Okay, let’s be real: we all want more eyes on our business. Instagram and TikTok are cute, but nothing hits quite like local TV. You’re not just reaching random followers — you’re showing up in front of your actual community (aka people who can book you tomorrow).
And the best part? It’s not as impossible as it sounds. I know because I’ve done it… over 20 times on SA Live here in San Antonio. And every single time, it’s put me in front of thousands of people I would’ve never reached otherwise.
Today, I’m breaking down how you can find local leads for TV marketing too. Plus, I’ll be sharing a video interview with Emmy-award winning producer Jen Tobias Struski (she’s literally booked me for TV multiple times), so you’ll get the inside scoop from the other side of the camera.
Let’s dive in 👇
Step 1: Know What TV Wants
Local shows like SA Live are always looking for content that’s…
Timely (think: seasonal makeup looks, trending products, prom/wedding season)
Visual (they want to show, not just tell)
Helpful to their audience (your tips should be practical, not a 10-step contour routine nobody has time for)
➡️ Action for you: Brainstorm 3–5 “segments” you could pitch today. Example:
- “3 Makeup Hacks for Summer Heat in Texas”
- “How to Take Your Look from Work to Night in 10 Minutes”
- “The Biggest Makeup Mistakes Brides Make (and How to Avoid Them)”
Step 2: Build Relationships with Producers
Here’s the secret — producers aren’t scary gatekeepers. They’re real people who are literally looking for guests to fill their show calendar.
➡️ Action for you:
- Go to your local station’s website and look for the “lifestyle” or “morning show” page.
- Find the producer or host’s email (hint: it’s usually listed). Follow them on Instagram or LinkedIn.
- Comment, engage, and build a genuine connection before pitching.
Pro tip: When you pitch, lead with why their audience will care, not just “I do makeup, feature me.”
Step 3: Create a “Media Kit” (Don’t Overthink It)
You don’t need a fancy PR agency. A one-pager with your photo, a short bio, and your segment ideas is enough. Make it easy for them to say “yes.”
➡️ Action for you:
- Whip up a simple PDF in Canva.
- Include 2–3 professional-looking photos (bonus if they’re action shots of you doing makeup).
- Keep it clean, simple, and focused on what value you bring to the audience.
Step 4: Practice Your On-Camera Energy
Being on live TV is NOT like Instagram stories. You’ve got 4–5 minutes, max, to be engaging, educational, and fun.
➡️ Action for you:
- Record yourself doing a mock “segment” at home (set a timer for 4 minutes).
- Practice speaking in short, punchy sentences.
- Think visuals: what can you show while you’re talking? (a quick demo, a before/after, products on a table).
Step 5: Repurpose Like Crazy
The beauty of local TV? You can leverage it forever. After your segment airs:
- Clip the video and post it to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.
- Add “As Seen On [TV Show]” to your website and bio.
- Share the replay with your email list (instant credibility).
This isn’t just exposure — it’s positioning you as the go-to MUA in your city.
🎥 Here’s where Jen Tobias Struski comes in.
I sat down with her (yes, the Emmy-award winning producer herself) to talk about how MUAs can get booked on local TV. Watch the full video below — she drops gems you don’t want to miss.
Final Thoughts
Getting on local TV isn’t just for big brands or celebrities. It’s for you too. If I can do it over 20 times, you can absolutely land your first segment this year. It just takes:
- Knowing what to pitch
- Building the right connections
- Showing up with energy and value
And if you want to stay organized while you grow your business (media pitches, segment ideas, client bookings, all of it)… the Makeup Artist Business Planner was made for you.
👉 Grab the planner here and start planning like the CEO you are.
