In the competitive landscape of electric vehicles and EV charging, effective public relations (PR) can significantly influence a brand’s reputation and success. Brand Ally Communications understands the critical role that securing the right media coverage plays in elevating a brand. However, the agency also recognizes that not all pitches are created equal, a lesson learned from early career experiences.

The Pitfalls of Ineffective PR Pitches

In the early stages of a PR career, it’s common to make mistakes, particularly in specialized industries like e-mobility. Brand Ally Communications’ team members, reflecting on their experiences, acknowledge having pitched stories that were far from newsworthy. These moments, often filled with uncertainty, involved sending out pitches that, in retrospect, were long shots. The hope was that a journalist might respond—not necessarily with interest, but with constructive criticism that could be passed on to the client.

Some of the most memorable failed pitches included:

• Rebrands and new websites: While rebranding is crucial for internal identity, it doesn’t always resonate as compelling news for a broader audience.
• A chatbot leveraging data from a well-known publication: Although a technological achievement, it lacked the broader appeal necessary for media interest.
• An executive passionate about cigars: Personal hobbies, while interesting, don’t typically translate into impactful business stories.
• A partnership between a video game client and a kids’ TV dinner brand: The connection was tenuous at best, resulting in a pitch that ultimately fell flat.

The Consequences of Irrelevant Pitches

The pressure to secure media coverage can sometimes lead PR professionals to craft pitches that are irrelevant or overly promotional. The outcome? Journalists are likely to ignore these pitches. Being ghosted by the media is frustrating, but it’s also a clear signal that a change in approach is needed.

With these failed pitches, we’ve learned critical lessons that continue to shape our approach to PR today:

1. PR professionals are the experts. Clients rely on PR agencies for their expertise, insights, and results. It’s the agency’s responsibility to guide clients with authority, even if it means challenging a client’s request when it’s not in their best interest. Being a “yes person” does not serve the client or the effectiveness of media relations.
2. Proactively seek feedback. Waiting for a journalist to provide feedback on a failed pitch is often unproductive. Instead, PR professionals should actively seek feedback from trusted sources, whether it be a mentor, a colleague, or even the journalist, if the relationship allows.

What can e-mobility executives learn from these experiences? The key takeaway is the importance of working with PR experts who understand the industry and can provide the strategic counsel needed to grow a brand effectively.

Choosing the Right PR Partner for Your Brand

E-mobility executives should consider: Do they have the right experts providing feedback on their PR and communications strategy? More importantly, are these experts capable of challenging the status quo and guiding the brand toward meaningful media coverage?

Brand Ally Communications specializes in e-mobility PR, understanding the unique challenges of the industry and the specific narratives that resonate with both journalists and the target audience. The agency doesn’t just pitch stories; it crafts compelling narratives that align with the brand’s goals and resonate within the market.

Contact Brand Ally Communications to Elevate Your E-Mobility PR Strategy

E-mobility brands ready to take their PR efforts to the next level should consider partnering with experts who deliver real results. Contact Brand Ally Communications today to learn how the agency can help refine your PR strategy, avoid common pitfalls of ineffective pitches, and secure the media coverage that will propel your brand forward.

Don’t settle for anything less than expert guidance. Brand Ally Communications can be the ally your brand needs in navigating the complex world of e-mobility PR, ensuring your brand stands out for all the right reasons.