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10 critical press release writing tips
- By Kristi Ambrose
- Published 03/26/2010
- Accounting
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10 critical press release writing tips
If you are trying to write a Press Release, you should know that there are a few steps you will want to take in doing so! Not just any site will accept a written piece of content that you jotted down. You need to really make a plan, and follow the tips below to get accepted at as many sites as possible!
1. Start strong: Your title and first lines should concisely and immediately express what you want to say. Include the "who, what, where, when and why" in the lead of your press release. The remaining part of your press release should include sustaining facts and examples.
2. Make it easy for the media: Some media agencies and journalists will seize your press release and transport it in their publishings with slight abridging or no modification. But even if it's not used word for word, journalists may use it as fodder for other tales or to create their own story ideas. The more information and points you include, the less work the mass media has to do.
3. Think like the subscriber: Your press release should be able to keep the reader's interest. Put yourself in the reader's shoes. Would you want to read your press release?
4. Make it relevant: Try to point out true examples to sustain the message you want to communicate. Show why your data is important and how it benefits the reader. If your release isn't newsworthy, don't expect anyone to read it.
5. Affirm your story with true facts: Facts make your point better and tell the journalist you've already done much of the research for them. If you pull facts from other references, make sure you ascribe them. Avert frivolity and add-ons. And never make anything up. If content seems too good to be true, tone it down or you could hurt your credibility.
6. Include company data: The press release should close with a short description of your company, including where your company is based, what products and service it supplies and a brief history. If you are creating a press release for more than one company, provide information for all the companies at the end of the release. Also include contact info, both phone number and e-mail, for each company's spokesperson.
7. Be concise: Avoid utilizing unnecessary adjectives, unbridled language, or redundant cliches. Get to the point and tell your story as straightaway as feasible.
8. Get permission: Companies can be self-deprecating about their name and image. Get written permission before including information or cites from officials or associates of other companies/organizations.
9. Avoid exclamation points: The use of exclamation points may hurt your credibility by creating needless hype. However, if you have to use an exclamation point, use only one! Not several!!!
10. Avoid industry jargon: The tougher your press release is to understand for journalists and laypeople, the less likely it is to be picked up. A restricted use of industry terminology is ok, if you're trying to optimize the news release for internet search engines.
1. Start strong: Your title and first lines should concisely and immediately express what you want to say. Include the "who, what, where, when and why" in the lead of your press release. The remaining part of your press release should include sustaining facts and examples.
2. Make it easy for the media: Some media agencies and journalists will seize your press release and transport it in their publishings with slight abridging or no modification. But even if it's not used word for word, journalists may use it as fodder for other tales or to create their own story ideas. The more information and points you include, the less work the mass media has to do.
3. Think like the subscriber: Your press release should be able to keep the reader's interest. Put yourself in the reader's shoes. Would you want to read your press release?
4. Make it relevant: Try to point out true examples to sustain the message you want to communicate. Show why your data is important and how it benefits the reader. If your release isn't newsworthy, don't expect anyone to read it.
5. Affirm your story with true facts: Facts make your point better and tell the journalist you've already done much of the research for them. If you pull facts from other references, make sure you ascribe them. Avert frivolity and add-ons. And never make anything up. If content seems too good to be true, tone it down or you could hurt your credibility.
6. Include company data: The press release should close with a short description of your company, including where your company is based, what products and service it supplies and a brief history. If you are creating a press release for more than one company, provide information for all the companies at the end of the release. Also include contact info, both phone number and e-mail, for each company's spokesperson.
7. Be concise: Avoid utilizing unnecessary adjectives, unbridled language, or redundant cliches. Get to the point and tell your story as straightaway as feasible.
8. Get permission: Companies can be self-deprecating about their name and image. Get written permission before including information or cites from officials or associates of other companies/organizations.
9. Avoid exclamation points: The use of exclamation points may hurt your credibility by creating needless hype. However, if you have to use an exclamation point, use only one! Not several!!!
10. Avoid industry jargon: The tougher your press release is to understand for journalists and laypeople, the less likely it is to be picked up. A restricted use of industry terminology is ok, if you're trying to optimize the news release for internet search engines.
Kristi Ambrose
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