The Do’s And Don’ts Of Writing A Press Release
Topics: marketing, pr, press release, marketing buzz, media, internet marketing, journalist, news, stories
What do you need to do before you even put pen to paper and start writing a press release?
Although writing a successful press release is pretty straightforward, unless you do it correctly your hard work will be rewarded with the STB technique. That is your press release will be Screwed up into a tiny ball and it will be Thrown into the nearest Bin by the person you sent it to. And whilst the STB technique is seldom discussed I am afraid the vast majority of press releases fall foul to its nasty end. However, yours will not.
So let us start with some things you need to think about and so before writing your press release.
To begin with you need to think about why you are actually writing the release in the first place. Is it to tell the world about something amazing that has happened that you simply have to share with them? Is it to update your customers (or potential customers) with news of a new product or service you have? Or is it to increase business? A wise man (I think it was big chinned Football guru Jimmy Hill) once said you cannot get to where you are going until you know where you are. Wise words indeed and words that should be listened to if you want your press release to be acted upon.
The second thing you need to consider is who are you going to send it to? Before you even consider putting pen to paper you have to know who the release is going to be sent to as this will have a vital impact on what you say and how you say it. I mean do you really think Richard Attenborough would have sent the same press release about Jurassic Park to the National History Museum as he would have to a tabloid newspaper? No he most certainly would not have. Instead the headline to one might have been Tyrannosaurus Rex makes triumphant return in the land of the lost giants whereas the other headline might have been do you think he Dino Saw Us? Mad Professor opens new theme park. Basically you need to make sure you know where your release will be sent so it can be tailored to that audience.
Please also make your press release interesting and newsworthy to the people you are sending it to. If you dont you know what will happen (see STB above).
The final thing you have to do before writing your press release is to know that the person you are sending it to does not care about you and does not care about your business. All they care about is does what you are writing about interest them and more importantly will it be of interest and useful to their readers, listeners, viewers or site visitors. And whilst this may seem a harsh thing to say it is true. If you dont believe me send out a press release not taking this into account and watch the results. Oh yes, and listen hard enough and you might hear the STB!
So there you go just a few things you should be doing before writing your press release. And here are a few things you most definitely should not do:
Do not ramble. Journalists dislike press releases that dont get to the point. If you can get to the point and do not ramble on, your release has a much better chance of being published. If however you are about to sit down and write war and peace then go walk the dog, make a cup of tea or do whatever it takes to get you out of this mindset.
Do not lie. Remember this is not your CV! Keep the contents of your release factual, correct and do not be tempted to tell anything but the truth.
Do not make mistakes. If journalists hate one thing more than rambling its errors, spelling mistakes and releases that are not grammatically correct. With spell check there is no excuse nowadays.
And one final thought, (very Jerry Springer) STBs will no longer be an option for you and your business we will leave them for your competitors.
Mark Burdett is the owner of The Marketing Buzz. For information on The Marketing Buzz and their range of small business marketing services visit www.themarketingbuzz.co.uk
Previous Articles Highlighter:
High School Diploma- Classroom And Online Study Options (1)
Most of the classes for working professionals are conducted as per their convenience. These classes are either offered in the evening or on the weekends. When learning in a classroom atmosphere, one gets to ask his query and get the answer instantly.
Sparkle Is In The Air According To The Spring 2007 Wedding Jewelry Forecast (2)
Many 2007 brides will be wearing rings made to replicate vintage or antique designs as history will repeat itself in the upcoming wedding season. Depending on your own personal preference, you may prefer a classic bridal set styled in a traditional design.
Choosing The Right Online High School (3)
Schools actually play an important part in our life and are responsible for grooming us in a certain way. Though you choose an online high school, you need to be aware about what kind of study material they provide and the other important facilities.
Build A Strong Affiliate Network (4)
The most efficient method of approach is to do it in an extremely professional manner and in the choice of words directed in the approach. One should not approach these business owners as a family member or friends but as a work colleague.
Get A Handle On Your Cleaning Equipment (5)
The scissor system means the reach of the broom can be easily increased or decreased to suit the size of the space that needs clearing. They are used prolifically in schools for clearing the dinner hall, sports hall or corridor.
Sugar Land Homes Are Extremely Popular (6)
In Texas, Sugar Land is a good choice. Those that know it seem to like it and believe that it is a good community. The housing market there also appears to be doing well, and moving into a new home in a beautiful subdivision is something that many people across the country aspire to in Sugar Land.
4 Steps To Activating Personal Transformational Leadership (7)
What we see in front of us, may not always be what is real. Our minds can trick us into believing all kinds of lies about ourselves, others and the world around us.
A Guide To Furnishing Your Home (8)
You'd be surprised what you can do when you really apply yourself and follow some simple rules. Happy furniture shopping! Visit www.OfficeAndHome.net for Home Furniture. www.OfficeAndHome.net provides high quality furniture products.
Using Worldly Software Packages (9)
Before the creation of computer reservation systems, flight reservation was done by hand and passengers were few in numbers compared to the number of passengers today. The process was lengthy and costly, hence the creation of Sabre made the process of flight reservation simpler and easier.
Blood Diamonds: What You Can Do To Ensure You're Purchasing A Conflict Free Diamond Jewelry (10)
The recent "Blood Diamonds" movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio, has again brought this issue to light. The movie is set in Sierra Leone during the 1900s during the civil war that lasted until 2002.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Creating A Masterpiece (1)
Don't leave them standing for long periods in paint or water - and don't allow them to dry in cramped positions. Watercolor Paper The most desirable papers for watercolor painting are usually handmade and imported, the best known perhaps being Whatman from England, Arches from France, and Fabriano from Italy.
A High School Diploma Can Open Several Avenues For You (2)
It says that you are well equipped with the basic skills required to be successful. It does not assure you a job or admissions to college, but indicates that you have the capability to learn and do well, accept challenges, and continue to work till you win.
Ten Reasons Why Travel Training Is Going Online (3)
Appear Web-savvy Having an online travel presence is very 'now' and any company embracing this approach will no doubt gain extra kudos in the industry. 8. Supports flexible working There is an increasing trend for home working in the travel industry via companies such as travel counsellors.
Your Guide To Selecting A Good Online High School Diploma Program (4)
Price may not be a problem for many, but some may have to consider the fee structure. Earning an online high school diploma needs a lot of dedication and self-motivation.
Study Abroad Programs: Three Things You Must Know (5)
Nothing can hinder your progress like hanging out with other English speakers. Forget this, "Oh, but he's from England...I've never hung out with anyone from England before." Plan on hanging out with someone from England once you become fluent.
Customer Services Training For The Team (6)
Usually seeing the effective performance or ineffective performance of other people allows staff to evaluate their performance themselves. This self-reflection is an extremely effective form of training. Training events generally encourage staff members to participate.
How Rock Climbing Is Soaring In Popularity In The Extreme Sport Genre (7)
Sometimes it may be hard to stick with everyone when you are doing lead climbing but once you have lead climbing down and you can probably go do some of your own lead climbing and start climbing with other people that need help just like you needed help.
Massachusetts Foreclosures - A Brief Guide To Getting Started In Investing In Them (8)
Foreclosure listings consist of detailed information such as secondary vacation home, foreclosure home, rental property, etc. One must research foreclosure listings very well prior to buying such properties. It has become very easy to get a foreclosed house due to real estate market in today's economy.
Identify World Class Breakthroughs (9)
One person stops to pick up a quarter. While he is stopped over, his companion chases a crumpled hundred dollar bill and captures it. Many times the same effort can provide vastly different rewards as in this example.
Become Wealthy Through Network Marketing (10)
Topics: network marketing, mlm, home business Network marketing is not a get-rich quick scheme. It involves selling memberships, subscriptions, and services to those who are in need. Services include financial planning, legal services, and other services that people may need at some point in their lives.