Press Release Help

I'm not even sure if this is the correct section to ask about press release related questions. If not please direct me to the correct section.

I have been trying to post this question for the last day but keep getting side tracked because of all the interesting stuff I have been learning and reading.

Anyway I have a press release nearly finished in a rough draft. I would love for somebody to read it and give me some pointers. I'm not asking for anybody to do any serious work outside of some good tips.

I feel I'm a fairly decent writer but I've never written a press release and the style is totally different than what I'm used to.

I've read lots of information about writing releases and much of the info is contradictory, nothing new to the internet.

I appreciate all the different views, don't get me wrong but it can be a little confusing for a first timer.

One thing most agree with is to make your first press release a quality work as first impressions are extremely important.

Even though I'm new to this I believe this point because so many have stated the fact. The other reason is it's in my nature to do the best job I can.

Anybody here have the experience I need and a little time to help a rookie?

It would be greatly appreciated. Maybe we could work something out where I could return the favor somehow.

The other question I have is about where to submit a press release where it will get enough exposure without paying a fortune to do it. My site isn't an e-commerce site and I don't want to pay more than it's worth to me.

Ok start ripping on me LOL!

Peace,

Herman

 

Wow no press release people here aye? Am I posting to the wrong subject?

 

Well I am no expert but what I hear constantly in regards to PR is to put yourself in the journalist shoes. Does the title want to make you read the article? Is the content worth publishing? Is the article just an attempt to promote a website etc?

It makes sense to me so if you keep that in mind you can start on the right foot. As far as the minor things go I am not sure im afraid.

 

Actually this press release is extremely news worthy. It's very interesting and the title is smart enough to interest even people who are likely not even interested in the topic.

It might even be over the top. It's all true and it will help promote my website no doubt about it.

I understand that a press release is supposed to be written in third person. It's written to attract journalists.

There is a complete story and I have almost finished writing that too. I need to add the final paragraphs then do some final polishing. It shouldn't take more than a day to get the story finished.

I will post the entire story on my site to get some killer fresh content. This story will explain the experience that made me decide to make the website. There are no other sites about this topic on the internet.

Then I will direct interested readers of the press release back to my site to hear the rest of the story. Sorry, not trying to steal Paul Harvey's famous phrase here lol.

My site has a great purpose and I really think this press release is going to be an excellent kickoff to attract people interested in the topic.

Most people are unaware of these things and I really feel I am the one who needs to bring this situation to light.

So yes, the PR is to promote my website. That's not uncommon at all. It's probably more the case of who cares most of the time but I assure you this isn't the case this time.

Yes, I know everybody thinks their website is real important. I have many websites. This is the first site I honestly felt deserves a Press Release.

The site is there to inform people of life threatening dangers and rip off artists that don't care about putting other people's life in danger to make a dollar. It's not an e-commerce site but I do have AdSense ads on it. They are already paying for the site's hosting expenses, not much I know but that’s good seeing how new the site is.

The thing is, I want to get this Press Release right the first time but I also want to do most of it myself. I just want somebody with experience to proof read it and give me some pointers. Hell I'd pay them but I can't afford the prices PR firms are asking. I'm a do it yourself kind of guy but I also know when I need help. I NEED HELP.

I searched for a good PR forum but didn't find anything worth while. I found one that has a bunch of PR's on it and a section for writers to get jobs but not a single post to that topic.

Does anybody know of a good Press Release forum? Or does anybody know somebody who can help me out?

 

I don't know if I can be of much help...but I do get a gazillion and one press releases at work everyday...So, I've read quite a few...I can give you some feedback if you want.

 

A press release should be written with the who, what, why, when, where approach in the first paragraph. Then build on it from there.

I also suggest you visit this forum for some no nonsense advice about press releases.

 

Awesome Mustard I will send my PR to you as soon as I finish the main story so you have something to go from.

And thank you xops for that great link. Very informative. It answered many of my questions and gave me insight about things I never thought of.

Peace and thanks so much,

Herman

 

You're welcome and good luck with the release. Let me know when it gets released as you have me curious about your web site.

 

You're most welcome to give me a buzz once you complete it. I'd like to give pointers if I find any though I see a decent writer in you

Just let me know when you're done.

 

Hello everybody,

I found a Digital Point member named @phang in the services section and PM'ed him asking if he would proof read my press release.

He agreed and read it. He offered me some wonderful constructive criticism which was exactly what I needed.

I am going back to work on it right away. I suggest anybody in need of press release help to contact @phang here at DP. He also writes press releases for a very reasonable price compared to what I've seen on the internet.

His insight leads me to believe he has the ability to write high quality material. He proof read my PR quickly, gave me excellent pointers and did it for nothing. A guy can't ask for more than that.

Thank you also chillingbreeze. I do enjoy writing but the press release style is difficult to me for some reason.

No problem xops, when my PR is ready I will let everybody who offered help on this thread read it.

I appreciate all the kind words and am having a great time learning and helping others in this awesome forum at DP.

I just wish I would have found this place a couple years ago.

Thanks again,

Herman

 

Wow I think I got banned because of something I did related to this post. I didn't know I was breaking the rules. Guess I should have read them a little better.

I'm back and just wanted to say I got some great advice from some good people who replied to this thread.

xops I really got some great advice from that link you posted. I didn't even think about trying to send my press release to the local papers.

I did and already made the front page of the county paper here is the link to the article.

I'm still having trouble getting picked up on Google and Yahoo. I need to post the release to a better PR submission service I'm thinking.

I couldn't find a free service that actually distributes the PR's.

Does anybody know of a good free PR submission site?

If not does anybody have any suggestions as to which PR site offers the most bang for the buck?

I want to thank @phang for helping me edit my PR. I think the reason I got banned was doing business here before I had my time allotment in. Sorry I lost communication with you.

I said I would post my PR but after re-reading the rules it said not to post them in certain cases and I'm not sure if I should press the issue right now.

You can go to my site and click the press release link if you wish though. Or just click that one lol.

Thanks everybody. I'm still looking for advice and I really appreciate all the advice and kind words I've received so far.

Peace,

Herman

 

I didn't read through everything but owning a new media and public relations company the main thing that we have found out recently is when hand delivering the press releases to the main sources you should almost give them a short review of what it is as well as make it personal to them so they will know you hand delivered. Many news sources now do not post just the full release but actually make shorter versions that are more reader friendly. If it is news worthy than you should get some good backlinks and traffic from it but only about 1 out of everything 10 releases do any good even done right it all depends on a lot of variables.