1. Start strong: Your title and initial lines should briefly and
directly convey what you want to say. Include the "who, what,
where, when and why" in the lead of your press release. The
remaining part of your press release should include supporting
facts and examples.
2. Make it easy for the media: Some media agencies and
journalists will grab your press release and carry it in their
publications with slight editing or no alteration. But even if
it's not used word for word, journalists may use it as fodder
for other stories or to create their own story ideas. The more
information and details you include, the less work the media has
to do.
3. Think like the reader: Your press release should be able to
keep the reader's interest. Put yourself in the reader's shoes.
Would you want to read your press release?
4. Make it relevant: Try to point out real examples to support
the message you want to communicate. Show why your information
is important and how it benefits the reader. If your release
isn't newsworthy, don't expect anyone to read it.
5. Support your story with real facts: Facts make your point
stronger and tell the journalist you've already done much of the
research for them. If you pull facts from other sources, make
sure you attribute them. Avoid fluff and add-ons. And never make
anything up. If content seems too good to be true, tone it down
or you could hurt your credibility.
6. Include company information: The press release should
conclude with a short description of your company, including
where your company is based, what products and service it
provides and a brief history If you are creating a press release
for more than one company, provide information for all the
companies at the end of the release. Also include contact
information, both phone number and e-mail, for each company's
spokesperson.
7. Be concise: Avoid using superfluous adjectives, extravagant
language, or unnecessary clichés. Get to the point and tell your
story as directly as possible.
8. Get permission: Companies can be defensive about their name
and image. Get written permission before including information
or quotes from officials or associates of other
companies/organizations.
9. Avoid exclamation points: The use of exclamation points may
hurt your credibility by creating unnecessary hype. However, if
you have to use an exclamation point, use only one! Not
several!!!
10. Avoid industry jargon: The harder your press release is to
understand for journalists and laymen, the less likely it is to
be picked up. A limited use of industry terminology is ok, if
you're trying to optimize the news release for internet search
engines.
Paul Wilson is a freelance writer for
http://www.1888PressRelease.com, the premier website to Submit
Free Press Release for any announcements including launching of
new product or services, new website, announcing new hires,
sponsoring a special event or seminar and more. His articles can
be found at
http://www.1888articles.com/author-paul-wilson-7.html.
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