A Press Release is a captive story that can be about a person, a business or organizational group that is submitted to the media. The distribution of a release can be targeted to media outlets in newspapers, TV, radio stations, magazines and global newswire networks. Like with any other form of marketing, a well-submitted press release will give added publicity and creditability to an individual or a business.
Journalists look for newsworthy stories that they can use in their publications. Newsworthy simply means a story on current issues or events that have an appealing interest in today's news.
Some examples of this can be:
* Stories that cover the launching of a new business.
* Solution and problem solving reports that deals with the current market trend.
* New products or services that impact today's business.
* Research and findings on the latest business trends.
* Partnerships with other businesses.
* Sponsorships that you are affiliated with and contributed to.
* Achievements/awards that you have received recognition for.
Press releases are not to be confused as an advertisement to sell your products or services. An advertisement is to get your customers attention, whereas with a press release you want to capture the attention of the journalist.
The idea is to write a press release that generates a current interest to the media. If a journalist finds your story newsworthy, they are sure to feature your story.
The best way to start out is by researching some of the media websites first. One of the media websites that is worth checking out is Prweb.com. Their site is easy to navigate through and provide some very useful information on submitting a release. The idea is to visit a few of the media sites to understand their guidelines before you submit. It would also be beneficial to view several of the press releases on their site to get a better perception on writing your own. You will find that most press releases are between 400 and 500 words.
Once you have the concept, organize and put together all the information you will be using on a piece of paper. Make sure you are using current information with topics that have new and compelling interest (journalist are not interested in old news).
Make sure to illustrate your release with only solid facts. Emphasize on the benefits and key points in your story line.
If applicable, give examples, quotes, and testimonials. Do not use any bold statements, hype or sales pitches.
Proof read your release several times. Correct any grammar mistakes or misspellings.
How To Submit A Press Release:
Obviously your first step would be contacting the media. This can be through local media groups within your area, or through the Internet for worldwide distribution.
Submitting a press release is done by mail, fax or email. You can simply check with the editors to see what their requirements are for submitting your release.
Use journalist that are targeted to your business market. You can accomplish this by researching some of the past stories published by the editor.
Note; if you find editors that accept a release through email, it's important to put your release into the body of your email and not as an attachment.
When submitting a press release, the way you format your release can play a crucial role on whether a journalist picks up your story.
An example of a format that is commonly used, would be as follows:
1.) Type in "For Immediate Release" or you can specify the date you want it released for a different time period.
2.) Create a headline that would attract an interest.
3.) Add your contact information here. Your name, company, phone number and your URL.
4.) City, State and Date followed with your opening paragraph answering all the questions to who, what, where, why and when.
5.) Your next paragraph should cover the details of your story, which should highlight your first paragraph. If applicable, include quotes or endorsements from other business associates that have used your products or services. This will build creditability to your story (be sure to get approval prior to adding this).
6.) Followed by a short summary highlighting your key points to your story.
7.) A short company profile about your business.
8.) At the bottom, put in three (3) ### signs or "End" to indicate the end of your press release.
Final Note:
Be sure to add your contact information including your telephone number with your release. If an editor finds your story newsworthy, he may contact you for an interview or possibly just to attain more information on a follow-up story.
To look for newswire networks where you can submit a press release, go to http://www.ahomebusinessopportunity.net/pressreleases.htm for our complete list.
John Kovacs is the CEO and founder of "A Home Business Opportunity". His website mainly focuses on supplying free marketing tips, resources and support for home startup businesses and Internet marketing. To get a step-by-step guide in building an online business, visit http://www.ahomebusinessopportunity.net/pressreleases.htm
post construction cleaning Deerfield ..I say public relations can be a matter of survival... Read More
While scoring anice story in BusinessWeek or USA Today is... Read More
A press kit is an essential press relations tool. While... Read More
When your public relations results pretty much depend on whether... Read More
Better check out the public relations fundamental premise, then take... Read More
The right kind of PR, that is, the kind that... Read More
How much more fundamental can you get than this? As... Read More
Almost every day, I hear the same question, over and... Read More
In my travels around the country while building my business... Read More
As eyes look forward to a new business year, many... Read More
Press releases are one of the most cost-effective ways to... Read More
Done right, it helps modify the behaviors of your most... Read More
Fiercely combative business, non-profit and association managers use every PR... Read More
Community relations is one of those marketing strategies that isn't... Read More
There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More
Everyone is talking about the Ps of successful marketing, so... Read More
It took me a while to see just HOW crucial... Read More
You have been if you're a business, non-profit or association... Read More
For some, public relations works well when their news release... Read More
Corporations are willing to pay substantial amounts of money to... Read More
There's still time to review your public relations program like... Read More
When most people think about marketing, they think advertising. While... Read More
Excerpted from "Selling Goodness- The Guerrilla PR Guide To Promoting... Read More
The Internet may have opened worlds for businesses and consumers,... Read More
Maybe it played for Kevin Costner in "Field of Dreams,"... Read More
Airbnb cleaning service Bannockburn ..I believe this about public relations.People act on their own... Read More
It seems difficult to believe at the dawn of the... Read More
There are all kinds of smart moves professionals can make... Read More
It could, but what if it doesn't?Will you be prepared?Will... Read More
Because when it comes to public relations, non-believers can produce... Read More
The media (newspaper, radio, television) can be of enormous help... Read More
Don't assume that a reporter understands financial planning. If anything,... Read More
When it comes to launching a new business or product,... Read More
You are getting a good deal when you accept the... Read More
Think of a triangle. On the left, imagine the story... Read More
Early in my career as a public relations consultant, I... Read More
As you start getting more media-savvy, you'll find yourself coming... Read More
Can your PR do something positive about the behaviors of... Read More
If you get the hang of speaking to the press... Read More
Have you ever heard of the saying, "One person's trash... Read More
How do you make a good relationship with a newspaper... Read More
Southern grandmothers have often said, "there are only three... Read More
It happens to business, non-profit and association managers when their... Read More
As small businesses we have an opportunity and an obligation... Read More
There is a process for successfully getting publicity about your... Read More
You never want to inundate a reporter with information, but... Read More
Some folks see the word "strategic" as a needlessly tiresome... Read More
It's safe to say that we live in interesting times.... Read More
A great way to celebrate your achievements and capitalize on... Read More
Could be, when unit managers in businesses, non-profits and associations... Read More
Public Relations |