When a top German Youtube channel featured one of Funtainment Berlin's events, the resulting PR was a great boon for their store.

With Magic: The Gathering gaining more and more visibility in the public sphere every day, you too might one day find a YouTuber or journalist calling.

Here's some tips on how to make the most of this opportunity for your store:

Ask Questions

If journalists or YouTubers contact you, ask them what it is they are interested in and what they would like to get out of the visit for their article/video. Why your store?

The more you know, the better you can prepare!

Have a Plan

Once you know more about the reporter's plan, it's time to think about your own.

Which event would you like to invite them to? What do you want to say about your store? Your community? About Magic: The Gathering?

Write down notes ahead of time to prepare for your interview. There's no need to memorize a script. But writing notes can help you focus on your key points, which will help the right words come more easily when you're in the spotlight.

Identify Great Community Stories

Does one of your regulars have an interesting story? Is there a couple or a family at your FNM events? Check with them ahead of time, to see if they'd be interested in sharing their stories.

Prioritize

The great experiences of your players should always be at the center of all planning. They are your customers and deserve to have a great experience every time they enter your store. With media present, can you guarantee they have a good time? If yes—great! If not—what is it you need to succeed?

If a visit is inconvenient to you for any reason, it is better to schedule a later appointment. You want sufficient time to prepare and sometimes an event demands all your attention. Another opportunity will arise!

Don't Surprise Your Players

Let your players know as soon as you have a confirmed time and date for the media visit. The vast majority will recognize this as a great opportunity to showcase their local Magic pride and will appreciate the courtesy of knowing ahead of time.

Trust Yourself

You run a successful business and host events that make people happy. This should give you plenty of energy and confidence to be an outstanding host.

Share Your Story

Share your experience at WPNStories@wizards.com (or in Europe, with your community manager).

Are You Ready for the Spotlight?

Time to find out who runs the entertainment/gaming/lifestyle section of your local outlets! Media are always looking for fresh content and appreciate being pitched ideas.

Be sure to have a plan before giving them a call!

By Florian Nölting