Formula For Writing An Interesting Press Release
- Write descriptive headlines that explain why the story is interesting. If you can't...it isn't! So don't put out a press release. Make it something you would read if you didn’t know you!
- Keep it short and factual. 250 words should be the limit.
- If you have it, include a link to a website that gives more detailed information.
- Make the first sentence an attention grabber. The purpose of the first sentence is only to make them keep reading.
- Always include contact details. Many don't. How will they find you?
- If you quote anyone, pick a good quote. Better yet, talk to them yourself and quote right from the horses’ mouth! Customers and independent experts are more interesting that company statistics.
- Try writing a letter to your grandmother explaining what you want her to know. That can be your opening paragraph.
- Stories are interesting too, as a way to grab attention. Remember to answer the questions what, who, where, when, how and why.
- Try a new medium such as blogs. You can submit them to free press sites online such as www.prweb.com . If nothing else it will give you a break from the tired old press release template.
- Create press releases at least once a month so you keep your name and company name out there in the media. It can be a new employee, an award, a volunteer program that your company has adopted…anything. Just make it interesting!
- Be SURE to write --for immediate release-- at the top if it's a press release versus an article so that publishers know if this is immediate news. Articles, on the other hand, should be submitted with a note as to why this article might be of interest to their readers. Does it appeal to a certain sector, geographic region or type of person? A suggestion that helps the editor determine where it might fit can go a long way in helping you to get published!
Roxanne Batson is a former investment and financial consultant and award-winning entrepreneur who authors the business advice column Ask Roxanne! See her column and get more profitable ideas for your business at http://www.askroxanne.com . You are welcome to reproduce this article in its original form.