Composing a Press Release to Market Your Business

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The Draw of a Powerful Press Release

A friend of mine was president of a youth baseball league for five years. He tells me the use of press releases far outweighed the return then most paid advertising in the same newspaper.

So what makes a good press release? Here are some handy tips to help get your press release going.

The headline of your press release should not be made up of some infomercial gimmick where your readers think you are trying to con them. A bad headline would be, "Miracle Product Cleans Your Floors For You". You can tell the headline is a bad one, and chances are no one will read the release. However if you reword it to grab the readers attention can make all of the difference. For example, "Self Cleaning Product for Floors Hits the Shelves in Record Numbers", might do better. Come up with a good headline.

Every press release must, according to my friend, answer the whos, whats, whys, wheres and hows of what it is you are trying to talk about. In his case he was trying to promote his youth league. He had to talk about who they are, what the league is about, why they exist, where they are located and how the readers can get in touch with them. If you cover all of these questions you will have all of the information in there that you need.

The content of your press release should read like a news story not an advertisement selling your product. In my friend's case he wrote press releases talking about a variety of things, but all were made newsworthy. For example, after games were completed, he would write up small snippets to be placed into the sports section of the local paper, that gave a nice write about the game, who won, who were the stars etc. The local media loved, and my friend claimed that his small articles appeared almost daily while the season went on. You could imagine the impact this had on the success of the league.

Whatever it is you are trying to promote through the use of a press release, chances are you can make it newsworthy. If you don't the editors that you send it to will more than likely will just throw it in the trash. Throw in some quotes from professionals and experts in your field, some statistics of your industry and you will have yourself a winner.

Once you have your great headline, awesome content, you need to throw in how people can get a hold of you, your company or product. A good way of doing this is to fit it in over the course of your content. For example you can add a quote earlier in your content that reads, "according to John Smith, General Manager of ABC Toy Company located in Anywhere, USA...", you get the point. Now that you have been mentioned, near the end of your press release, tell readers how they can get a hold of you. "For more information on that ABC Toy Company, Mr. Smith can be reached at...", would do just fine.

So there you have it! The meat and potatoes of how to write a press release. It is not as difficult as you think, but spend some time on it to polish it and it will surely be a hit for you.

About the Author:
Mr. Tucker is the Associate Director of http://www.Indocquent.com, an online advertising and social network medium where you can promote your business, products or services without pay-per-click prices or auction fees.

Don't forget to download Indocquent's social bookmark utility by Clicking Here!

How To Write A Press Release That Will Get Results

However, this is not at all the case. Discovering how to write a press release, and enjoying the resulting benefits, may be one of the best promotional strategies anyone can undertake.

In this article we will examine some of the tried and tested methods of how to write a press release that bring results. We will look at the elements of a good press release, how to write a press release for best effect, and how to submit a press release to the news media.

A press release has elements similar to an article. It has a headline, an introduction, and a body. However, unlike an article it also contains a few additional elements. A dateline is common in a press release. This is the date of release of the document, and it may also contain the place of origin of the release, often just the city name.

The boilerplate is a section just before the close and after the body. This is a kind of "about" section that provides background information on the company or organization distributing the press release.

The close of a press release is different depending on where the document is produced. The traditional close in North America is the symbol, "-30-". This indicates to the publication using the press release that the statement is ending. In Europe the word, "ends" may be used, and increasingly the symbol, "###" is being used as well.

Media contact information is of course a vital element in any press release. Anyone wishing to learn how to write a press release must understand that newspapers and other press media will often want to know more about the story, or they may wish to pursue a different angle. They will need to be able to contact someone immediately they decide to, or the story may not be used.

The headline is probably the most important element of a press release. Anyone wishing to know how to write a press release, or indeed any story article, needs to understand that. A weak headline can kill a good story, and a really good headline can make a mediocre story come alive. For this reason, it is wise to spend time on the headline getting it right. It could make all the difference between success and failure.

The introduction is also important. This is the first paragraph, and it needs to answer the what, who, when, where and why of the story. Anyone skimming the press release, and that includes the editors of most busy publications, will want to learn as much as possible from the headline and the first paragraph. The success of the press release largely depends on the strength of these two initial elements. The body of the press release is where the story unfolds. Here you can expand on the details in a more leisurely manner, though don't bore the reader with unnecessary details. Stick to the important points only. News editors are only likely to read through to the body of a press release if the headline and the introduction have done a good job.

Submitting a press release to the news media is a simple matter of either physically mailing a printed copy to the relevant news desks, or emailing it. There is never a guarantee that it will be used, but understanding what the most important elements are and concentrating on getting them right will always help.

Learning how to write a press release is not difficult. These days there are software programs to help you, which will greatly aid the entire process. They won't actually write it from scratch – we still need humans for that – but the programs can help considerably in the layout and distribution. Every day people are discovering how to write a press release, and how to enjoy the benefits it can bring. Today could be your turn. Robert Watson, creator of Press Equalizer, software which will help you Distribute Press Releases, has been a successful press release marketer for three years. Buy Press Equalizer

3 Sure Fire Press Release Tactics for Your Website

A well-crafted, target market oriented press release captures the attention of journalists as well as others who matter and can give your business a tremendous boost.

Here are three tactics that will guarantee the success of your press release:

1) Offer something valuable for free

The lure of the freebie is too powerful for most people to resist. Why not use this to your advantage and offer your customers something for nothing. Make sure what you are offering has some value to the customer; and if it can be downloaded, so much the better.

Here are a few ideas for valuable giveaways:

Offer your customers an electronic information product and place your advertisement somewhere on the product. Whether it is an autoresponder to a downloadable eBook or perhaps a simple report that's posted on your website, it is important that the information product should relate to your target audience.

Offer potential customers the opportunity to ask you questions specific to your business. By dispensing with free advice you can prove your authority on the subject giving you instant credibility.

2) Be different and offer real information buyers can use

98% of all press releases are promotional hype. Offering your customers something different makes you stand out from the crowd and get noticed. Pay close attention to the content of your press release.

These are the few important factors you need to keep in mind when writing your press release:

Make sure your content is newsworthy and not mere fluff. Your main purpose is to inform your customers about a new business development and not sound like an advertisement. Your press release should be about answering the why, who, when and where of your business and not a sales pitch telling customers why they should buy your product.

You have but a few seconds to grab your customer's attention. Make it count with an attention grabbing headline and a strong first paragraph. You can provide the details in the rest of the press release. Readers will continue to the end only if they like what they see in the first paragraph.

Use your press release to illustrate real life examples about how your company helped a customer solve a problem. Identifying the problem and illustrating why your solution is the right one speaks volumes about the value of your product.

Write a newsworthy story that any online media would love to run in their publication.

3) Look at paid PR services for the widest distribution

Paying a PR company to handle your press releases could prove to be better than trying to handle it yourself. PR companies are more experienced and hence more adept at handling various issues. They understand the timing of your press release, how and where to distribute it for widest coverage and will also select the best platform for reaching your target audience.

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Writing An Effective Press Release

The first thing to consider when gearing up to write a press release is the format you are going to use. Formatting a press release isn’t like formatting any other piece of writing, and there are specific elements which must usually be in place in order to streamline your release. Traditionally, press releases would land on the desk of busy journalists, and quickly become buried under a ton of other stories, notes and papers. What that means is that from the writing perspective, you’ve got to make sure everything is in place, as it should be, to prevent it being discarded straight off. Firstly, you need a big, bold headline for your release. While volumes have been written on coming up with a great headline, there really is no secret formula. Whatever you come up with must importantly be in a news tone, and capture the interest of the person first reading it. So, for example, ‘My Company Is Getting Ready To Launch A Product’ won’t do much for your release, or your business. However, simply rewording the same message to read ‘My Company On Verge Of Revolutionary Product Launch’ will instantly grab you more attention for your message.

Next, you must create a summary that covers the general idea of your release, again concisely letting the reader know exactly what he needs to know within the first few vital seconds. In formatting terms, this paragraph should generally be in italics, for separation purposes. This should contrast with the bold font in the heading, and normal style text in the body. The summary is again sharp and to the point in a news style, but sheds some more light on the headline, leaving the reader in no doubt as to what you’re about to say.

The body of the release should revolve around what you have to say. Your body must actually be newsworthy, because at the end of the day no one is really interested in old hat. Make sure you emphasise what is newsworthy about your story and why, to guarantee the best chance of inclusion in your chosen media. Further to that, you should include a resource section, which gives a third person account of relevant background information about your company or product or services. Finally, round it off with your contact details, including direct telephone number and extension where applicable to complete your punchy, profitable, press release.

About the author submitinme.com offers Press Release, Press Release Services, with detailed listings of Press Release FAQ and others.

How to Avoid the Most Common Mistake When Submitting Press Releases

A press release is written to get your business featured in a major newspaper, magazine, or web site. With this in mind, before you start writing your press release I strongly recommend that you take some time to read a few articles written in the Business sections of popular newspapers, such as USA Today or Washington Post. You may also want read some articles about small businesses in a similar niche magazine or web site that matches the market of your company or product. These news stories were most likely based on press releases that the company wrote and thus, you should see what type of information is included in these articles. Include similar information in your press release.

Although it would be nice if a major news publication submitted an article that went on praising your company and your product but understand, the vast majority of credible news sources do not do this. Instead they provide the facts and their own opinions, not opinions presented in a press release. Hence, to get the most coverage and best possible results from your press release, simply state the facts. If you want to give opinions, do so in quotes, as most news stories include direct quotes from company representatives.

The overall goal of a press release is to generate buzz and interest in your company’s product or service; however, if you make your press release a reworded sales copy, you will get very little coverage from your release. Not only that but many press release distribution services may reject you press release all together.

To review: Only state the facts in your press release and avoid going too deep into stating opinions. When you finish writing your press release proof read it. Make sure it sounds like an article you would expect to find in a credible news source. If it does, than chances are you wrote a good press release and it will get picked up by many sources. If it doesn’t, then you have some editing to do to “polish up your press release” so you can increase the chances of getting massive exposure. The last thing to do is to submit your press release to as many press release services as possible.

Chad William Hershey of Manifest Your Fortune dot com is founder of his own home based business, The Pinnacle Group. He is a student and mentor of the famous Mentors in Motion Internet training program and believes fully in The Master Key System. Chad shares his passion and knowledge of being in the home based business arena for the last 15 years and enjoys helping others succeed with Internet marketing.

How Can Press Release Increase Web Traffic?

Writing press release has become a prominent way to drive targeted web site traffic. In fact, if you are not writing press release you are missing the best way to boost targeted web site traffic to your website.

Online press release provides considerable platform to reach massive online community. A well-prepared press release would attract journalists and is also well optimized for distribution to targeted audience.

The following are the three effective ways to increase targeted web site traffic via well-drafted optimized press release. • Press Releases can create hundreds of back links to your website. Via publishing press release to many news wire services on the Internet, will get links from high-ranking web sites, as these sites tend to be highly ranked sites. Additionally, press releases will be picked up by other sites too that have the similar content which creates even more links pointing to your site.

• Generating the links around the web towards the website increases its page-rank automatically. Since the page rank goes up the higher site will be ranked in the search engines. As a result, more traffic will be driven to the website from the search engines.

• Regular press releases distribution about the website will emboss a brand name at the forefront in minds of the people. Keeping a business in front of the public is one of the best ways to promote business and press release is a great way to do so. The more often the website appears on the net the more it perceived as an expert in its niche.

How to draft excellent press release:

Beginning should be solid: Remember to make your title and initial lines cover, what you want to express. The remaining part of your press release should depict the detailed information.

Use product name repetitively: Repeat placements of the name of your service or product to make it eminent. For example write “Search Engine Optimization” instead of writing “SEO” this would make your product name much popular.

Draft it for Journalists/Media agencies: The media agencies and journalists would grab your press release and publish it in their publications; they may slightly edit your press release.

Consider viewer’s way: You should consider to whom you are targeting your press release, and what is their interest. Think, if you were a part of audience, would you like to read the press release you have written.

Make your press release appear practical: Point out real facts of your company/organization, as readers are already so scholar enough to find out ‘what’s true and what not’?

Make your story that includes real facts: Avoid untrue examples and add-ons. If you find the content using much-added extras, make it natural and real. Your press release should be in active voice, not passive. Verbs in the active voice make your press release live.

Use only sufficient words: Avoid using superfluous adjectives, extravagant language, or unnecessary expressions like “The most powerful”. Tell your story with lesser words, as verbosity distracts from your content.

Avoid usage of terminology: However, a limited use of terminology would be allowed if required, if you aim to optimize news release for Internet search engines. The finest technique to communicate your press release is to speak neatly, using regular language.

Keep away from too many exclamations: Too much usage of exclamation point (!) may harm your press release. But, if you have to use an exclamation point, use only one.

Get company permission: Companies are very self-protective about their recognition and credibility. So, get written permission before putting in any information or quotes about the company.

Company Information: The press release should include a short description of company, which depicts your company, products, service and a brief history of company.

Now you have find press releases as one of the best ways to boost targeted website traffic, consider using press releases as another tool in your marketing toolbox.

About the Author: Allen Brown is a freelance writer for http://www.1888discuss.com/seo-discussion, the premier REVENUE SHARING discussion forum for Search Engine Optimization including topics on basic SEO tips, finding search engine companies, improving search ranking, and more. His article profile can be found at the premier Article Submission site http://www.1888articles.com/author-allen-brown-10.html.

Get Gratis Exposure with a Press Release

When a business has small or even no advertising budget, “Press Release” is the finest thing for the owner to lure people. There are many ways available on net to publicize and market your business, but the cheapest method is to use online press release websites, as many of these offers free of cost or very low-cost PR options.

With online press release one can simply reach the significant online community. The business community, who wants to shoot their business, can make the best use of this important resource to enhance their marketing weapon.

If you are not familiar with ‘Press Release’, then it is recommended to do a little online research to set up your very own release in the format expected by the media.

The complete process of press releasing to the media can be very boring and time consuming. However, there are several online services that will do the job for you. Remember, just a single successful press release can provide great exposure to your business by drawing potential clients to your business.

The most important thing to know is the appropriate press release layout. Poorly drafted press release will be sweep off by the editors, as they receive thousands of mail on a daily basis. Once you know the fundamentals for a press release, then you hold the key to get success.

To get exclusive tips on writing a well drafted press release click here: http://1888pressrelease.com/tips-to-write-press-release.html

By writing press release you provide important information of your company to the media that distributes it to millions of viewers, readers and subscribers.

Do deep research before writing a press release to make it newsworthy. It may take many hours for research. However, smart work at your side can put scissors on research time that you need to actually create a Press Release. Post your completed press release at sites that permits free posting like 1888pressrelease.com, emediawire.com, prweb.com, pressbox.co.uk and hundreds of others.

You can find hundreds of press release submission and distribution on the internet just go to your favorite search engine and enter the keyword, "Press Release", and you will find a wealth of information.

The best thing you get through publishing press releases is that it also boosts website positions in search engine listings (especially Google, which considers credible links to your website).

Allen Brown is a freelance writer for http://www.1888PressRelease.com <<a href="http://www.1888pressrelease.com/>">http://www.1888pressrelease.com/> , the premier website to Submit Free Press Release for any announcements including launching of new product or services, new website, announcing new hires, sponsoring a special event or seminar and more. He also freelances for http://www.1888Articles.com <<a href="http://www.1888Articles.com/>">http://www.1888Articles.com/>

Dazzle The Press With The Facts

When writing a press release, keep in mind, it is a different ball game than composing a sales letter. Press releases have one objective -- to grab the attention of the media, NOT the consumer. If you want an editor or producer to read your press release, deliver it with newsworthy information—not advertisements.

Newsworthy Preparation

Before taking on the task of writing your release, browse through several publications to get a feel for newsworthy information. Take the time to read these stories and familiarize yourself with the angle taken by the business owner. Ultimately, when writing your press release, deliver the angle that will be most interesting to an editor.

The media deliver stories based on qualifications and characteristics of value. As you read the articles and stories throughout a publication, you are likely to find one or more of the following elements:

1. Community impact

2. Conflict

3. Invention of a new product

4. Timeliness and proximity

5. Progress and disaster

6. Human Interest

7. Novelty

8. Popularity

9. Prestige

10. Special announcements

11. Unusual success

12. Upcoming events

When searching for the right concept to pull your press release together, keep these elements in mind. As you seek a focus for your release, ask yourself if it meets any of the values listed above. If so, you may have something of interest that will grab the attention of the media.

The Specifics of Writing a Press Release

Identify your release (NEWS RELEASE) at the top of the page and include your contact information. Indicate whether the announcement is for immediate release or for release on a later date.

Note: The contact person should be available for questions or be able to provide additional information should the editor decide to call.

Next, a short headline tells what the ‘story’ is, followed by the most important information as it pertains to your story, ending with the remaining details in declining order of importance.

This first paragraph should contain all the value packed information an editor needs to read, covering the five most important questions: who, what, when, where, and why?

Who is the press release about?

What is the story? What makes this release newsworthy?

When will it happen or when did it happen?

Where will the event be or where did the story take place?

Why is it happening?

As you are writing your release, remember to dazzle the media with informational facts only. Editors are like hawks with carefully trained eyes—they know fluff when they see it. Do away with your professional opinions and colorful adjectives. Avoid hype and usage of big words and phrases. State the facts – nothing more, nothing less.

Press releases can be more than one page; however, concise writing will get you in the door faster than rambling. Consider that most editors are extremely busy people. The more concise your press release – the more likely it will be read.

A little creativity, with knowledge of your industry, can be used to your advantage and interesting to the media. Gaining free publicity through the press is a dose of exposure that will outshine the most favorable of paid advertisements. Dazzle the press with the facts and you will find the rewards worth the effort.

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Rozey Gean is the founder of the Marketing-Seek.com web site where writers, publishers, and online entrepreneurs are brought together in an easy-to-use, friendly, helpful interface.

Web: http://www.marketing-seek.com

E-mail: mailto:rozey@marketing-seek.com

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