How to Write a Press Release

PR: Crafting a Killer Press Release

Hey there! Want to get your brand noticed? A great press release is your secret weapon. It's all about getting the word out and boosting your reputation. This guide will show you how.

Why Write a Press Release?

Think of a press release as sharing exciting news. It's about informing, not selling. You're giving journalists a story – a really good story – they'll want to share. It’s different from a marketing piece; it's all about facts.

What Makes a Winning Press Release?

Here's the recipe for success. It’s like baking a cake – you need all the right ingredients!

1. Headline: Grab their attention! Make it short, sweet, and to the point – under 10 words. Think strong verbs! Example: "Local Bakery Wins National Award."
2. Subheadline (Optional): Adds extra context. Think of it as a mini-explanation of your headline.
3. Dateline: Where’s the news from? Example: NEW YORK, NY – October 26, 2023
4. Introduction: Answer the who, what, when, where, and why. This is your hook! Make it count.
5. Body Paragraphs: Give more details. Keep sentences and paragraphs short and simple. Avoid jargon – unless everyone will understand it.
6. Quotes: Add a human touch! Get quotes from key people involved. Keep them short and impactful. Example: “This award means the world to our team,” said Sarah Jones, owner of Sweet Surrender Bakery.
7. About [Company/Organization]: Briefly tell your company's story. What do you do? What makes you special?
8. Contact Information: Make it easy for people to reach you! Include a name, title, phone number, and email.
9. ###: This means "the end." It's a press release tradition.

Writing Style: Keep it Simple

Write like a journalist. Be objective and factual. Avoid salesy language. Remember: clarity is key. I once saw a press release so confusing, I almost threw my computer out the window! Don't let that happen to you.

SEO: Getting Found

While it's about the news, SEO helps people find it. Use relevant keywords naturally. Don’t stuff keywords – that looks spammy. Think about what people would search for to find this news.

Sharing Your News

Writing it is only half the battle! You've got to get it seen.

• Targeted Outreach: Find journalists who cover your industry. Send them a personalized email. Don't just blast it to everyone.
• Distribution Services: There are services that send your press release to lots of media outlets.
• Social Media: Share it on social media. But don't overdo it!
• Your Website: Put it on your website too. This shows you're proud of your news.

Measuring Success

Did it work? Track your mentions, website traffic and social media buzz. What worked? What didn't? Learn from every campaign. Data is your friend.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Boring Headline: A bad headline is like a closed door. No one will enter.
• Uninteresting News: Share something actually newsworthy. Don't bore people.
• Bad Writing: Proofread carefully! Grammar and spelling matter.
• Salesy Tone: Keep it factual, not promotional.
• Bad Distribution: Send it to the right people.
• Ignoring Feedback: Learn from your mistakes!

The Bottom Line

A well-written press release is a powerful tool. It builds your reputation and gets your message out there. Put in the effort – it's worth it!