How to get your design work published in the media
Today I'm sharing some tips about how to get your design work featured or published in the media.
There are literally so many different types of media to work with these days, especially when you're a designer with great projects and ideas to share!
And working with the media and getting your name out there is a great marketing tool and provides you with really good social proof.
Having your work in the media won't necessarily result in heaps of high quality projects, but it really helps you to build your reputation and will help potential clients feel more confident in appointing you to help with their project.
Media means all sorts of things these days - so don’t only think about magazine publications. Here’s a few examples of where you can get featured:
Blogs (e.g. design blog features)
Magazine articles
Newspaper articles (including local, national and international publications)
Awards and recognition from larger brands
Features on suppliers' social or print media channels
Features on 'influencers' social media channels
Podcast interviews
Video shows (e.g. YouTube)
TV
Other printed or social media
And here’s some tips for how to approach media outlets or content creators to get your work featured.
Tips for getting your design work featured in the media
Seek client approval to have the project featured (not all clients will want this!). The best thing is to have this as part of your client agreement (which you should have drafted by a lawyer)
Get some professional photographs taken - if you can't afford that yet then use your iPhone (I have shared tips on interiors photography before so use some of those tips!).
If you think the project is magazine worthy then choose an editorial photographer who already has connections with magazines. They know how to photograph for the magazines you want to be featured in and can often introduce you to editors. These photographers are often expensive though so only do this for projects that are worth it!
Only approach one media outlet or content creator at a time (many will want exclusive access to your content for a set period - so don't have too many requests out at one time or you'll get in a pickle if a few start saying yes!)
Do your research - make sure you approach publications that are a good fit for your brand
Make personal contact - don't just send a 'Hi, print my work' email. Find out the name of the editor, do your homework. Approach them by name and be personal.
Think about where the editor/content creator’s inbox may be the least full and approach them personally there - e.g. Instagram DMs, Facebook messenger, LinkedIn messenger, email.
Think about how you can stand out - would a short video or audio message be better than sending a wall of text??
Make your email/DM/initial contact SHORT…as someone who gets hundreds of emails a day I am so much more grateful for people who just get to the point and don’t ramble. Editors are the same. Don’t send your life story or they won’t read it!
If you’re looking to get a project published then send some low res images in one presentation as a start (this saves them having to open multiple files, which is annoying for busy people!) or forward them one of your Instagram posts to give them a taste of the project.
Wait for a response - don't move to another outlet before you get a clear no. This can sometimes take time - although in my experience if someone is keen to feature your work they normally respond quite quickly to you.
It is OK to follow up - but not OK to harass. Also - make sure you know the laws around sending multiple unsolicited emails or you could get yourself in trouble, particularly in certain parts of the world where laws are quite strict with this.
Be quick to respond if they come back to you - many media outlets and content creators are on tight timeframes - be easy to work with and quick to respond. If they find you easy to work with then they are much more likely to use you again or feature your work again.
Say thank you! If you do get featured write and thank them personally. Manners are everything and are definitely noticed! :)
Courses and Templates for Designers and Architects
DO YOU WANT TO….
Improve your professionalism?
Find more clients?
Bring in more revenue?
Create better systems and processes?
Then check out my business courses and templates for designers and architects.
These courses and templates leave you with work done - not just a long list of things you need to do next. We have a really strong focus on taking action and getting things created that improve your business.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
Clare x
Dr Clare Le Roy
