How to Write a Press Release
Writing an effective press release is a valid business building tool. Here are some basic fundamentals for learning how to write a press release. Writing your Press Release can be done quickly an easily with the following tips on how to write a press release.
First, find a newsworthy angle for your press release that, in a round-about way, is related to the product/services you provide. If you’re having a hard time coming up with a topic, let us know and we will help you. What about the most unique facial or cutting edge skincare technology you offer, announcing a new service or a new staff member or an upcoming event.
Your topic needs to be something that the health and beauty / fashion and glam audience would be interested in reading about, irrespective of your business’ involvement. If your press release doesn’t provide a newsworthy angle, they won’t release it – end of story.
How do you write a press release? First, it needs to be in the third person (avoid “I” or “we”), in an journalistic and unbiased style. Before starting, familiarize yourself with quality journalistic writing from papers such as the New York Times or Washington Post, as well as the style of your local papers. When you’re ready to get started, there are five key elements to keep in mind
Headline
Your headline needs to catchy and attention grabbing. This is not the place to mention or make reference to your company, but to target the key element of the press release.
Subhead
This provides a further explanation of what the press release covers.
Lead
The lead is the first paragraph of your press release and covers the who, what, where, when and how of your story all in one. If the editor/reporter were to read this paragraph alone, they could do a little research and write the rest of the story for you, if they chose to do so.
Body
The body of your press release needs to back up the claims you make with evidence. One of the strongest forms of evidence for any news story are quotes. You will want to quote common folk, as well as experts, to balance out both sides of your claim.
There also needs to be, at some point in the body of your story, a short paragraph about your company (when established, what it does, why involved in this story, etc). Keep it short – no more than two or three sentences. More than that seems like a sales pitch. Indicate the end of your press release with “###,” centered.
Contact Info
Following the end-indicator, add a short little note for the editor/report that simply says “For more information or to schedule an interview with a company representative, please contact our office at . . .”
There will be many times when you send out press releases to all local newspapers and radio stations and no one picks up your story. Don’t get discouraged. There are other ways to get the word out. So, in addition to sending a press release to the news media, you should also do the following:
• Always publish your press release on your website.
• Include links to your online press release in e-mail correspondence.
• Include a copy of the press release in sales correspondence (mail a copy to current clients).
• If your press release is published, write a letter to the editor on the topic (extra publicity).
• Send out a follow-up press release, with a different angle, and the original press release attached
PRESS RELEASE EXAMPLES