What to include in a Press Release
Restored from the Empower Network archive (2011–2017), lightly edited to meet our current advertising standards. Views are the original author’s.
What to Include in a Press Release
What to Include in a Press Release
Use the media to help your business gain publicity. Write a press release and give your business credibility.
Here are some tips on what to include in a press release in case you have never written one.
What to Include in a Press Release
First of all lets start with the format..
Correct Format:
There is a particular format that a press release writer needs to follow. Make sure that as you write out your press release it is written in the correct format, as you will want it to look as professional as possible. It is also a good idea to double-check the grammar, punctuation and spelling before you send it in for submission.
Keep it Clear and Concise:
Your press release should be no longer than two pages. Media outlets receive lots of press releases and don’t have time to read a ten page report. Keeping your writing clear and concise. This allows you to fit in the important facts without going over the two page limit. As you decide what information to include, answer the following questions: who, what, why, where, when, and how.
What Is The Reader Going To Gain:
Give your press releases a call to action. Include something that is going to inspire readers to go to your event, visit your website, attend your grand opening, etc. Incorporate the features and benefits of what you are promoting, and give information on what it will do for your target market.
If you are promoting a new food processor, simply stating that it is smaller and takes up less space than previous models isn’t enough. However, writing the information as “the new model is smaller and takes up less space, allowing our customers to have the full chopping power of our larger model, but also save precious counter space” lets the reader know how the new model will help them.
Make It Interesting:
If your writing is boring, no one is going to want to read it. Try to find a balance between straight facts and excitement. Using the example of the food processor above, announcing that “our new food processor will be available this spring” isn’t as catchy as “our new space-saving food processor will be available this spring, just in time to help you chop fresh vegetables for your summer salads”.
Remember Your Target Market:
As you write and submit your press releases, keep your target market in mind at all times. By keeping your niche market in mind, you will be able to focus on what information to include and where to submit your press releases. For instance, if you are promoting an event related to weight loss, submitting a press release to the travel editor of your local paper isn’t going to help you.
What to Include in a Press Release
The media cannot run a story on every press release they receive, but implementing these tips will help you write press releases that grab, and keep, the media’s attention. The old saying “practice makes perfect” rings true for press releases; the more you write them, the better you will get.
Just remember to keep it relevant to your niche.
So what are you waiting for? Go write that press release!
Kari St. Louis
Need ideas to build up your online email list?