10 Tips to Ensure Your Press Release is Published
- Date: 2007-02-28 - Word Count: 556
Share This!
The press release was first introduced in 1906 by Ivy Lee, who is often referred to as the first real public relations practitioner. At that time, Lee's agency was working with the Pennsylvania Railroad, which had just fallen victim to a tragic accident. Ivy Lee convinced the company to issue the first press release to journalists, before other versions of the story got out. He used a press release to invite journalists and photographers to the scene and provided their transportation.
Since that time, the press release has become the most common way of informing the press of an event or action that will happen or has happened or is in progress. Press releases used to be primarily faxed to news rooms, but more and more they accept e-mail press releases, so you may be able to send it either way. After you send the press release, it is very important to call and follow-up.
Follow these 10 tips and you'll be sure to have your press release published.
1. Make sure the information is newsworthy. Anything you write must capture your reader's attention right off the bat - this is especially important when writing a press release. Reporters receive hundreds of press releases each day. The only way to make sure they actually read yours is to grab their attention right away.
2. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. If you can address a problem they encounter on a regular basis, they'll keep reading.
3. Start with a brief description of the news, and then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around. The news is the most important piece, followed by who is announcing it.
4. Ask yourself, "How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?" Make sure you're addressing a problem or issue that most people face. If you do this successfully, people will be able to easily relate to what you are saying.
5. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important. You must grab the attention of the reporter first and then your reader.
6. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Keep your language clear and concise.
7. Deal with the facts. Don't include opinions or things that can't be substantiated.
8. Provide as much contact information as possible: individual to contact, address, phone, fax, email, Web site address. Don't make the reporter search for your information - they don't have the time!
9. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release. Again, make sure your announcement is newsworthy.
10. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs. Give them all the information they need to just publish it. Don't leave questions or make them call you - they'll move on.
One of the best ways to inform your customers and potential customers about your business is by submitting press releases. The key to getting them published is grabbing the attention of the reporter. Follow the tips listed above and you'll ensure your press release stays out of the trash can.
Laurie Dart, author of the Everyday Guide to Writing Wisely, provides writing and editing services, including press releases, to entrepreneurs and small business owners. To get your FREE list of tips for writing winning sales copy, visit http://www.writingwisely.com.
Since that time, the press release has become the most common way of informing the press of an event or action that will happen or has happened or is in progress. Press releases used to be primarily faxed to news rooms, but more and more they accept e-mail press releases, so you may be able to send it either way. After you send the press release, it is very important to call and follow-up.
Follow these 10 tips and you'll be sure to have your press release published.
1. Make sure the information is newsworthy. Anything you write must capture your reader's attention right off the bat - this is especially important when writing a press release. Reporters receive hundreds of press releases each day. The only way to make sure they actually read yours is to grab their attention right away.
2. Tell the audience that the information is intended for them and why they should continue to read it. If you can address a problem they encounter on a regular basis, they'll keep reading.
3. Start with a brief description of the news, and then distinguish who announced it, and not the other way around. The news is the most important piece, followed by who is announcing it.
4. Ask yourself, "How are people going to relate to this and will they be able to connect?" Make sure you're addressing a problem or issue that most people face. If you do this successfully, people will be able to easily relate to what you are saying.
5. Make sure the first 10 words of your release are effective, as they are the most important. You must grab the attention of the reporter first and then your reader.
6. Avoid excessive use of adjectives and fancy language. Keep your language clear and concise.
7. Deal with the facts. Don't include opinions or things that can't be substantiated.
8. Provide as much contact information as possible: individual to contact, address, phone, fax, email, Web site address. Don't make the reporter search for your information - they don't have the time!
9. Make sure you wait until you have something with enough substance to issue a release. Again, make sure your announcement is newsworthy.
10. Make it as easy as possible for media representatives to do their jobs. Give them all the information they need to just publish it. Don't leave questions or make them call you - they'll move on.
One of the best ways to inform your customers and potential customers about your business is by submitting press releases. The key to getting them published is grabbing the attention of the reporter. Follow the tips listed above and you'll ensure your press release stays out of the trash can.
Laurie Dart, author of the Everyday Guide to Writing Wisely, provides writing and editing services, including press releases, to entrepreneurs and small business owners. To get your FREE list of tips for writing winning sales copy, visit http://www.writingwisely.com.
Related Tags: writing, news, press release, editing, reporter, published, newsworthy
Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Writing an Article
Here are 10 mistakes that writers tend to make when writing articles for newsletters or magazines. K - Invigorate Your Healthcare Writing With Words That Are Short, Sweet, And Full of Energy
There are certain kinds of phrasing and word choice, especially in official statements, that can soa - The Case For Customizing Content
You have to consider every angle when you are writing. There are lots of rules to follow and tips to - Writing Strategies For Creating Viral Content
For anybody involved in content marketing the need to develop writing strategies that will produce t - Three Key Ways a Writing Coach Can Improve Your College Admission Essay
In an article entitled "Writing The Essay: Sound Advice from an Expert", Parke Muth, Senior Assistan - Acquiring A Fantastic Proxy - Proxy List
A proxy or proxy server is applied for both effortless obtain to your certain useful resource like a - Turnkey Sites & Website Templates - A Comparison
I'm constantly finding emails soon after a person buys a offer of Site Desing templates. Some men an - Standard Manual For Laptop Or Computer Elements & Software
For many people today, computer system sections plus the innards of the computer system are anything - Different Kinds Of Cameras Can Be Used For Webcams
There are many physical components that make the technology of the PC camera webcam work. The import - What Can Pc Camera Webcam Bring To Us And How It Works?
The PC camera webcam can be used in a wide range of aspects. Such as personal "Big Brother" style di
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Don't Put Off Writing that Book!
If writing that book you've always had in mind tops your list of resolutions or regrets, hiring a wr - How To Write A Better Press Release
A press release is the most effective way to generate free publicity for your business or organizati - Writing on the Hoof
Finding inspiration when you are writing is often a haphazard affair. When you are physically ready - Focus On Nigeria
Focus on Nigeria Nigеria is a natural gas and oil rich country that is bordеrеd b - How to Write Great Dialogue in Your Book
Dialogue isn't so much read as it is heard by the reader. The eyes see the words on the page, the b - Women SUV Driver from www.thefrap.com
Why do so many women drive around in the oversized SUV's, the Tahoe, Excursion, Escalade - How To Write Good Articles
As a writer you may be ready to cash in on the need for web content. There is a lot of money that c - NEWS FLASH: Technical Communicator Saves World
I had a boss several years ago who was amused by my earnest and relentless preaching about the impor - Writers Resources
Writers use certain inherent talents to come up with their pieces of writing. However, they do need - Popular Articles
Articles are those that are available in plenty these days in the internet. The articles are written