Are you tired of writing press releases that fail to get any attention from the media? Do you find yourself struggling to come up with a compelling angle for your story?
Look no further, because we'll be sharing tips and tricks for writing a press release that not only grabs the attention of journalists but also serves as a valuable tool for your businessor organization.
Learn how to write a press release that doesn't completely suckstarting today!
What Is A Press Release?
Press releases are an important part of any PR strategy. They allow businesses and organizations to communicate news, updates, and achievements to their target audience, the media, and the public.
However, in today's age of information overload, it's becoming increasingly difficult to stand out from the crowd. This is why it's crucial to learn how towrite a press release that doesn't completely suck.
The Importance Of A Strong Headline
Your headline is the first thing journalists will see when they receive your press release. It's crucial to make sure it's attention-grabbing and compelling. A strong headline should:
- Be concise and to the point
- Summarize the key point of your story
- Use action verbs
- Include keywords relevant to your story
Avoid using puns or overly clever headlines. Remember, journalists receive hundreds of press releases every day, and they don't have time to decipher cryptic headlines.
Tips For Writing A Compelling Press Release
Now that you have a strong headline, it's time to focus on the body of your press release. Here are some tips for writing a compelling press release:
1. Start With A Strong Lead
Your lead should summarize the most important information in your press release. It should answer the "who, what, when, where, and why" of your story in a concise and compelling way.
2. Use Quotes To Add Credibility And Interest
Quotes from relevant stakeholders or experts can add credibility and interest to your press release. Make sure the quotes are relevant and add value to the story.
3. Stick To The Facts
Avoid using hyperbole or exaggeration in your press release. Stick to the facts and let the story speak for itself.
4. Provide Context
Make sure to provide context for your story. Why is this news important? What impact will it have on your industry or community?
5. End With A Call To Action
What do you want readers to do after reading your press release? End with a clear call to action that directs readers to your website, social mediachannels, or other relevant resources.
6 Tips For Writing A Climax That Doesn't Suck | Writing Advice
How To Format Your Press Release For Maximum Impact
In addition to writing a compelling story, it's important to format your press release in a way that makes it easy to read and understand. Here are some tips for formatting your press release:
1. Use A Clear And Concise Structure
Your press release should be structured in a way that's easy to follow. Use subheadings and bullet points to break up long paragraphs.
2. Use A Professional Tone
Your press release should be written in a professional tone. Avoid using slang or jargon that may be unfamiliar to your target audience.
3. Include Relevant Contact Information
Make sure to include relevant contact information at the end of your press release. This should include the name and contact information of the person responsible for media inquiries.
4. Include Multimedia Assets
Consider including multimedia assets like images or videos that add visual interest to your press release.
5. Use A Press Release Distribution Service
To maximize the reach of your press release, consider using a press release distribution service. These services distribute your press release to a wide range of media outletsand journalists, increasing the likelihood of coverage.
How To Write A Press Release That Doesn't Completely Suck - Dos And Don'ts
In addition to the tips we've covered so far, here are some dos and don'ts of press release writing to keep in mind:
Dos
Keep your press release concise and newsworthy, and follow up with journalists to increase the chances of coverage.
- Keep it concise and to the point- Your press release should be concise and to the point, highlighting the most important aspects of your story. Avoid including extraneous details or filler contentthat detracts from the main message.
- Focus on the newsworthiness of your story - Make sure your press release is newsworthy and relevant to your industry or community. Highlight the most compelling and unique aspects of your story to grab the attention of journalists and readers.
- Include a clear call to action- Include a clear call to action that directs readers to your website, social media channels, or other relevant resources. Make it easy for readers to learn more about your story or take action based on the information in your press release.
- Proofread your press release for errors - Make sure to proofread your press release for errors before sending it out. Typos, grammatical errors, or factual inaccuracies can undermine the credibility of your story and reduce the likelihood of coverage.
- Follow up with journalists after sending your press release- Follow up with journalists after sending your press release to increase the chances of coverage. Keep your follow-up message brief and to the point, and provide any additional information or resources that may be useful.
Don'ts
Avoid using overly promotional language and misrepresenting the facts, and target your press release to relevant journalists to avoid wasting time and resources.
- Use overly promotional language- Avoid using overly promotional language that comes across as sales or self-promoting. Stick to the facts and let the newsworthiness of your story speak for itself.
- Exaggerate or misrepresent the facts- Be honest and accurate in your press release. Exaggerating or misrepresenting the facts can damage your credibility and make it more difficult to secure media coverage in the future.
- Send your press release to journalists who aren't relevant to your story- Target your press release to journalists who are likely to be interested in your story. Sending your press release to journalists who aren't relevant to your story is a waste of time and resources.
- Send multiple follow-up emails if you don't receive a response - Be patient and respectful when following up with journalists. Sending multiple follow-up emails or being overly aggressive can come across as spammy or annoying and reduce the chances of coverage.
By keeping these dos and don'ts in mind, you can write a press release that effectively communicates your news and captures the attention of journalists and readers alike.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
Finally, here are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a press release:
1. Focusing On Your Company Instead Of The News
Your press release should focus on the news, not your company. Make sure the story is newsworthy and relevant to your industry or community.
2. Using Jargon Or Technical Language
Avoid using jargon or technical language that may be unfamiliar to your target audience. Use plain language that's easy to understand.
3. Not Including A Call To Action
Make sure to include a clear call to action that directs readers to your website, social media channels, or other relevant resources.
4. Not Proofreading Your Press Release
Make sure to proofread your press release for errors before sending it out. Typos and grammatical errors can undermine the credibility of your story.
People Also Ask
What Is The Best Day And Time To Send A Press Release?
The best day and time to send a press release can vary depending on your industry and target audience. Generally, midweek mornings are a good time to send press releases.
How Do I Follow Up On A Press Release?
Follow up on your press release with a brief email or phone call to the relevant journalist or media outlet. Keep your message concise and to the point, and provide any additional information or resources they may need.
How Do I Measure The Success Of A Press Release?
You can measure the success of a press release by tracking metrics like website traffic, social media engagement, and media coverage. You can also send a survey to your audience to get feedback on the effectiveness of your press release.
Conclusion
Knowing how to write a press release that doesn't completely suck is crucial for anyone in the writing industry. Writing a press release that doesn't completely suck can be challenging, but it's essential for getting your news in front of the right people.
By following the tips and guidelines we've covered in this article, you'll be well on your way to writing press releases that get noticed.
Remember, a strong headline, compelling story, and clear call to action are key components of a successful press release.
By formatting your press release for maximum impact and avoiding common mistakes, you'll be able to effectively communicate your news to the media and the public.