It takes a lot to run a business, including strategizing, creativity and patience that you offer a product or service that the industry needs. Yet so many businesses think they can just sit down for five minutes locate a press release template fill in some standard information and go on. The problem with that type of thinking is a dozen other companies are already using this strategy and it is not working for them either. However, that is their problem! Leave the bad press releases for your competition and you can help ensure that your press releases will get you the attention you deserve.
Press releases can be submitted to more than newspapers and magazines, take a little time to research local places where your press release is likely to get attention. Beyond major daily newspapers in your area, business specific publications and local publications designed specifically for a particular interest should be considered. Web sites that cater to your industry are also great places to send press releases, as are blogs and online magazines and webzines.
Save time when submitting press releases by creating a list of publications that you are interested in sending your press releases too. Adding in the contact information of the editor, and creating on a spreadsheet can help you keep organized. This can also be helpful if you decide to outsource the writing of your business press releases to a local writer who specializes in creating press releases.
Patience is the key to getting attention with your press releases. Though the first few press releases may get a little attention, longevity and consistency will help a publication become more familiar with what your company offers and as your brand becomes noticeable, a press release is more likely to get used.
Increase the chances of your press release getting the attention you want by using online press release wires, they offer access to a larger group of journalist. By putting your press release online, it can also get indexed by search engines offering an unlimited source of advertising for your business. An individual searching for a product or service online that comes across your press release is more likely to follow the link and check out your site.
Once your company has written a press release and published it online, hold on to it. Press releases can be added to press and electronic media kits to offer more information about your business; they can also be added to your Web site. By having press releases on your site, current clients can review your business accomplishments, gain more information about your services and take your company more seriously.
When looking for online press release news wires there are a growing number of companies to choose from. The major press release news wire services charge a fee; there are a growing number of free sites that businesses can submit their press releases too. Free services may be adequate for some businesses, but to get the most notice investigate paid press release services should be considered. Paid press release wires offer businesses a larger audience and access to journalist working at national newspapers and magazines.
To write an effective press release stop thinking about your business for a moment instead put yourself in the seat of the journalist. Companies publishing press releases often think that their only target audience is their customer. This is true to an extent, but the most important audience is the journalist who will read your press releases and decide if they should be printed or published. When it comes to a press release, the first impression is the only impression with editors. If a press release does not fulfill a current need they have to tell a story then your press releases will just keep gathering dust and will not get you the attention you need.
The key difference between writing a press release and other forms of marketing is promotion. Though all forms of marketing within a company are about promotion, press releases are not written to "sell" they focus on offering valuable information, though the press release does advertise your business product or service it is not an advertisement. To target your press release to the journalist who is reading the information you have to answer the questions that help a journalist tell a story.
Before sending press releases to a specific publication take the time to read the publication. This will help you better write a press release that will be of value to the publications readers, pick up a copy of the publication or read the publication online. As fascinating and interesting as you think your business might be, the journalist is not automatically going to care. As you write the press release make the information pop, gain the journalists attention by making your story emotional. A press release that focuses on a topic with human interest has a broader appeal. As will a press release that finds an angle that readers relate too, for example a press release written for a company that focuses on how their product or service is beneficial to the environment has a broader audience.
Remember; just as you have a business to run, journalists have deadlines too meet and other press releases that warrant their attention. Constant calls to "check up" on your press release will not be appreciated. In fact, calling can help assure that your press release is trashed. The best way to contact a journalist is too wait until they have contacted you first. After a journalist has contacted you and you have built up a relationship with them then it may be acceptable to call and follow up with them after submitting another press release to them. Even better if you feel the need to follow up with your press release do so by email, its unobtrusive and easier for the journalist to send off a brief follow up response.
The biggest mistake that most small business makes when sending out press releases is sending a press release to the wrong person! Make sure you have the correct name, number and other contact information for the person you are sending the press release too. Contact information changes fast and if you submit your press release to the email of a journalist who no longer works for a publication then it can't get read!
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