Also called news releases, press releases are basically announcements sent to magazines, newspapers, broadcast news divisions or websites. Press releases tell of a company’s new service or product, a recent accomplishment by an individual or group, or of a significant event.
Once the press release is written and sent out, the hope is that one or more of the targeted medias will either publish it verbatim or publish or broadcast it in part. A further hope is that it will serve as a seed that ultimately develops into a feature story written or developed by a journalist.
In addition to traditional direct outreach goals, a thoughtfully written press release can also serve as an SEO article marketing agent and help increase a website’s page rank on popular search engines like Google, Bing or Yahoo. In this sense a press release can really serve as a two-pronged marketing strategy for businesses: 1. Getting the word out about a new product, service or personnel change via traditional media. 2. Enhancing that business’s website search-presence by publishing the press release at key free posting portals on the Web.
Here are three tips to writing a better press release:
1. Stay focused on the who, what, when, where, why and how. Who or what is this press release about? When did it happen/will it happen? Where did it happen/will it happen? And finally, why and how? Why is it happening and how will it impact the future? Try not to veer off into abstractions or generalizations. Press releases should be short, simple and easy to read.
2. Whenever possible, include a quote from someone connected to the story. This could be the individual(s) that the press release is about. It could be a principal figure within the company or organization with a direct connection the noteworthy event. Bruce Kentner, a retired public relations consultant in Burlington, Vermont says “A quote or two in your press release is essential. It not only makes the piece more interesting and readable, it also lends it an air of credibility.” Another advantage to quoting someone is that it presents a potential contact person should a media outlet decide to develop the press release into a feature.
3. Finally, a look at the very beginning of a press release-namely the headline. Newspapers, magazines and broadcasters may receive hundreds, even thousands of press releases each week. To ensure that a press release even gets read, be sure to include a snappy headline that states what the story is about. However, don’t be tempted to include too many details. Save the how and the why for your body copy. Let’s say your press release is written on behalf of XYZ Law Firm announcing that they have just added a hotshot young attorney to their ranks.
The following headline would probably land your press release in the trash can, unread: Up and Coming Law Firm XYZ Attempts to Improve Stature By Hiring Sensational New Attorney
A better press release headline would read: XYZ Adds Savvy Young Attorney
Find the best deals on a Vermont search engine optimization firm to use by searching online. There you will find your vermont internet marketing expert choices. Head to our website and learn more today.
