Sarah Allard, Digital Director of Condé Nast Traveller UK, is this episode’s guest. Sarah makes no secret of her media success: she’s a total data nut with exceptional SEO skills. She follows the numbers, she’s methodical, and she has an instinct for engaging and clickable content. In this episode she talks about her commissioning process, her role in defining what luxury travel means, and how she collaborates with the other international Condé Nast Traveller teams. This chat was recorded last year so there are some references to 2024 events, but Sarah’s insights are still pertinent, including her thoughts on hotel review pitches. She also explains how to stay off the pitch slush pile and why a great pitch can pose a question for readers. Plus, she reveals the destination specialists she’s desperate to hear from.  KEY TOPICS: How to become a journalist at Conde Nast Traveller How to become a trusted PR at Conde Nast Traveller How to pitch an article to Conde Nast Traveller Article pitch examples for Conde Nast Traveller How to write an article for Conde Nast Traveller magazine How to get free press coverage at Conde Nast Traveller How to become a regular freelancer at Conde Nast Traveller How to future-proof your writing or PR career ABOUT THE GUEST: Sarah Allard, Digital Director, Conde Nast Traveller  Sarah is a creative and forward-thinking digital editor, with a flair for producing engaging and compelling clickable content, and expertise in delivering results through exceptional SEO skills, well-executed content strategy and in-depth analytics.  Find them on: Sarah Allard’s Linkedin  (where the above bio is sourced from) Sarah Allard’s Instagram Sarah Allard’s articles LIST OF RESOURCES MENTIONED: Franchise examples that were referenced: Ask a Local Where Chefs Eat Beyond Barriers, which can be found in writer Sophie Morgan’s profile Travel Without Limits, recent examples: How I rediscovered my love of the outdoors as an autistic wheelchair user A solo journey through India turned into the most liberating experience of my life Example articles: Is Glasgow’s Southside Scotland’s coolest foodie neighbourhood? Inside the bakery boom: why we can’t get enough artisanal bakeries Inspiring staffers and freelancers: Rosie Conroy, and her Conde Nast Traveller articles Sophie Morgan, and her Conde Nast Traveller articles ABOUT PRESS INSIDER’S HOST: Kelly Bowerbank is a digital journalist, editor and content strategist with 16 years’ experience in the lifestyle sector. She has worked for multiple high-profile media brands, including woman&home, Marie Claire, The Stylist Group, and The Guardian. She has over eight years' experience crafting editorial strategies and leading teams, and has spent more than a decade commissioning, editing and creating content in various formats across a diverse range of subject verticals. In 2013 she was nominated for New Section Editor of the year at the PPA awards, and in 2020 she was nominated for Digital Editor of the year at the AOP awards. She’s mentored experienced print journalists and trained graduates into award-winning digital writers. In 2022 she stepped down from her role of Global Editor at womanandhome.com to go freelance and write more. She’s represented by Anna Pallai at AMP Literary.  Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin SUPPORT THIS PODCAST: Share this episode: Every share of this episode makes another season more likely. If you enjoyed listening, share Press Insider with your network on Whatsapp, Linkedin and on your favourite social media platforms. It can be found on all the main podcast networks including: Apple podcasts Spotify Amazon music Follow the host on social media: Follow Kelly Bowerbank’s Instagram Subscribe to Kelly Bowerbank’s Substack Find Kelly Bowerbank’s Linkedin Email feedback: Send feedback about this episode and suggestions for future guests