It's difficult enough running the day-to-day aspects of a business, let alone trying to drum up new business as you go. But according to Shannon Cherry, APR, even if you have additional staff helping to get the word out about your products and services, location and prices, delivery and sales support, news releases can make your company grow faster.
"A news release is sent to editors and journalists in order to generate a news story in the media," says Cherry, president of Cherry Communications which helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations to be heard through marketing communications. "It's one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to get your message out there. If a reporter decides to run your release, your business receives space for free - and more credibility than just running an ad."
Cherry explains that it's critical in today's business world to be seen, a key element in any business plan. She shares her top ten secrets to getting a news release noticed:
1) Your press release should sound like news, not an ad. You need to make sure your news is newsworthy, so start thinking like a reporter.
2) You should only send your press release to the media related to the topic of your press release. Don't just send the press release to every reporter you can find.
3) Keep your press release one page in length. Truth is, most editors will only read the headline and the first line or two of your release.
4) Your header, contact information and release date should be at the top of your press release.
5) Use short sentences and double space your lines.
6) Your headline and first few sentences should grab the reader's attention. Write like the news organizations you are targeting.
7) You should tell a story and mention your business, product or service in the body of the release.
8) Proofread your release many times. Look for grammar and spelling mistakes.
9) Follow up is not only recommended, it is vital. But don't call every other day asking if your release will run. Call once to see if there is any interest, but don't nag.
10) Stick to the facts. Tell the truth. Avoid fluff, embellishments and exaggerations. tone it down a bit.
And a bonus:
Use active, not passive, voice. Verbs in the active voice bring your press release to life. Writing in this manner helps guarantee that your press release will be read.
Shannon Cherry, APR, MA helps businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations to be heard. She's a marketing communications and public relations expert with more than 15 years experience and the owner of Cherry Communications. Subscribe today for Be Heard! our free biweekly ezine and get a free special report: "Get Set For Success: Creative, Low-Cost Marketing Tips to Help You be Heard." Go to www.cherrycommunications.com.
no-contract cleaning service Glenview ..A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
Sometimes there seems to be no client news worthy of... Read More
It's difficult enough running the day-to-day aspects of a business,... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
Powerful is a strong word. But it fits here. As... Read More
Aren't you tired of hearing how extremely easy it is... Read More
If you get the hang of speaking to the press... Read More
Is your business looking for new and creative ways to... Read More
"I want a pony, a tree house and the fastest... Read More
Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More
Done right, it helps modify the behaviors of your most... Read More
There's still time to review your public relations program like... Read More
Talkback radio offers a fantastic opportunity to access thousands of... Read More
So you've put yourself "out there" with a public relations... Read More
I got the latest issue of Internet Works in the... Read More
Even after a nice piece in a national publication, or... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
You want to sell your products or services, and that... Read More
It took me a while to see just HOW crucial... Read More
Public relations is popular because it is very cost-effective and... Read More
Corporations are willing to pay substantial amounts of money to... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
What's a Capability Statement?As the name suggests, it tells potential... Read More
Promotion for Professional Services Providers requires a different approach than... Read More
Without a solid, well-designed foundation, few buildings successfully withstand the... Read More
house cleaning company Glencoe ..When a reporter is wowed, intrigued, surprised or captivated by... Read More
In fact, here are three really foolish goofs made by... Read More
Business to Business relationships come to expect a certain level... Read More
And hurt bad if you are a business, non-profit or... Read More
I define public relations failure this way:key audience perceptions are... Read More
It used to be that all you had to do... Read More
They'd hate to admit it, but the media is pretty... Read More
If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More
We rely on all kinds of tools and advice to... Read More
Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More
Personnel mentions in the newspaper and product plugs on radio... Read More
What do your customers say about your company?Would you let... Read More
True, because department, division or subsidiary managers for a business,... Read More
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help... Read More
For many of us, the word quality is closely related... Read More
When you are planning to call a reporter for the... Read More
Hundreds of thousands of News Releases are sent out all... Read More
They say that image is everything and some of us... Read More
How do you make a good relationship with a newspaper... Read More
Think carefully! You're a department, division or subsidiary manager for... Read More
Press releases are one of the most cost-effective ways to... Read More
?lose the confidence of your key target audiences? discourage them... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
I believe this about public relations.People act on their own... Read More
Public Relations |