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.
maide service in Lincolnshire ..I say public relations can be a matter of survival... Read More
There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, do you see... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers are in a stronger position... Read More
Trade publications present an excellent opportunity for organisations to gain... Read More
As a business, non-profit and association manager, how satisfied are... Read More
Think that you aren't big enough for national media coverage?... Read More
It took me a while to see just HOW crucial... Read More
A well structured press release in an excellent way of... Read More
If I were coaching you as a business, non-profit or... Read More
Do you dream of being on Oprah Winfrey's television show?... Read More
If you have had any experience in public relations or... Read More
Obviously, it hurts when a promising business project you backed... Read More
If your reading this, you must be online and most... Read More
I say to business, non-profit and association managers, a key... Read More
I am often asked by clients to target USA Today... Read More
Being invited to appear on radio and television used to... Read More
Why You Should Write Press Releases: A press release is... Read More
Your public relations people are busy. The buzz is all... Read More
Managers in the non-profit, association and business worlds need to... Read More
For business, non-profit and association managers, is it publicity that... Read More
You do not have to hire a publicist or advertise... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, why continue a... Read More
When you are planning to call a reporter for the... Read More
When properly applied by business, non-profit and association managers, public... Read More
cleaning lady near Deerfield ..We'd all like reporters to ask us about our career... Read More
What you are about to read is a step by... Read More
So, you've had your book published or you've gone the... Read More
Successful buisnesses know that media attention reaches consumers better than... Read More
Recently I had a craving for... Read More
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
If I were coaching you as a business, non-profit or... Read More
You are a spokesperson for your company, representing it for... Read More
The most sensible way for business, non-profit or association managers... Read More
Lots of theories out there about public relations.Everything from "publicity's... Read More
Imagine you're the technology reporter at a daily newspaper. You... Read More
If your product or service can be given as a... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, any tool that... Read More
Quality public relations does something positive for business, non-profit and... Read More
PRESIDENT BUSH TELLS A STORYOn March 18, 2005, President Bush... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, you have a... Read More
Public relations is popular because it is very cost-effective and... Read More
You never want to inundate a reporter with information, but... Read More
There are a lot of things that make a business... Read More
If you're trying to promote your store, but you don't... Read More
Parties, videos, booklets and column plugs?Or public relations that does... Read More
They'd hate to admit it, but the media is pretty... Read More
When ABC News anchor Peter Jennings announced he had lung... Read More
The fast changing dynamics of the world economy is forcing... Read More
In fact, here are three really foolish goofs made by... Read More
Public Relations |