How to use Monitor tab to maximize press opportunities
Turn breaking news into timely commentary and increase media engagement
The Monitor tab transforms reactive PR into proactive opportunity capture. By following your target journalists, you can spot trending topics and provide timely commentary that gets you featured in follow-up stories.
Timely commentary means connecting your expertise to breaking news or trending topics. Instead of cold pitching, you're providing relevant insights when journalists are actively seeking expert perspectives on current events.
The Oreo Moment: A Masterclass in Speed
The gold standard for timely commentary happened during the 2013 Super Bowl blackout. While millions sat in darkness, Oreo's team was monitoring social media and news coverage in real-time. Within minutes, they had created and published one of the most famous marketing moments in history.
The Speed Behind It
Internal emails show they identified the opportunity and executed within minutes - that's the power of real-time monitoring
The Famous Tweet
Posted within minutes of the blackout, this simple message became one of the most retweeted Super Bowl moments
Over 15,000 retweets in the first hour, massive media coverage across every major outlet, and a case study still taught in marketing classes today. All because they were monitoring and ready to act.
How HeyJared's Monitor Tab Works
Step 1Follow Your Target Journalists
After running your initial pitch campaign, follow the journalists who cover your industry. The Monitor tab tracks their latest articles and social media activity in real-time.
Pro tip: Focus on 10-20 key journalists rather than hundreds. Quality monitoring beats quantity.
Step 2Get Real-Time Alerts
When multiple followed journalists start covering the same breaking story, you'll get instant notifications. This is your signal that a trend is emerging and commentary opportunities are available.
Example: "3 of your followed fintech reporters just published stories about banking sector concerns"
Step 3Craft Your Timely Angle
Within 2 hours of the initial coverage, identify how your expertise relates to the breaking story. Focus on providing solutions or contrarian perspectives rather than just commentary.
"While traditional lenders freeze up, AI mortgage platform sees 300% surge in applications"
Step 4Strike While It's Hot
Send personalized follow-up pitches to the same journalists who just covered the breaking story. They're already in "story mode" and actively seeking related angles and expert sources.
Timing is everything: The news cycle moves fast. Strike within hours, not days.
Real-World Example: Banking Crisis Response
The Scenario
A fintech founder was monitoring financial reporters when breaking news hit: "Federal Reserve announces emergency rate cut" and "Mortgage applications drop 40% as lending standards tighten."
9:00 AM - Alert Received
Monitor tab shows 3 followed reporters covering banking sector concerns
9:30 AM - Opportunity Identified
While others see crisis, AI mortgage platform sees opportunity to position as solution
11:00 AM - Pitch Sent
"While traditional lenders freeze up, AI platform sees 300% application surge"
2:00 PM - Featured
Quoted in follow-up stories about "fintech solutions thriving during banking uncertainty"
Best Practices for Monitor Tab Success
Do's
- • Monitor 10-20 key journalists consistently
- • Act within 2 hours of breaking news
- • Provide solutions, not just commentary
- • Reference the original coverage in your pitch
- • Offer data, examples, or contrarian perspectives
- • Be genuinely helpful, not opportunistic
Don'ts
- • Wait more than a day to respond
- • Force connections that don't exist
- • Pitch unrelated stories during crises
- • Ignore the tone of the original coverage
- • Send generic follow-ups
- • Appear to capitalize on tragedy
Types of Opportunities to Watch For
🚨 Breaking Industry News
Regulatory changes, major company announcements, or market shifts that directly impact your sector
📊 Data Releases
Economic reports, studies, or surveys that your company's data can support or contradict
💡 Technology Trends
AI breakthroughs, privacy concerns, or tech policy changes where you can provide expert insight
⚡ Crisis Moments
When incumbents struggle, position your solution as the alternative (like Oreo during the blackout)
Like Oreo's team, it's better to respond quickly with a good angle than to craft the perfect pitch too late. The news cycle waits for no one.
Ready to Start Monitoring?
The Monitor tab turns every breaking news story into a potential press opportunity. Start following your target journalists today: