Home
>
Public Relations
>
How To Write A Killer Press Release

How To Write A Killer Press Release

One of the primary tools still used by PR professionals to garner media coverage is the press release. Now understand the purpose of a press release is to grab the attention of an editor, not to offer a word for word story to a publication. Most professionals as well as small business owners misunderstand this concept and are therefore frustrated when they can't seem to make it work for them.

If you understand that the purpose of a press release is to grab attention then you might also begin to realize that there is a bit of an art to writing an effective one.

This art actually begins with proper format. It probably shouldn't matter how you format a good story but editor after editor has told me that if a press release comes to them and is not properly formatted, it often doesn't get read. Read that again if you are bit of a maverick. You want to read about your company in the news then you might just have to follow the rules.

Ultimately your story will have to stand on its own but follow this accepted format and you stand a better chance of making that all important first impression.

+ For release timing

The very first thing to appear on your release is the release date or time. If your story is for immediate release say so For Immediate Release. If there is a reason to hold some news or a seasonal deadline say so. For Release Before Halloween. Some background type releases can also carry the - Release at Will tag

+ Contact Information

Don't make it hard for them to get in touch with you. Right under the release info state your name, address, direct phone, and email address under the heading "For more information" Remember the real point is to get them to call you.

+ The Headline

90% of all advertising effectiveness rides on the effectiveness of the headline. It is no different for a press release. Most readers will decide whether or not you have anything to say based solely on the grabbing power of your headline. Pull them in quickly. Write 5-6 attention grabbing headlines and then put your release away for day or so. Come back and see which ones still grab you. It is that important.

+ Dateline

At the start of the body of your release you are expected to provide some useful information. First the date of the release and then the city the release originates from. Put a dash after the city and then start the body of your release. ie: February 18, 2003 - Kansas City, Mo - Today in history...

+ Double space

Double space the body of your release. This probably goes back to the days when reporters made notes by pencil in the space between the lines but I guess some still do that.

+ First Paragraph

Okay, so now your headline grabbed them. Tell them what you're going to tell them in the first paragraph. Don't beat around the bush or try to be cute here. Hit them with your best shot.

+ Quotes and Credentials

Quotes make for interesting reading. Try to find a newspaper story without a quoted source of some sort. Add your own quotes and then add some credentials to the person you attribute the quote to. If it's you and you're a master plumber with 25 years of experience, then say so. "The flora and fauna was breathtaking," said Bill Sphenkle, one of Kansas City's most experienced plumbers.

+ Call to action

If you want them to interview or visit your website to find out more information, then say so. Bill Sphenkle is available for interviews. Just don't hype your company or product. Nothing gets your release tossed faster.

+ End

At the end add the symbol # # #

There is a free software program that will allow you to write attention getting, perfectly formatted press releases by simply filling in some blanks and answers guided questions. You can download Instant Press Release

http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/instant-press-release.htm

About The Author

John Jantsch is a marketing coach, speaker and author. Find out more at http://www.ducttapemarketing.com/instant-press-release.htm.

Batchtown Chicago prom limo .. Lockport Chicago limo O’Hare

In The News:

A virtual private network can help ensure your information remains security and your privacy remains intact. Kurt the CyberGuy explains.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Artificial intelligence-based cameras are giving air defense operators unprecedented capabilities in monitoring and protecting airspace.

Apple's iOS 18.1 Inactivity Reboot automatically reboots your iPhone if it hasn't been used or unlocked for more than three days, providing better data protection.

An inventor designed rooftop solar panels for a Tesla that draws solar energy while the car is parked, adding travel mileage without plugging in.

There are currently no laws governing what artificial intelligence can and cannot do with the information it gathers; here are 10 things to avoid telling AI chatbots to keep yourself safe.

A credit union with over 240,000 members recently revealed it was targeted by cybercriminals, resulting in a data breach that was part of a two-month attack by hackers.

Scammers have become skilled at creating convincing fake websites that can easily fool unsuspecting users. The CyberGuy offers tips to protect yourself.

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

CAPTCHAs, which are used by websites to confirm whether users are people or bots, are harmless, but hackers are using them to infect PCs with malware.

Hackers recently leaked personal information of about 500,000 Americans and stole patient medical records that included lab results and insurance details.

The holiday season sees a rise in mobile shopping scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to stay safe.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says a VPN enhances online banking security by encrypting data and protecting privacy.

Beware of these six sneaky holiday scams. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson gives you tips to avoid falling victim.

Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals how to securely back up and factory reset your Android to protect your privacy and data.

Artificial intelligence is making life easier for cybercriminals, allowing them to create elaborate scams to trick people. Kurt the Cyberguy explains how to protect yourself.

Cut through all the digital clutter and delete multiple emails from your Android simultaneously. Kurt the CyberGuy explains how it's done.

Tips to prevent your holiday decorations from being stolen

Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson lays out the immediate steps you should take if your phone has been hacked and your personal information becomes vulnerable.

Fraudsters are sending people bogus invoices through PayPal as part of a sneaky scam that is going around; here's how to protect yourself from being fooled.

A former Colgate-Palmolive employee was shocked to discover $750,000 had been drained from her 401(k) account. "CyberGuy" offers tips on how to prevent identity theft.

Electric vehicle maker Harbinger recently showed its electric delivery truck can handle icy roads with agility and stability in winter.

To make the busiest time of year more manageable, here are some tricks for tracking your packages, taking quality family photos and curating the perfect Christmas playlist.

Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how to keep your online Amazon gift purchases a secret from loved ones or friends this holiday season.

How To Write A Killer Press Release

Public Relations