How To Make A Powerful Press Release

This is a very cost effective way to get a big surge of traffic to your website. There is nothing like harnessing the power of the media to advertise your business. However be aware that this tactic does require some skill and definitely a little thought. You do need to know how to write and what an editor is looking for.

Planning and writing for an editor-what are they looking for?

Firstly an editor is looking for a story to attract and excite curiosity in their readers. Do not include ads, or hype about your business. This is not an advertisement it must be a good story that people will be excited to read about. Here are some points to be aware of:

Your press release must be newsworthy.
Have a story line that will appeal to the newspaper’s audience. Examples of this might be:
o    A local family that has made good (you)-these can be very effective as many people love to hear about rags to riches stories, especially when it is a local family
o    Are you an immigrant? There is nothing like a heart-warming story about how you have beaten the odds and managed to make good and achieve the “American Dream.” Besides ethnic stories make the newspaper look good and inspire readers.
o    Have a storyline about something new
Try to time your press release into a special season or event

Include your contact information. If you do not hear from the editor do a follow up call once. Be careful not to call too often, as editors are very busy people and do not need to be pestered.

A press release should include:

An attention grabbing headline-editors will be looking for a title that readers will be attracted to.
Your 1st paragraph will back up your headline and compel your reader to continue with the story. It will lead into the body or meat of the article (press release).
The body of your article will be written in reverse pyramid style. You will put your most important facts at the beginning and conclude with the least important ones.
If you are quoting facts and statistics be sure that they are accurate.
Make sure your writing is grammatically correct with no spelling errors. Be very sure it is written in an easy to read style that will appeal to readers. Short to the point sentences and paragraphs.
Be very sure your press release is 100% original. Never copy and paste. This is called plagiarism and is illegal.
Keep your press release brief just 1-2 pages.
A good resource for marketing your press release is http://prweb.com this website has many useful tips for writing and sending out press releases. This website will allow you to send your press release to many publications.

Press releases will not only bring you good streams of Website traffic but can sometimes have far reaching effects. A good press release can lead to talk shows with radio and TV coverage. This will truly make your business take off and become a household name.

September 13, 2006 – 5:40 pm by Constantin Chersin