- Original Poster
- #1
After reading a range of simply fantastic threads on a range of forums, I decided I woud give it a go to write a list of understandable points so that small businesses can write an effective Press Release. Hope you like!!!!
1) Start the press release with the date of release if specific date, or for immediate release if a date is not necessary
2) Catchy headline shorter than 30 characters
3) First paragraph should answer Who? What? When? Where? and Why? and should be now more than 60 characters.
4) Leave a space in between each line for easy reading. Journalists get hundreds of releases, so aesthetics are essential.
5) Use quotes from customers, employees or yourself
6) Avoid words like fantastic, brilliant, superb when describing your product/service.
7) Similarly, avoid sales pitches
8) Journalists like releases that your average Joe can relate to. So make it personal, include how it has fitted in with your life.
9) End your release with "End of release ###"
10) If your release goes over the page, a the foot of the page write "More follows"
11) Ensure that all pages are numbered.
12) Press releases should not be longer than 2 pages (4 when using double spacing like adviced above).
13) Proof read your release numerous times.
14) Get at least 2 other people to proof read it.
15) Make sure you use a sensible font!!!
16) Send your release to a range of media. For exmaple, online publishers, local newspapers and if your feeling lucky, larger newspapers.
17) Contact your local newspaper and find out who writes the content for your area.
18) Build up a good relationship with this person and do not pester, they are busy people.
19) If you need to make a comment to the editor, create a section after the "End ###" tag titled Notes To Editor.
20) Include your business website or phone number at the foot of the release.
1) Start the press release with the date of release if specific date, or for immediate release if a date is not necessary
2) Catchy headline shorter than 30 characters
3) First paragraph should answer Who? What? When? Where? and Why? and should be now more than 60 characters.
4) Leave a space in between each line for easy reading. Journalists get hundreds of releases, so aesthetics are essential.
5) Use quotes from customers, employees or yourself
6) Avoid words like fantastic, brilliant, superb when describing your product/service.
7) Similarly, avoid sales pitches
8) Journalists like releases that your average Joe can relate to. So make it personal, include how it has fitted in with your life.
9) End your release with "End of release ###"
10) If your release goes over the page, a the foot of the page write "More follows"
11) Ensure that all pages are numbered.
12) Press releases should not be longer than 2 pages (4 when using double spacing like adviced above).
13) Proof read your release numerous times.
14) Get at least 2 other people to proof read it.
15) Make sure you use a sensible font!!!
16) Send your release to a range of media. For exmaple, online publishers, local newspapers and if your feeling lucky, larger newspapers.
17) Contact your local newspaper and find out who writes the content for your area.
18) Build up a good relationship with this person and do not pester, they are busy people.
19) If you need to make a comment to the editor, create a section after the "End ###" tag titled Notes To Editor.
20) Include your business website or phone number at the foot of the release.
