Writing a Newsworthy Press Release
A press release is a communication sent to the media to inform the public about a new product, service or event. It’s used as a marketing tool to introduce and promote new ideas or products to the public.
Who writes a press release?
Generally, press releases are written by representatives of organizations or companies and should reflect the views of the author. A press release should be concise and to the point- both in body and subject-classes. Anyone can write a press release, but some have a natural inclination to do so. For example, a journalist or other writer may be more likely to put together an effective press release for his or her publication. In that case, this article can help that person with his or her writing skills.
Keep it simple with the right information
A press release is usually brief and to the point. It should include information about who wrote it and when it was sent out. It should also include some background on the author so readers know his or her credentials. Additionally, information about where they can contact the author directly should be included.
How to make a press release work for you?
A well-written press release will convey who wrote it, when it was sent out and where readers can reach the author if they have questions. When preparing a press release, it’s important to follow some basic rules of journalism. These include: fact-finding, analysis and opinion-making. Each term later in this paragraph describes aspects of good reportage; i.e., journalism.
Do an analysis
First, you must collect accurate information before you can begin your analysis. Next, you must make sense of what you’ve found through your analysis so that you can intelligently convey your thoughts to others. Last but not least, you must express your opinions in an ethical manner so readers understand your point of view on the topic at hand. In other words, each term helps you effectively communicate your thoughts on a subject to others via print media- including news articles.
What to avoid
Whenever possible, your body paragraphs should directly state facts that support the reasons for sending out a press release in the first place. You should also avoid using words such as ‘solicited’ or ‘suggested’ when referring to your product or service in reference sections of your press release. Using such words implies that you’re requesting or suggesting something when you’re not supposed to be doing so as an organization or business entity.
Instead, use words such as ‘offered’ or ‘promoted’ when referring to products or services you provide related to your primary topic area. This makes your content more direct and easily digestible by news-readers who are already familiar with your products or services from previous coverage by media outlets they follow closely.
Your opinion
Your opinion section should clearly articulate why readers should care about your new product or service and how they can benefit from it. Your opinion section may also cite noteworthy mentions of your product or service in previous news articles about similar products or services in your field as a reference point for this body paragraph area.
Cite endorsements
In addition, citing any endorsements of your product by industry leaders in that same field may also help reinforce why readers should care about what you have to offer them here. As with any aspect of writing an effective press release, knowing when and how to use references is significant knowledge that writers from notable publications often possess.
Conclusion
A press release is a means of informing the public about a new product, service or event- whether yours or someone else’s. It’s used as a marketing tool to introduce and promote new ideas or products to the public. Generally speaking, good reportage skills dictate that each component term in the list above be followed when writing an effective press release fact-finding, analysis and opinion-making.
Here is the most recent press I received, based on a press release I wrote for my business.