How to create a media kit

Over the past few months there have been several clients we have done business with in one fashion or another, who have no clue on how to put together a media kit for either themselves or their company. We have tried to put together a simple list of steps to follow to create a media kit.

How to create a media kit in seven simple steps

If you are a starving artist, musician, start-up company, you are going to need to create a media kit to get the word out. Assembling the following kit will give key media personnel, like news reporters, bloggers and other members of the press the ability to write an article or story about you and what you are doing. This kit does not cost a lot and by following the simple steps below, you will save BIG money. Now is the time to do it yourself.

Step One

Select a pocket-style folder to place all of your information. These folders can be purchased at any office supply store like Staples, OfficeMax or Office Depot. (view pocket-style folder example here)

Step Two

If you are a company, write short bios about each of the company officers, printing them out on official company letterhead. If you are a musician, or other type of artist, write a short bio about you and your work and print it on heavy bonded paper. For all, you want to include basic personal information about who you are: write about your past accomplishments, history with the company, ideas about your company. Also, whenever possible, include a professional photograph of yourself.

Step Three

Gather all recent press releases, press kits and sell sheets. The press releases need to be printed on company letterhead. Color copy or professionally photocopy recent articles (FedEx Office, AlphaGraphics, et al). It is important to remember that the way you present yourself or your company is the key in which other doors will open and you never have another chance to make a first impression.

Step Four

Insert a copy of your latest newsletter. If you do not have one, start your first issue today. Print it out, in color, on high quality paper using a laser printer. Include items worth mentioning, such as; your company did something special, a profile of an employee, upcoming events, latest release, etc.

Step Five

Gather all information in a reasonable order. The bios should be on top, followed by the company sell sheets, newsletters, press releases and any other articles. Common sense prevails here…place the least important information at the back of the packet.

Step Six

Enclose a letter that briefly describes the contents of the media kit. Explain what’s inside and offer any additional information needed. If you have a business card, attach it to your letter using a paper clip. If you happened to buy a folder with a business card slot, insert your business card into this slot.

Step Seven

Identify your media kit. If you are creating a media kit for your company, use your company logo. If you are an individual musician creating a media kit, use the CD cover art for your latest album. If you are an artist creating a media kit include image from your portfolio.

Tips

Let’s face it, people love getting swag! The members of the press are no different. If you are a band or musician, at a minimum be sure to include a copy of your latest CD. If the media kit you create is large enough to accommodate large items and you have them, throw a t-shirt or guitar pick in for good measure. For those creating the media kit for their company, include a nice pen, a magnet, something that says, “Hey, commit to memory…me and my company!” You need to think of a creative solution to keep your company on the desk of the person to whom you are giving the media kit.

Remember the key here is to make your media kit stand out, without being overbearing or too flashy.