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.
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..If you're seeking to promote yourself or your new business... Read More
When properly applied by business, non-profit and association managers, public... Read More
Have you ever noticed that when someone is interviewed on... Read More
You are a spokesperson for your company, representing it for... Read More
Use journalistic styleReporters are busy. Just like you.So when you... Read More
Just promoted to manager?Here's something you need to know.Whether you... Read More
THE TWO MINUTES UNDERDOGEdward Everett was one of the most... Read More
A well structured press release in an excellent way of... Read More
I heard a speaker recently who was talking about how... Read More
You do not have to hire a publicist or advertise... Read More
Andrew Bogut, the Australian basketballer is now officially in the... Read More
Most small businesses do little to no public relations (PR)... Read More
Many of my clients have had the misguided perception that... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, your public relations... Read More
Public relations is all about credibility and trustworthiness. If you... Read More
A new public relations blueprint could be a good idea... Read More
Yup -- it's hot and sticky and you don't feel... Read More
The call came into my office and the voice on... Read More
Strong for business, non-profit and association managers when they use... Read More
Considering how fundamental they are to the publicist's trade,it's always... Read More
The Acai Berry is starting to gain world wide recognition... Read More
If, as is often the case, you are preoccupied with... Read More
Reporters, by nature, are curious people.If you can get them... Read More
Just think about it.If I come to believe that you... Read More
What do your customers say about your company?Would you let... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..The fast changing dynamics of the world economy is forcing... Read More
It is virtually impossible to succeed professionally and personally without... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers get a ton of satisfaction... Read More
Publicity is an important and often overlooked tool of creative... Read More
Recently someone asked me why so many restaurants go out... Read More
You're trying to recruit a downline into your program, you've... Read More
It took me a while to see just HOW crucial... Read More
Press releases are a useful tool for announcing news and... Read More
To get someone's name in the newspaper or a product... Read More
If you get the hang of speaking to the press... Read More
Without a solid, well-designed foundation, few buildings successfully withstand the... Read More
As the comedian Steve Martin once said, "some people have... Read More
They say that image is everything and some of us... Read More
It happens to business, non-profit and association managers when their... Read More
For discerning business, non-profit and association managers, PR success is... Read More
Mark Twain once said the rumors of his death had... Read More
I heard a speaker recently who was talking about how... Read More
Do it by restructuring your business, non-profit or association public... Read More
Quality public relations does something positive for business, non-profit and... Read More
For some, public relations works well when their news release... Read More
The real public relations geniuses might be managers. You know,... Read More
Did you Know That Even TV Remote Control Units... Read More
Although, as a business, non-profit or association manager, you may... Read More
What's REALLY potent for a business, non-profit or association manager... Read More
It's not unusual for clients of service providers to insist... Read More
Public Relations |