How To Pitch: DubaiWeek.ae
January 31, 2016 Websites
Having published Abu Dhabi Week since 2008, Turret Media launched Dubai Week in February 2015, but soon dropped the print edition in favour of just publishing online. DubaiWeek.ae editor Jane O’Neill spoke with MediaSource about the transition, and how PRs can better target their pitch in the era of digital storytelling.
Tell us a bit about DubaiWeek.ae
DubaiWeek.ae is the busy and bustling online face of Turret Media, the company behind some of the city’s biggest and most popular events, like Taste of Dubai and Dubai Christmas Festival. We went exclusively online in August 2015 and have already won a fast growing number of loyal followers. With a weekly newsletter, a website packed full of fresh and useful content on everything from food deals to competitions to heart-warming interviews, DubaiWeek.ae keeps you informed, interested and inspired about how to make the most of living in one of the world’s most exciting cities.
Who visits the site?
Our visitors represent the rich make-up of Dubai and we strive to be interesting and relevant to all of Dubai’s communities. We’re honest, we’re accurate, informative and useful, and we love to bring your city straight to your screen. We go off the beaten track and celebrate the people who live in this vibrant cultural hub. We're well-written, thoroughly researched and we don’t buy into PR hype.
What’s the best way for PRs to get in touch with you?
Your call – emails are easiest, but don’t expect an immediate response as we do get a lot of them! But we are a friendly bunch, so if you are more of a people person drop us a line and let’s do coffee…
Do you have a preferred format for receiving press materials?
Traditional press releases are a good way to get the ball rolling and meetings are a good way to deliver pitches to us, but videos and social media are also extremely important in our digital landscape.
What sort of press releases grab your attention?
Well-written, relevant content - knowing my name doesn’t hurt either.
Any advice for PRs about pitching to a digital publication?
Hashtag us up! Remember we’re working across social media and online platforms, so our lead-in time is much shorter than print, and web features need to be short, sharp and punchy.
Are you happy to be pitched on social media?
Twitter’s #journorequest has come to my aid more than once, but I prefer to keep my own Facebook personal….unless you’re also a fan of cat fail videos.
How can a PR work best with you?
Be honest, be creative but don’t over-hype. Tailor your pitch to the visitors of the website, not just approach it in a scattergun style. Don’t spam us and please, unless you’re representing Jack the Ripper, stop referring to your clients as ‘infamous’.
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