10 Practical Tips for Writing a Successful Press Release

Discussion in 'General Marketing' started by dicksonwoo, Feb 17, 2011.

  1. #1
    If you are reading this article, you probably already know why sending press releases is good for your business. They draw public attention, boost brand recognition, improve company image... That is, if they ever make it to the audience.

    Problem is, most of the press releases end up buried in the editor's bin. If you want to get your publicity, you should do your best to make your press release attractive to the editor. It needs to sound (and look!) professional - and interesting. Here are 10 simple tips to help you write a press release that will get you media coverage:

    1. Use inverted pyramid style
    Editors are busy people, so the will highly appreciate it if you get straight to the point. Communicate the main idea at the beginning of your release, and then provide relevant facts and details in order of decreasing importance.

    2. Stick to the standard press release format
    Be sure to include headline, information about your company, links and contact details. Don't forget the release date - let editorial staff know the information is current.

    3. Write a compelling headline
    The headline should clearly state the key point of the release in no more than 80 characters. The famous 80/20 rule applies to press releases too: out of 10 people only 2 will read beyond the headline. Editors receive dozens of press releases every day, which means that you have to make yours sound newsworthy from the very title. Try to be informative without being boring - state the message of your press release in a way that will make the editor want to read further.

    4. Follow 5W rule
    The opening paragraph of your press release should answer five essential questions - who, what, where, when and why - in 2 or 3 sentences. If the editor decides to publish your press release as is, he will often take only the first paragraph or two, so it is in your best interest to put the most important information in the beginning.

    5. Give each point its own paragraph
    Long paragraphs can be difficult to read, and they are more likely to bore the reader. Save long elaborate paragraphs for novels; stick with shorter ones when dealing with a press release. Present one idea per paragraph and link paragraphs with logical bridges.

    6. Incorporate a quote
    By quoting someone who has already tried the product or service featured in the press release you will make the text more credible (bonus points if that person is a celebrity or a known expert). The same goes for a quote from the company spokesperson.

    7. Offer some background info on your company
    Include the paragraph describing you business (a boilerplate). The boilerplate usually contains the year of foundation, list of the services offered, market experience, and company motto, but you are free to add the details that make you stand out from the competition.

    8. Focus on the benefits for the audience
    The sad truth is that people tend to care far more about themselves than about something else. Editors know that and write with their readers in mind. If your press release tells people what your news will mean to them, its chances to get media attention automatically increase.

    9. Be objective
    A press release is not a sales copy. Nobody is interested in giving you free ad space. If you really want free publicity, make sure the text reads as if written by an independent reviewer. Use third person format, focus on facts rather than emotions, be specific and avoid hype. "One of the best products" sounds more believable than "the best product"; if you still think you have the right to use the latter variant you will have to prove it by facts, numbers and comparisons.

    10. Proofread
    Mistakes make you seem unprofessional, so it is vital to get rid of all the errors before distributing your press release. Do it yourself or have a fresh pair of eyes look at the text before you finalize.


    I saw this article from http://www.softpressrelease.com/articles/show.php?id=9
     
    dicksonwoo, Feb 17, 2011 IP
  2. alamest

    alamest Well-Known Member

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    #2
    It is amazing, thanks for sharing it...

    Do you know any place where can submit our press release articles..

    Thanks
    Alam
     
    alamest, Feb 17, 2011 IP
  3. Edvoltage

    Edvoltage Peon

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    #3
    Wow ....... This is amazing

    .This Tips ha really helped me a lot ..
    I am Also ding press releases to ge traffic to my sites and your Techniques are really Worth Trying.

    Thanks for sharing ...
     
    Edvoltage, Feb 17, 2011 IP
  4. robinson02

    robinson02 Guest

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    #4
    Great info you have shared here. This post really helpful to many of us. Will you give me more high traffic press release submission sites and other link exchange reliable source for my business.. Thanks
     
    robinson02, Feb 17, 2011 IP
  5. stevemack

    stevemack Peon

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    #5
    i really loved the way you made it and there are some important points described in the thread and those were informative and useful for submitting PR's. thanks
     
    stevemack, Feb 17, 2011 IP
  6. dicksonwoo

    dicksonwoo Well-Known Member

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    #6
    I suggest free press submit to OnlinePRNews.com, it is free :)
     
    dicksonwoo, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  7. wiseman.wiseman05

    wiseman.wiseman05 Peon

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    #7
    Very informative article. Actually I know the necessity of press release but never applied before. But Now a days I'm thinking of writing press release and this tips will guide me to make my writing successful.
    Thanks for sharing such article.
     
    wiseman.wiseman05, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  8. vamclays

    vamclays Peon

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    #8
    Thank you for your suggestion.
    I will be start writing press releases now
     
    vamclays, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  9. Edvoltage

    Edvoltage Peon

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    #9
    Thanks For The Link ...

    i am Currently Trying press releases from http://free-press-release.com/ AND prlog.org ........

    They Are both best and FREE
     
    Edvoltage, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  10. saqib889

    saqib889 Peon

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    #10
    headlinese are really important
     
    saqib889, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  11. Edvoltage

    Edvoltage Peon

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    #11
    yeah >.. they Are .. After they Are the one Which Gets You in the Search Engine rankings ..The better the headlines The better your position on the Search engine
     
    Edvoltage, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  12. richbate

    richbate Peon

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    #12
    I use a very similar method with my PRs.. its a very effective way to get your message out. I try not to send my Press Releases to all the free PR sites available. Rather I'll send them to magazines and sites relevant to my topic. 9/10 times it gets published and on some occasions gets included in print articles.
     
    richbate, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  13. SEKr

    SEKr Peon

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    #13
    Thank you for sharing!! It sounds effective.
     
    SEKr, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  14. Oceanus

    Oceanus Member

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    #14
    Where do you submit your press releases? Just wondering!
     
    Oceanus, Feb 18, 2011 IP
  15. vninfo

    vninfo Peon

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    #15
    thanks for sharing tips!
     
    vninfo, Feb 21, 2011 IP
  16. Saylee Kothavade

    Saylee Kothavade Greenhorn

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    #16
    Press Release is good for traffic generation. In press release keep your title proper and informative.
     
    Saylee Kothavade, Jun 17, 2015 IP