Press Release help please

[Sandra Turney]

Hi, I have been advised to start using press releases to promote new events etc for my business, but am not clear on how to word them so a publication would take notice. Could anyone either advise me or suggest a company/organistion that would write them for me? Thankyou. Sandra

 

[gemd89]

Its not that difficult sandra, whats the new event? And whats it about, PM me if you like.

I wrote my first one to the local paper, they sent a photographer round within 4 days, in the paper a week later, im working on a national one now

Gemma

 

[AlanGNW]

I used to own a PR company, and as Gemma said, it's really not rocket science.

Remember the W's...

Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How - okay, how isn't a W but you get the idea...

Make your headline and the first papragraph have a 'hook' to keep them reading. If necessary tailor it to the media you are sending it to...

Here's a reasonable guide.

http://www.foe.co.uk/resource/how_tos/cyw_64_press_release.pdf

If you can (and if appropriate), include a good quality photograph of suitable quality to print.

From my experience the less work a journalist has to do on what you sent the more likely it is to get published. (without being disrespectful - this applies mostly at the lower end of the market, by which I mean local and trade press).

Make sure it's a decent story, fits the media, and that you aren't wasting peoples time.

 

[captaincloser]

I just used www.goingtopress.com .

They got me in a couple of newspapers this week including the Daily Express (between ther latest 'Diana' theory and Lord Lucan sighting). But still national press and plenty of other coverage too.

There is an art to writing a good publishable piece on your own behalf.

I think professional press release writers (copywriters) might suggest they have something more to offer than the man in the street in terms of writing but certainly in terms of distribution. This company distribute direct to journalists rather than publications. Seems to work.

 

[AlanGNW]

Here's another link you may find useful. Tells it from the journalists point of view...

http://www.journalism.co.uk/7/articles/535287.php

 

[mono one]

Hi Sandra

I'd be happy to help you out. I'll send you a PM with more details.

Regards

Steve

 

[Sandra Turney]

Thankyou for your help with this. I couldn't believe how many replies I had when I checked back on here!

Unfortunately the prices on the paid services are out of my budget, but the guidance has been fantastic and I am going to have a go on my own.

I run a Swim School (Sandra Turney Swim School Ltd) in the North East that has grown by 600% during the recession. The ASA have opened the nomination for the Swimtastic Awards 2010 and nominations for my Swim School and the teachers I employ are flooding in, and someone suggested it was about time I start to brag a little about the success we are experiencing. It doesn't feel natural for me to do that (basically quite shy) - but I am proud of my team and think for them I should do it.

Thankyou all again for your help and advice.

Sandra

 

[AlanGNW]

Sounds like you've got good advice from your friend. It is time to give it a go....

Let's say for the sake of argument you're main target are half a dozen papers, there is no need to use a distribution service. Do the research yourself. Form what you just said there's several stories there.

Business section: Grown during recession

Awards: Local news

...and don't forget things like the women's and lifestyle pages.

Get to know your target media, who writes in what style, and you'll start to see more opportunities.

One you've had a couple of pieces you'll get a taste for it and soon get over your shyness...

 

[MrsPWN]

Hi Sandra,
Not sure if you are a mum but if so you should have a look at this, sounds like you have a lot to be proud of!

http://www.themumpreneurconference.co.uk/nominations.html

 

[Sandra Turney]

To all of you, I have been amazed by the support I have had from here It is vert much appreciated.

 

[MikeJ]

Someone once told me the it helps if it's as close to shove into a newspaper as it can be, so they don't have to do too much work. If they've a choice between one that they have to rewrite, and one that's just about ready to go, they'll take the latter.

(sorry if that's in one of the links, I've not clicked them)

 

[jamesparker100]

[FONT=verdana,geneva,lucida,arial]Hi there!
I agree with captaincloser. The site he mentioned is really good as i contact here for some quality text writing, and i found it really good. The stuff written by them allowed me to get good benefit out of my business.
[/FONT]

 

[jh_copywriter]

Hi Sandra, if you still need help on this feel free to PM me.

Excellent work by the way, that's some achievement!