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
same day cleaning service Des Plaines ..If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More
Successful buisnesses know that media attention reaches consumers better than... Read More
Everything, that is, if you ignore those folks whose behaviors... Read More
If you're an online business using public relations (PR) to... Read More
If you don't have a grip on public relations, how... Read More
Almost every day, I hear the same question, over and... Read More
As if making sure your company runs smoothly on an... Read More
If a reporter approached you about an interview, would you... Read More
In an ideal world, your business would be overflowing withnewsworthy... Read More
How do you make a good relationship with a newspaper... Read More
Let's start out with a caution for business, non-profit and... Read More
In fact, here are three really foolish goofs made by... Read More
The right kind of PR, that is, the kind that... Read More
Sure, as tactics usually presented to business, non-profit and association... Read More
When I search Google News for "surveys," I get nearly... Read More
What do Monica Lewinsky, Shoshanna Lowenstein, and even Richard Hatch... Read More
Looking to get your name into a magazine? You need... Read More
"Cindy, where's that story? I need it yesterday!""Coming right up,... Read More
Business, non-profit and association managers get a ton of satisfaction... Read More
Business people often spend time and money trying to find... Read More
A few weeks ago I was participating on an on-line... Read More
You've heard "them" say it, haven't you?By "them" I mean... Read More
What are you trying to do with your business, non-profit... Read More
Well, autumn is upon us and with the onset of... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, do you see... Read More
home cleaning services Mundelein ..You are if you stand by while your public relations... Read More
1. Your press release should sound like news, not an... Read More
You never know when 60 Minutes will knock on your... Read More
Do you want to be quoted by the national press... Read More
A reporter's job is to get the most accurate and... Read More
Each of us is exposed to people from other cultures... Read More
Yes?Good!Still, as a business, non-profit or association manager, if you're... Read More
Ever get the feeling that your public relations program isn't... Read More
Business, non-profit or association managers hurt their own public relations... Read More
The right kind of PR, that is, the kind that... Read More
Everyone has an opinion on something, and you can leverage... Read More
True, because department, division or subsidiary managers for a business,... Read More
It could, but what if it doesn't?Will you be prepared?Will... Read More
Some people think that publicity is all about paparazzi snapping... Read More
Yes, and that pressure often comes from a CEO who... Read More
Press reviews are a common and basic feature for surveying... Read More
It seems difficult to believe at the dawn of the... Read More
Public relations changes minds in the process of delivering what... Read More
For those business, non-profit and association managers committed to PR... Read More
A PR product or service launching is a perfect way... Read More
Public relations is a very important part of the marketing... Read More
As a business, non-profit or association manager, any tool that... Read More
And here it is: public relations alters individual perception leading... Read More
If you are in Australia at the moment, it is... Read More
Above all, you need to know that the right PR... Read More
Public Relations |