8 Founder PR Prompts That Generate Real Media Coverage
Your startup has amazing news but journalists ignore your pitches. Press releases disappear into reporter inboxes. Media coverage feels impossible without a PR agency you can't afford.
Here's how you use AI to help automate your job as a founder seeking press coverage. These 8 AI prompts transform media outreach from random cold emails into strategic campaigns that actually get coverage. From crafting newsworthy press releases to preparing for interviews, these prompts handle the heavy lifting of PR strategy and execution.
Perfect for early-stage founders who need media attention but lack PR budgets or experience. Each prompt includes specific inputs and outputs, plus timing strategies that work. Total time saved per media campaign: 8+ hours.
The Prompts
Pro tip: Click the heart icon on any prompt to save it to your account for quick access later.
1. Draft Press Release That Gets Media Attention
Draft Press Release That Gets Media Attention
Stop sending press releases that journalists ignore. Use this when announcing product launches, funding rounds, or major milestones. It creates newsworthy angles and follows proven PR formats that reporters actually read. Saves 90 minutes of writing and research while increasing pickup rates.
You are an expert PR professional specializing in startup communications and media relations.
Create a compelling press release that journalists will want to cover:
- Company: [COMPANY NAME]
- Announcement: [WHAT YOU'RE ANNOUNCING]
- Key details: [MAIN FACTS/NUMBERS]
- Target audience: [WHO SHOULD CARE]
Provide:
1. Headline & Subheadline
- Attention-grabbing main headline (under 10 words)
- Supporting subheadline with key benefit
- Alternative headline options
2. Lead Paragraph
- Who, what, when, where, why in first 2 sentences
- Most newsworthy angle upfront
- Quantifiable impact or benefit
3. Body Content
- Supporting quotes from founder/executives
- Market context and timing relevance
- Customer/user benefit focus
- Technical details in accessible language
4. Company Boilerplate
- Concise company description
- Key achievements and metrics
- Contact information
5. Media Angles
- Three different story angles for different outlets
- Industry trend connections
- Human interest elements
Format in standard press release structure. Keep total length under 400 words. Focus on newsworthiness over promotional language.Customization Tips
- • Add specific industry metrics for credibility
- • Include competitor comparisons for differentiation
- • Mention timing relevance to current events
Expected Output
- • Complete press release ready for distribution
- • Multiple headline options and story angles
- • Media-friendly quotes and company boilerplate
2. Create Compelling Founder Story for Journalists
Create Compelling Founder Story for Journalists
Finally get journalists interested in your personal story. Use this when pitching founder profiles, podcast interviews, or feature articles. It identifies unique angles and crafts narrative arcs that reporters love. Saves 60 minutes of story development while creating multiple pitch angles.
You are an expert storyteller and PR strategist specializing in founder narratives and media relations.
Develop a compelling founder story that journalists will want to feature:
- Founder background: [YOUR BACKGROUND/EXPERIENCE]
- Company mission: [WHAT YOUR COMPANY DOES]
- Personal motivation: [WHY YOU STARTED THIS]
Provide:
1. Story Angles
- Primary narrative hook (the "why now" moment)
- Three alternative story angles for different outlets
- Personal stakes and emotional connection
- Broader industry or social relevance
2. Key Story Elements
- Origin story with specific turning point
- Obstacles overcome and lessons learned
- Unique insights or contrarian views
- Vision for the future
3. Quotable Moments
- Five powerful quotes that capture your philosophy
- Personal anecdotes with specific details
- Industry predictions or hot takes
- Memorable analogies or metaphors
4. Supporting Details
- Relevant personal background facts
- Career highlights and achievements
- Interesting hobbies or side projects
- Mentors or influences worth mentioning
5. Pitch Variations
- 30-second elevator version
- 2-minute podcast intro version
- Email pitch to journalists (under 150 words)
- Social media bio version
Focus on authenticity over perfection. Include specific details and moments that make the story memorable and relatable.Customization Tips
- • Add personal struggles for relatability and depth
- • Include contrarian industry opinions for newsworthiness
- • Mention specific metrics or achievements for credibility
Expected Output
- • Multiple story angles ready for different media types
- • Quotable moments and memorable personal anecdotes
- • Pitch variations for various platforms and contexts
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3. Build Target Media List & Find Right Contacts
Build Target Media List & Find Right Contacts
End the guesswork of who to pitch your story to. Use this when planning media outreach campaigns or product launches. It identifies relevant outlets, finds the right reporters, and creates personalized pitch strategies. Saves 120 minutes of research per campaign.
You are an expert media researcher and PR strategist with deep knowledge of journalist beats and publication preferences.
Create a targeted media list with specific contacts for this story:
- Industry/sector: [YOUR INDUSTRY]
- Story type: [FUNDING/LAUNCH/MILESTONE/OTHER]
- Geographic focus: [LOCAL/NATIONAL/GLOBAL]
- Company stage: [SEED/SERIES A/GROWTH/etc]
Provide:
1. Tier 1 Targets (Top Priority)
- 5-7 most relevant publications
- Specific reporter names and beats
- Recent articles they've written
- Best contact methods (email/Twitter/LinkedIn)
- Why they'd be interested in your story
2. Tier 2 Targets (Secondary)
- 8-10 additional relevant outlets
- General editorial contacts when specific reporters unknown
- Submission guidelines and preferences
- Typical response timeframes
3. Tier 3 Targets (Volume/Backup)
- Industry newsletters and blogs
- Podcast opportunities
- Local media if applicable
- Trade publications
4. Contact Strategy
- Personalization approach for each tier
- Best days/times to reach out
- Follow-up timeline recommendations
- Social media engagement tactics
5. Pitch Customization Notes
- Key angles for each publication type
- Specific hooks for top reporters
- Exclusive offer opportunities
- Embargo considerations
Prioritize quality over quantity. Focus on journalists who actually cover your space and have recent, relevant articles.Customization Tips
- • Research reporters' recent articles for personalization opportunities
- • Include podcast hosts and newsletter writers
- • Add local media contacts for geographic relevance
Expected Output
- • Prioritized media list with 20-25 specific contacts
- • Personalized outreach strategies for each tier
- • Contact methods and timing recommendations
4. Write Perfect Cold Pitch Email to Reporters
Write Perfect Cold Pitch Email to Reporters
Stop sending generic press pitches that get deleted instantly. Use this when reaching out to journalists for coverage opportunities. It crafts personalized, newsworthy pitches that match reporter beats and recent articles. Saves 30-45 minutes per pitch while dramatically improving response rates over template emails.
You are an expert PR professional specializing in media relations and journalist outreach.
Craft a compelling cold pitch email to this reporter:
- Reporter Name: [REPORTER NAME]
- Publication: [PUBLICATION NAME]
- Recent Article URL: [RECENT ARTICLE URL]
- Your Story/Announcement: [YOUR NEWS/STORY]
Provide:
1. Subject Line Analysis
- Three subject line options (8-12 words each)
- Why each would grab attention
- Recommended choice with reasoning
2. Email Structure
- Personalized opening referencing their recent work
- News angle that fits their beat
- Why this matters to their audience
- Clear call-to-action
- Professional closing
3. Supporting Elements
- Key stats or data points to include
- Potential quotes or soundbites
- Suggested attachments or resources
- Follow-up timing strategy
4. Pitch Optimization
- How this connects to current news trends
- Unique angles that differentiate from competitors
- Timing considerations for maximum impact
Keep email under 150 words. Focus on value to their readers, not your company. Use journalist's name and reference specific recent coverage.Customization Tips
- • Include industry-specific terminology and current events
- • Add competitor mentions for comparative context
- • Specify preferred response format (interview, statement, demo)
Expected Output
- • Personalized email draft ready to send (under 150 words)
- • Three optimized subject line options with rationale
- • Follow-up strategy and timing recommendations
5. Prepare Key Messages for Media Interviews
Prepare Key Messages for Media Interviews
End the panic of unprepared media interviews that go off-track. Use this before any press interview to develop clear, memorable talking points. It creates structured messages that stay on-brand while handling tough questions. Saves 60-90 minutes of prep time while ensuring consistent, impactful messaging.
You are an expert media trainer specializing in executive communications and crisis management.
Prepare comprehensive talking points for this media interview:
- Interview Topic: [MAIN TOPIC/ANNOUNCEMENT]
- Publication/Show: [MEDIA OUTLET]
- Interview Format: [PHONE/VIDEO/IN-PERSON]
- Key Company Message: [PRIMARY MESSAGE TO CONVEY]
Provide:
1. Core Messages Framework
- Three main talking points (30 seconds each)
- Supporting evidence for each point
- Memorable soundbites and quotable phrases
- Bridge phrases to redirect conversations
2. Anticipated Questions & Responses
- 8-10 likely questions based on topic
- Structured answers with key points first
- Difficult question deflection strategies
- Transition phrases to preferred topics
3. Supporting Materials
- Key statistics and data points
- Customer success stories or examples
- Industry context and market positioning
- Competitive differentiation points
4. Interview Strategy
- Opening statement (60 seconds)
- Closing message to leave strong impression
- What to avoid saying or topics to deflect
- Post-interview follow-up recommendations
Structure all responses using the PREP method: Point, Reason, Example, Point. Keep answers concise and quotable. Include backup talking points if interview runs long.Customization Tips
- • Add crisis scenarios and defensive messaging strategies
- • Include industry jargon that reporters will understand
- • Specify visual aids or demos for video interviews
Expected Output
- • Complete talking points document with 8-10 Q&As
- • Memorable soundbites and quotable one-liners ready
- • Opening and closing statements for strong impression
6. Turn Company News into Newsworthy Angles
Turn Company News into Newsworthy Angles
Finally get media attention for company updates that usually get ignored. Use this to transform routine announcements into compelling story angles that journalists actually want to cover. It identifies unique hooks and broader implications that make news. Saves 45-60 minutes of brainstorming while creating multiple pitch-ready angles.
You are an expert PR strategist specializing in news angle development and media positioning.
Transform this company update into newsworthy story angles:
- Company News: [YOUR ANNOUNCEMENT/UPDATE]
- Industry: [YOUR INDUSTRY]
- Target Audience: [WHO SHOULD CARE]
Provide:
1. Primary Story Angles
- Three different news hooks for the same story
- Why each angle matters to different audiences
- Which publications would cover each angle
- Headline suggestions for each approach
2. Trend Connections
- How this fits into larger industry trends
- Current events or news cycles to tie into
- Economic or social implications
- Future predictions this news supports
3. Human Interest Elements
- Personal stories or customer impact
- Employee or founder perspectives
- Community or social benefits
- Behind-the-scenes insights
4. Data and Context
- Market size and opportunity statistics
- Competitive landscape positioning
- Timeline and milestone significance
- Broader industry implications
5. Pitch Strategy
- Best publications for each angle
- Optimal timing for announcement
- Supporting materials needed
- Exclusive angle opportunities
Rank angles by newsworthiness and media appeal. Focus on 'why now' and 'so what' for each story approach. Include local, trade, and mainstream media angles.Customization Tips
- • Add seasonal or holiday tie-ins for timely relevance
- • Include local market angles for regional coverage
- • Specify exclusive data or research to share
Expected Output
- • Three distinct story angles with publication targets
- • Headline suggestions and trend connections identified
- • Pitch timing and exclusivity strategy recommendations
8. Build Crisis Communication Response Framework
Build Crisis Communication Response Framework
End the panic when negative press hits your startup. Use this before crisis strikes to build response frameworks, or during active situations for immediate guidance. It creates structured communication plans that protect your reputation while maintaining transparency. Saves 2-4 hours of emergency strategy sessions.
You are an expert crisis communication strategist with experience in startup reputation management.
Create a comprehensive crisis response plan for this situation:
- Crisis scenario: [DESCRIBE THE CRISIS OR POTENTIAL ISSUE]
- Company stage: [STARTUP STAGE - e.g., 'pre-revenue', 'Series A', 'growth stage']
- Key stakeholders: [LIST MAIN STAKEHOLDERS - e.g., 'investors, customers, employees']
Provide:
1. Immediate Response Strategy (First 2 Hours)
- Internal team activation steps
- Stakeholder notification priority order
- Initial holding statement template
- Social media response protocol
2. Communication Framework
- Key messages by stakeholder group
- Tone and positioning guidelines
- What to acknowledge vs. avoid
- Timeline for detailed response
3. Channel-Specific Responses
- Press statement template (150-200 words)
- Social media response options
- Customer/user communication
- Internal team messaging
- Investor update framework
4. Recovery and Follow-Up Plan
- Reputation repair tactics
- Proactive story angles to pursue
- Monitoring and measurement approach
- Prevention measures for future
5. Media Engagement Guidelines
- Spokesperson designation
- Interview talking points
- Questions to anticipate
- Escalation triggers
Format with clear action steps. Focus on transparency while protecting business interests.Customization Tips
- • Add industry-specific regulatory considerations for compliance
- • Include competitor response analysis for context
- • Specify legal review requirements for sensitive issues
Expected Output
- • Complete crisis response framework with templates
- • Channel-specific communication strategies and scripts
- • Actionable timeline and stakeholder management plan
How to Use These Prompts
1. Choose Your Platform: These prompts work with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Grok, Copilot and other AI assistants. Click the dropdown button to select your preferred AI tool.
2. Click Run: Click the run button to open your preferred AI tool with the prompt pre-filled.
3. Fill in the Placeholders: Replace all text in [BRACKETS] with your specific information. The "What You'll Need" section tells you exactly what to prepare.
4. Press Enter: Hit enter. The AI will generate your result based on the instructions.
5. Refine if Needed: If the output isn't perfect, use the customization tips to adjust the prompt or ask follow-up questions.
Prompt Engineering Tips for founder PR prompts
Include Specific Numbers and Metrics
Generic press releases fail because they lack concrete data. Instead of "significant growth," specify "127% revenue increase" or "500 new customers." Include funding amounts, user counts, or timeline milestones. Journalists need hard numbers to build credible stories, and editors prioritize data-driven angles.
Research Reporter's Recent Work Before Pitching
Copy-paste the URL of a journalist's recent article into your prompt. The AI will craft personalized pitches that reference their beat and writing style. This approach gets 3x higher response rates than generic blasts. Spend 2 minutes researching to save hours of follow-up.
Create Multiple Story Angles from One Announcement
Don't limit yourself to one press angle. A product launch can be positioned as industry disruption, job creation, or solving customer pain points. Ask the AI for 3-5 different story hooks targeting various publications. Tech Crunch wants innovation angles while local papers prefer job impact stories.
Prepare Crisis Responses Before You Need Them
Build your crisis communication framework during calm periods, not during emergencies. Include potential scenarios like data breaches, layoffs, or product issues. Having pre-written response templates saves 4+ hours during actual crises and prevents reputation damage from delayed responses.
Use Customer Language, Not Corporate Speak
Transform internal jargon into customer-friendly language. Instead of "enterprise-grade solution," use "helps teams finish projects 40% faster." Include actual customer quotes with specific outcomes. Journalists connect with human stories, not feature lists. Test your messaging with non-technical friends first.
Structure Interviews with Soundbite-Ready Answers
Prepare 3-sentence answers for common questions. Start with the conclusion, add supporting evidence, then end with a memorable quote. This "headline-evidence-soundbite" structure makes journalists' jobs easier and increases quote usage. Practice timing - most radio soundbites need 15-20 seconds maximum.
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