The moment right before a pitch begins is ééone of my favorite things about my job. Days, sometimes weeks, you've worked with the team on your concept. Everything comes together now. The adrenaline rushing through my veins, the expectant looks from the client, the realization that you can make a difference with ééone story… dát is why I love pitching. It's the ultimate interplay of creativity, guts and trust in each other.
Pitching is something I fortunately never do alone. At Mediahuis we work with MHX: a multidisciplinary creative team where concepting, media strategy and development come together. Together we forge ideaën into a powerful story and present our vision to the client as één front. In 2025, we won the Branded Content Event with this team, where I had the honor of presenting our pitch on stage. From that experience, among others, I like to share my most important tips and insights. Whether you work at an agency and are pitching to bring in a client, want to pitch a great idea to your manager or are a competitor, I hope you get something out of it.
1. Know your audience and their needs
- Do your homework: Deep into the client, their brand values, the target audience etcetera and in doing so, look especially further than what is in the briefing. What is going on in the market, where are their challenges?
- Make it relevant: Link your creative idea to concrete goals and show that you really understand their question (and brand) éreally understand.
2. Tell a story that touches
- Storytelling is key: People remember stories, not lists of facts. Build your pitch like a journey: from the problem, through the chosen strategy to your unique solution.
- Dare to be personal. Both our conceptter Max and I don't shy away from sharing personal anecdotes or experiences in pitches, and it works. Whether it is a lighthearted joke or relevant experience, dare to incorporate emotion into your story for a real connection with your audience.
3. Creativity as a differentiator
- Dazzle with your concept: think outside the box. Our team won the branded content event in 2025 by a cross-media plan to present that daring andéreally different from the rest.
- Visualize your idea, because images still say more than 1,000 words. Especially in a pitch! So use strong images, catchy slogans and mock-ups. Make your concept come to life.
4. Data and impact
- Substantiate your idea: Use relevant data to reinforce your story. Show that you are not only creative, but also results-oriented in your thinking.
- Measurable goals: name clear KPI’s and how you will demonstrate the success of the campaign.
5. Collaboration and preparation
- Work as a team: engage specialists from different disciplines. At Media House, we forge a cross-media plan, in which everyone puts his or her power to work.
- Practice, practice, practice: test your story on colleague’s, dog or neighbor and ask for honest feedback, no matter how awkward it sometimes feels. This will help you discover where it chafes or where it you can do better.
6. Presentation: dare to be on stage
- Be yourself: authenticity works. On stage, I have learned that you bring the audience along when you are sincere and enthusiastic. Even if you don't consider yourself a stage performer (yet), there is always a personal hook that makes your story interesting to listen to.
- Interaction: ask questions and play to reactions from your audience. This is how connection is created
In conclusion: believe in your idea
The most important lesson? Believe in your own story. If you are confident and can enjoy the moment, you will automatically bring your audience along. Every pitch you do is an opportunity to learn and grow, whether you win or lose it. Above all, don't forget to – either way - ask for honest feedback.
Want to know more about our winning pitch at the Branded Content Event 2025? Read it here:
https://www.mediahuis.nl/mediahuis-wint-live-pitch-geluksvogels/
Good luck with your next pitch!
