How to create your media kit

Want to get more press, be on more podcasts, speak at conferences and get yourself known outside your current audience?

Then you need to get yourself together – and build your media kit! Think of it as your digital resume and calling card all in one. Having a media kit helps establish your credibility and makes it super easy for people to share your information.

• What is a media kit?
• Where should you put your media kit?
• What does a media kit include?
• Media kit examples

What is a media kit?

A media kit contains relevant and promotional information about you and your business. This helps people like conference creators, podcasts hosts, influencers, writers, and journalists can get a quick overview of who you are and what you have to offer. It also allows them to quickly share your info with their audience.

Where does your media kit go?

I’m a big fan of making your media kit easy to find on your site. I recommend either putting the info on your about page or creating a separate page called media kit.
Pro tip: I’ll often include this page in the footer navigation of a client’s site so it’s easy to find.

Once you’ve put the information on your website, I also recommend creating a dropbox folder with images and graphics so you can always access your info – even if you can’t access your website. You might also consider creating a 1-2 page .pdf with relevant copy that you can easily send via email. You can check out an example here – Elena Brower’s media kit – that includes photos, bio and an designed .pdf that shares an overview of her various offerings and social media channel reach.

What should you include in your media kit?

The following is a guide of items that CAN be included in your kit – if you don’t have everything on the list, that’s ok. You may need to ask your designers, photographers or assistants for certain files.

1. High resolution photos
   Photos are everything – you need at least one great portrait headshot. You might also use this image on your website, business cards and social media profiles.

   I recommend having a few different photo options so they can be used in a wide variety of applications. Everyone uses different sized graphics and will have different branding aesthetics – that’s why it’s ideal for you to have at least a few landscape (horizontal) and portrait (vertical) oriented images shot on white or light backgrounds. While images of you in front a graffiti wall or in an exotic locale can be a fun “extra” image in your kit – it can be really hard to use that photo for a speaking event or on a flyer with a bunch of other images. Make it easy for the designers out there who are putting together graphics for events and podcasts! Check out my post on getting great photos for more tips.

   I also recommend having “preview” images on your media kit page that give the option for the user to download high-resolution versions suitable for print publications (I usually store these large file images on dropbox). You can see how this is done on Laura Belgray’s media kit page.

2. Short version of your bio
   This should be no more than one paragraph – hit all of your highlights but keep the writing tight and concise. Think presentation bio / blurb of a book jacket. Include your website and major wins.
3. Podcast version of your bio
   This can be longer – 200-300 words or so. You may want to have a “corporate” version and a “fun” version of your bio depending on your industry and outreach.
4. Full bio
   This is the longest version of your bio. You can go into a bit more depth and detail your education, publications, inspiration, achievements and success stories.

5. Speaker topics and featured events
   If you’re known for certain topics, make a list – it’s easy for someone to scan and see if you’d be a fit for their program. Ann Handley is an amazing keynote speaker and you can see her speaking page here. Also consider listing important conferences and events where you’ve spoken.
6. Social media accounts
   List the platforms where you are active (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest etc.) You can include follower numbers and subscribers (certain promoters will look for this info before they’ll hire or feature you).
7. Link to video demo reel
   If you have video of you in action, this can be a great addition to the kit – especially if you’re a dynamic speaker or looking to get hired for your presence. Keep the clip short – no more than 2-5 minutes.
8. Link to audio files
   Been on podcasts? Share the links – if possible, add an audio player so people can instantly hear your voice.
9. Vector version of your logo
   If you had a logo designed, you should have a vector version. You will use this version for all print materials (including business cards). The format will likely be .eps, .ai or .pdf – make sure you get this from your designer. You can store this in your dropbox folder if you don’t want to post it on your site.
10. Testimonials/praise from clients and customers

Social proof is always welcomed – especially if you’ve got a quote from someone notable in your industry or a celebrity.

11. Press mentions
    Have you been featured in a newspaper, magazine, blog, tv, or other media outlet? Show screenshots and links to article mentions. Website mentions often disappear into the ether – make sure to grab a screenshot of the article for your records!

Media Kit Examples

Michelle Martello’s kit
Laura Belgray’s kit
Elena Brower’s media kit
Ann Handley’s Kit for Planners