Press release
What is a press release? Do you need one? How can you use them to get publicity? First, a press release is a statement or an article that is sent to different branches of the media. A press release can be sent to editors at your local newspaper, to your local news stations, radio stations, networks, and magazines.
There are several reasons to send a newspaper, TV station or network, magazine, or radio station a press release, either by fax, e-mail, snail mail, etc. Perhaps there is some event, like a sale at your business, or the release of a new product, that you want to announce to the public. This would be a great time to send out a press release. There's another reason to send out a press release. A press release is a great way to get a reporter or editor's attention. Sending a press release with just a few choice bits of information might get the editor or reporter to call you for an interview. An interview might mean a bigger story, more print or air time, and more publicity. If your company has just completed a big medical study, for example, then you'll want to send a press release to media outlets so that they will give your study-and your company-more publicity.
You always should send out your press releases before the event that your press release is announcing. Sending out your press or news release beforehand will give reporters time to actually respond to your press release, call you with questions, and even perhaps prepare an article to publish on the date of the event that your news or press release is announcing. You might want to embargo your press release so that the information is not release until after the event concerned.
Here are the elements of a good press release:
1. The first element of the basic press release is the headline.
2. The second element of the basic press release is the dateline.
3. The third element of the basic press release is the introduction.
4. The fourth element of the basic press release is the body.
5. The fifth element of the basic press release is the boilerplate.
6. The sixth element of the basic press release is the media contact information.
Your media contact information consists of things like your name, your phone number, your email address, your fax number, and your address. Make sure that everything is correct!
While your media contact information can be anywhere on your press release-the top, the bottom, or both-the other elements of a press release stay in the order presented.
The headline is the first attention grabber. Make it short, make it snappy, and make it informative. The dateline gives the date information: where is your event, when is it held, etc. The introduction is your basic introduction: give some background, and answer basic questions. Who are you, what are you talking about, when will it be, where will it be, and why is it important? Why does your event or study exist?
The body of the press release expands on the introduction. It gives more information about what you've presented. This is where you'll put data from your study. But make sure that you don't give away too much! Then nobody will have to call you for more, and deeper, information. The boilerplate is the part where you talk about yourself. Give information about your firm, your company, yourself, etc.
For tips on how to write great press releases and mistakes not to make, go here: http://101publicrelations.com/sr12.html.
For more information on press releases and embargoed press releases, go here:
http://usinfo.state.gov/products/pubs/pressoffice/look.htm
For tips on how to write a great headline that grabs attention, go here:
http://101publicrelations.com/sr39.html
http://www.publicrelationsideas.com/use_formula_press_release_headlines_to_get_the_rep_000005.html
For a basic overview of how to publicize your company, and your products, go here:
http://www.publicrelationsideas.com/4_options_to_getting_your_publicity_materials_to_t_000077.html
For tips on how to send your press release, go here:
http://www.publicrelationsideas.com/the_best_way_to_send_a_press_release_000006.html
For templates and a step-by-step guide on how to create great press releases, go here:
http://101publicrelations.com/pressreleasereport.html
