by Tapiwa Matsinde, founder of atelier 55

In times of crisis, we seek to connect to those who have been through or are going through what we are facing. Their stories are comforting, helping us to see that we are not alone, and give us a thread of hope that we too will make it through. And that is why sharing your story matters now more than ever because there is someone out there who is waiting to hear it and form that connection with you.

Right now it may seem that there is only one topic on people’s minds. But in these times of uncertainty people are seeking good news, optimism, and light relief. Anything to take their minds off having to deal with a reality they’d rather not if only for a little while. Having to stay indoors has translated into more people being online at any given time. Meaning more people are searching for content and this provides you with increased opportunities to reach out and connect to your dream audiences.

We all have a story to share, it could be one of hope, inspiration, upliftment, courage, resilience, or simply be entertaining. Sharing your story through your own channels is just the beginning. Keep in mind that there are journalists out there actively looking for stories other than those about the current pandemic. Newspapers and magazines are still putting together their upcoming issues; blogs and social platforms are still publishing guest content and podcast interviews are still being recorded. These are all opportunities for you to reach out and get your story heard.

So, how do you go about getting your story featured in the media?

Reaching out requires contacting the publications and platforms that are the right fit for your business and message. A good place to start is with the platforms you follow and whose content you consume.

Publications and platforms accepting content tend to have some form of submission guidelines in place making it easier to contact them with your ideas. If however the submission process is not immediately clear but you can see that they publish guest content take the initiative to contact them directly to request their submission information.

Most publications and platforms will first request a proposal of the content you want to produce for them. This is called a pitch. Your pitch is an introductory message to include: who you are, and what you do, the title of your proposed content and a list of the key points. If the publication is interested they will then ask you to send them your full content, arrange to interview you and so forth depending on the content type.

Using your own channels or pitching to press are just some of the ways to get your story out there and as we adjust to our changing world it can be tempting to want to hide away, but your story is unique, so don’t be afraid to share it and make a difference to someone’s life.

- Tapiwa

Tapiwa Matsinde is the founder of atelier 55 an acclaimed platform that shines the spotlight on Africa’s designers and creatives by sharing and selling their work. Through her consultancy Tapiwa curates for and advises organisations, galleries, and museums interested in African design, connecting them to designers for global opportunities that increase their visibility. Through the atelier 55 Academy Tapiwa helps startup and established creative entrepreneurs develop and grow international standard brands that command attention. Tapiwa is the author of several books including Contemporary Design Africa the first art book to showcase and survey a generation of innovative designers from across the continent and beyond who are putting the diverse expressions of African design on the world’s stage. Tapiwa’s podcast Behind The Design introduces an inspirational series of conversations with some of Africa’s exciting designers.

FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST | WEBSITE
Behind The Design Podcast - https://www.atelier55design.com/category/podcast/