Kim Davis is editor-at-large at MarTech. Born in London, but a New Yorker for almost three decades, Kim started covering enterprise software ten years ago. He first wrote about marketing technology as editor of Haymarket’s The Hub, a dedicated marketing tech website, which subsequently became a channel on the established direct marketing brand DMN. Kim joined DMN proper in 2016, as a senior editor, becoming Executive Editor, then Editor-in-Chief a position he held until January 2020. Shortly thereafter he joined Third Door Media and became Editorial Director at MarTech.
We spoke with Kim about his background, media trends, and what makes a great pitch.
How did you get into journalism?
Actually very young, straight out of high school. I submitted an article to the NME (I lived in the U.K. then). They were looking for young people to cover the new music that was emerging (new wave), so it was off to the races.
What makes for a good story?
It’s easy to attract readers with some big names and trending keywords, but a good story is one that readers come away from thinking they’ve learned something new, or one that gives them a new perspective on something, even if they’re not sure they agree with it.
What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to young PR professionals who pitch you?
Understand the story you are pitching so that you can explain it clearly. Journalists have little time to respond to pitches with “It sounds kind of interesting, but what does it really mean?” The context is that I get up to 200 pitches per day, and simple math will tell you that if I spent even two minutes on each one, that would fill my working day.
What are the essential components of a good pitch?
Clarity, brevity, plus attach useful information if you have any. Believe me, there is no need to be funny or quirky.
What are some trends in the media that you’ve witnessed, and how do you anticipate the industry will change moving forward?
There’s no question media in general has shifted towards snackable content like short videos and podcasts over the past couple of years, but I wonder if podcasts, in particular, have staying power. That space got over-crowded quickly. As for the marketing technology industry I write about, it’s obvious that it will be changed by artificial intelligence. How fast, and for better or worse, remains to be seen.
What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests?
I guess they all revolve around the written word. I read constantly — fiction, poetry and philosophy, my graduate degree. I write for pleasure rather than work when I get time. I do like dining in restaurants, and that led to a restaurant blog that ran for ten years and a guide to dining in New York.
If you weren’t a journalist, what other career would you be interested in pursuing?
I’ve sometimes thought of training to be a librarian. Surround me with words and I’m happy.
Inspired by Kim Davis’ insights on media trends and effective pitching? Jmac PR is here to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of public relations. Contact us today to harness the power of clarity, brevity, and strategic storytelling. Let’s turn your pitches into impactful narratives that captivate audiences and drive results.
