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July 07, 2005

" 10 Secrets to Get Your News Release Noticed" by Shannon Cherry

It’s difficult enough running the day-to-day aspects of any
online or brick & mortar business, let alone trying to drum
up new business as you go. But even if you have additional
staff helping to get the word out about your products and
services, location and prices, delivery and sales support,
news releases can make your company grow faster.

A news release is sent to editors and journalists in order
to generate a news story in the media. It’s one of the
easiest and cost-effective ways to get your message out
there. If a reporter decides to run your release, your
business receives space for free - and more credibility
than just running an ad.

It’s critical in today’s business world to be seen, a key
element in any business plan. And a news release can help
in that.

Here's the top ten secrets to getting a news release
noticed:

1) Your press release should sound like news, not an ad.
You need to make sure your news is newsworthy, so start
thinking like a reporter.

2) You should only send your press release to the media
related to the topic of your press release. Don’t just send
the press release to every reporter you can find.

3) Keep your press release one page in length. Truth is,
most editors will only read the headline and the first line
or two of your release.

4) Your header, contact information and release date should
be at the top of your press release.

5) Use short sentences and double space your lines.

6) Your headline and first few sentences should grab the
reader’s attention. Write like the news organizations you
are targeting.

7) You should tell a story and mention your business,
product or service in the body of the release.

8) Proofread your release many times. Look for grammar and
spelling mistakes.

9) Follow up is not only recommended, it is vital. But
don’t call every other day asking if your release will run.
Call once to see if there is any interest, but don’t nag.

10) Stick to the facts. Tell the truth. Avoid fluff,
embellishments and exaggerations. tone it down a bit.

And a bonus:
Use active, not passive, voice. Verbs in the active voice
bring your press release to life. Writing in this manner
helps guarantee that your press release will be read.

Posted by isoh at July 7, 2005 12:48 AM

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