Press Release Writing - Tips to Write a Press Release

1. Start strong: Your title and initial lines should briefly and directly convey what you want to say. Include the "who, what, where, when and why" in the lead of your press release. The remainder should include supporting facts and examples.

2. Make it easy for the media: Some media agencies and journalists will grab your press release and carry it in their publications with slight editing or no alteration. Even if it's not used word for word, journalists will reference it for other stories or to create their own story ideas. The more information you include, the less work the media has to do, and the more likely they'll be to feature your press release.

3. Think like the reader: Your press release should be able to keep the reader's interest. Put yourself in the reader's shoes. Would you want to read your press release? Does it answer the first few questions that pop in your head?

4. Make it relevant: Try to point out real examples to support the message you want to communicate. Show why your information is important and how it benefits the reader. If your release isn't newsworthy, don't expect anyone to read it.

5. Support your story with real facts: Facts make your point stronger and tell the journalist you've already done much of the research for them. If you pull facts from other sources, make sure you attribute them. Avoid fluff and add-ons, and never make anything up. If content seems too good to be true, tone it down or you could hurt your credibility.

6. Be concise: Avoid using superfluous adjectives, extravagant language, or unnecessary cliches. Get to the point and tell your story as directly as possible.

7. Avoid industry jargon: The harder your press release is to understand for journalists and laymen, the less likely it is to be picked up. A limited use of industry terminology is ok, if you're trying to optimize the news release for internet search engines.

8. Avoid exclamation points: The use of exclamation points may hurt your credibility by creating unnecessary hype. However, if you have to use an exclamation point, use only one! Not several!!!

9. Get permission: Companies can be defensive about their name and image. Get written permission before including information or quotes from officials or associates of other companies/organizations.

10. Include company information: The press release should conclude with a short description of your company, including where your company is based, what products and service it provides and a brief history If you are creating a press release for more than one company, provide information for all the companies at the end of the release. Also include contact information and both phone number and e-mail for each company's spokesperson.

Testimonials

I've never posted a testimonial before, but I felt it was time to say thanks to 1888 PressRelease for being such a very important part of our business. I am extremely happy to have found your company. I have been submitting press releases with 1888 PressRelease since January 2007 and I have found you to be my #1 preferred media release company. The personal and friendly assistance is second to none. No matter what the issue has been, especially being a neophyte to this form of PR, the courteous, expedient help has been there. We are a small, family-owned automobile dealership that has been in business since 1915. Increasingly, we are finding it more and more difficult trying to compete with the mega dealers who have unlimited advertising budgets. Well, when I’ve posted press releases through 1888 PressRelease, our news has been distributed all over the web to news sites, blogs, RSS feeds, etc. Our website traffic increases exponentially after a release and we get maximum online exposure because we use 1888 PressRelease. Our continued success will only grow in proportion to our ability to “get the word out.” Customer for life!

Jeanne Gartner

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