To thrive in business, you need exposure and media coverage – online, offline or both. Although it may take some time to generate coverage you can start with writing a press release to highlight your company’s product and services.
Press release writing is easier said than done. At the time when you send out a press release, you’re contending with hundreds, possibly thousands, of different media releases. A well-written press release can help you create widespread media coverage, improve your brand or company’s reputation, and/or manage a crisis.
Press Release Writing And Distribution Service
Consider these press release writing do’s and don’ts so you can find the best tips for making an eye-catching press release. Use this simple list before writing, when you’re writing and after you’ve written your press release.
What to do…
- put an effort into writing a headline.
The headline is the most important part of a press release. Make an attention-grabbing headline. Even the most compelling story will make no sense if the headline is stinky. That’s why you need to spend additional time and effort to make sure that your headline is as catchy and clear as possible. Just by reading the headline, editors and reporters will be able to know exactly what your story is about.
- keep it short and sweet (KISS).
The press release doesn’t have to be that long. The information must be encapsulated. To that, use the inverted pyramid model with the most important information at the top and the least important at the bottom. This will help you have a smooth and coherent press release. Plus, it would be more expensive to distribute a longer press release.
- stick in one main topic.
It’s natural that you have a lot of things and information you want to say, but don’t let the one who’ll read your release be confused. Keep it as tight as possible by focusing on one central topic. If there’s additional information, better put it on the next release.
- assess the objectivity of a release.
A press release should grab human interest and cause people to want to pay attention or participate mentally in the release information. That is by the way considering how interesting and relevant a press release.
- add a quote.
A press or media release should be a well-presented story for the targeted media outlet or journalists. You can make it easier for the reporter to cover your media release by adding a quote from someone, preferably in a leadership position at the company. You’ll end up saving the journalist time by including a quote before they have to ask for one.
Don’t…
- forget to answer the 5Ws.
This is the basic of the basics. A press release should answer the 5 Wh’s and you shouldn’t have to forget it. Who is it pertaining to? What will occur? Where is the location? When will it happen? Why is it important? These serve as the skeleton of a press release. Like a human being, in order for you to have a strong body, you must have strong bones.
- use slang, complicated or unpopular words.
A press release should be grammatically appropriate, easy to navigate, and professional. Avoid using unusual and informal language that could mislead a company or the conveyed message.
- forget to include your company information.
When it says company information, also include your company website, social media outlets, address, and phone number. Journalists need to access contact information conveniently. Do not make someone search for media contact.
- exaggerate or use marketing hype.
Keep in mind that press release writing and distribution service is NOT an advertisement. Press releases are news stories. The news means accuracy, not marketing hype or exaggerated claims.
- make silly mistakes.
Finally, spend a little time proofreading the release before sending it out. Don’t ever send out a press release that has errors.
To sum it up, anyone can write a press release but you must know the fundamentals in order to write effectively. And even if you have written the perfect press release, if no one sees it, you won’t get very far. That’s why you also need an effective press release distribution service to get your story picked up by national newspapers, magazines, or even blogs.