How to Write an Effective Press Release

What is a press release?

A press release is simply a newsworthy story about you and your business that you submit to various media outlets for the sole purpose of advertising your business, products, services, or events.

A news release, media release, press release or press statement is a written or recorded communication directed at members of the news media for the purpose of announcing something claimed as having a news value.

A press release is different from a news article. A news article is a compilation of facts developed by journalists published in the news media, whereas a press release is designed to be sent to journalists in order to encourage them to develop articles on a subject. 

Why is a press release important?

Press releases are the most effective PR method used on the internet or in the media due to the fact they are efficient, far reaching, and a versatile platform for delivering messages to both the media and the public.  

Sending a press release is one of the most effective ways to spread the word about your business, organization, or event. It also offers more exposure for you and your website. You can easily increase free web traffic and profits by submitting a press release.

How to use a press release:

Submitting a press release can benefit your business in many ways. It is great exposure for not only you, but also your business. Press releases can generate free web traffic and is an important tool for link building. Press release marketing can also be helpful in providing interest in your site.

Press releases can be optimized for search engines, newswires, and media outlets for maximum exposure, reaching more prospects for your business. With press releases, you can very easily target publications read by niche markets, including your own websites.     

How to write a press release:

Writing a press release is not much different from writing any other document. 

You do not have to be an expert to write a great press release, anyone can produce a great press release once you know how it is done.

Start off with a great head line, not just any head line, but a head line that will get attention from the readers. Your headline should be the first words written in your press release.

Before you start to write a press release, make sure you have something to write about. Your press release should be useful, accurate, and interesting.

A press release is written in order to highlight an important event, program, or piece of information by an organization that describes the story; who, what, where, when, and why. This is the minimum required when writing a press release. 

In the past, it has been said that press releases need to be written in all “cap” letters. The time has changed and this technique is no-longer used. With that said, use normal writing and avoid using all cap letters when writing a press release.

A standard press release is usually one page between 400 to 800 words. Anything written less than five hundred words are sometimes not accepted as a press release. All grammar and spelling errors should be corrected before submitting your press release. You should also avoid adding extra fluff words that distract from the true meaning of your press release. 

If your press release reads like an advertisement, you will need rewrite it. A press release is not a sale’s page; it is a way of talking about your business.   

Writing a press release can be a daunting task if you don’t know how to write an effective press release. Don’t make this task harder than it needs to be, anyone can write a great press release once you learn how. Keep one thing in mind, press release writing should be easy to read and engaging for the reader.

A press release consists of following elements and format: 

Headline – The headline should be eye catching. Make sure it describes the content of the press release. 

City, State, Month Day and Year – These details precede the story and the orient of the writer. This is also referred to as the date line.

Body – This is where the actual press release, information, or story goes. This body may include several paragraphs describing in details what the press release is about. You can also add testimonies in this section.

Company/Organization – Include any background information about the company, organization, or writer featured in the press release.

Contact information – Include all contact information to include; company name, telephone numbers, email, and postal addresses.

Call to Action – Keep in mind that a press release is not a sales page to make a sale; however, it can be used if there is a dead line on a special offer.

Ending – A press release should end with the standard “###” to let the reader know that this is the end of the press release.

More pages – If there are more than one pages write,  -More-  at the ending of the first page. This allows the reader to know that there is more than one page.

Word count – You can also add the word count at the end of the press release, but this is not required.

Press release distribution sites:

There are a lot of distribution sites online where your press releases can be submitted. Some are free, but most are paid sites. Even with a cost, the results can be great!

TOOLS

There are tools and software that can be utilized when writing great press releases. These tools do not cost that much and are recommended if you plan on writing several press releases during any given month or year. Once you purchase this software you can write as many press releases as you need quick and easily without any additional expense.

Conclusion of this article:

Press Releases are a very effective method of distributing your services and products to a wide audience enhancing the amount of traffic to your website. 

A well-written, well-distributed and well-timed press release is not difficult or expensive to produce, yet can be utilized as an effective marketing tool.

A professionally written press release can make the difference between a successful press release and an utter failure. This does not mean you have to hire someone to write your press release, but you do need to learn how to write an effective press release. 

If you're a website owner that already writes and distributes articles to promote your website, press releases are the next logical step. 

A press release will work if done correctly, but it should be just a small part of your online marketing campaigns. 

Article By: Tony Curles (c)