frustrating to go through the buying process only to be hit with additional costs for added functionality. Opt for a database that provides the PR tools you need as standard. Roxhill’s first quote is their final, no surprises.
10. What could incur hidden costs not included in the initial price?
Choose a media database provider that is transparent about their costs. By asking about potential hidden fees upfront, you can ensure your budget is well-allocated, and your PR efforts are set up for success.
Look for a platform like Roxhill, where features like distribution tools, social media reporting, and international data are all included. We provide all these features as standard at no extra cost to you.
MEDIA INTELLIGENCE YOU CAN TRUST
We’re with you, every step of the way
One login. Multiple solutions.
Roxhill’s all-in-one media intelligence platform will save you time, highlight your impact, and drive your business forward.
MEDIA INTELLIGENCE YOU CAN TRUST
We’re with you, every step of the way
One login. Multiple solutions.
Roxhill’s all-in-one media intelligence platform will save you time, highlight your impact, and drive your business forward.
Click a product to explore its features.