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Title: Tips For Writing A Press Release
Written By: Kathy Brackley
Web Site: http://www.KatCall.com
© 2007 Kathy Brackley
Writing a well written Press Release can be a valuable tool for publicity. That is, of course, providing that the release is well written, news worthy and easily understood. I could provide you with hundreds of sample Press Releases but I don't believe that would be of value to you. Going to some of the sites that display Press Releases and reading them is much more important. Doing that will give you an idea of the format and content that works. Read some of the releases related to your work; what is it that you like or don't like?
It's important to define who your target audience is and what you are trying to convey to them.
- Who is your target audience?
- What do you hope to achieve by your release? i.e. Increase sales, publicity, etc.
- What information is your Press Release providing?
- Why are you submitting a Press Release? Is it timely information and is it justified?
- What is the general tone of your release? i.e. excited, warm, funny, etc.
TIPS
- Make sure your Press Release is concise, and accurate.
- Be sure to check and double check your spelling, and grammar.
- Try not to use quotes that may seem biased or statements that do not relate to your topic.
- If your release is not based on a current event, (i.e. the release of a new Product, or announcing an Event) then try to incorporate something that is current. Let's use a CD Release as an example:
"Following the release of their hit album, High Ground", the Bellfast Flowers are in the studio recording their second CD, which is to be released June 1, 2003."
- Keep your release short, you do not want to write a Press Release that is a novel.
- Do research before submitting a Press Release, check out some other Press Releases that have been published. What do you like or dislike about them?
SUBMITTING YOUR RELEASE
- Do some research and find press contacts that would have an interest in what you have to say.
- Keep a notebook and compile a listing of contact names, addresses, and information. When you decide who you will contact, keep track of who you contacted, when you contacted them (date), and the outcome.
- If you are planning to email any media, such as reporters/editors, be sure they accept queries and Press Releases via email.
- Before contacting anyone or even writing a Press Release, do some research. If there is a particular publication you think you'd be interested in submitting your release to, look at their previous releases and get a feel for what they are about and are interested in.
- Never spam anyone, especially the press. Submitting your press release randomly to a zillion places isn't going to necessarily gain you exposure. In fact it could very well have the opposite effect.
- Don't send your Press Release to more than one contact per new outlet.
- Once you've submitted your release, do not follow up your release with email asking what's happening with it. You have to consider that they receive hundreds of Press Releases per week.
About the Author
Kathy Brackley is a freelance writer and editor who provides content and web solutions for businesses. You can visit her website at http://www.katcall.com
Today's article was originally received for publication in January 2003. The author has given full permission to publish it electronically or in print, free of charge in your ezines, newsletters or on your websites, as long as the article content remains unchanged as is published here today and that the authors copyright with resource box is included.
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