Press Release Magic – Create One Today With These Tips for Your Business

Lets focus on writing that press release. It’s a great way to get media attention and the spotlight for your business and the results can be phenomenal. Not only can you get your business in front of your potential clients, but you also can achieve great Google rankings and when someone asks for additional information on your business you have something professional to send. It can be a valued addition to your media kit or promotional package.

So how do create a press release? The first thing you need to consider is the angle. What is newsworthy about your business that would be of interest to your audience? What do you offer that would benefit others? Do you have something that solves a problem or answers a client’s question? These are great newsworthy topics.

You can also see how you can tie your release into what’s happening in the news today. For example, I’ve tied my business start-up books to the unemployment issue and even the benefits of working at home when the flu epidemic was upon us. Holiday releases are great too. Needless to say how beneficial Mother’s Day can be for florists and restaurants or Easter for any candy stores. And there’s always a holiday or month devoted to something.

Now how can you write a release? Let’s go over the basics. First you have your contact information - name, phone number, e-mail address, and website. The headline is next, normally in bold and centered on the page. Summarize what the release is about and capture their attention with your headline making sure to get in those valuable keywords.

Most press releases are 350 to 550 words and start with the location of the release and the date. The first paragraph has the most important information. Don’t save the best for last, it won’t get read.
It is recommended that you write press releases in the 3rd person and use short compelling sentences. Provide a quote from yourself and sell your audience on why your business can help them. The last paragraph should be your call to action. Tell them here exactly what you want them to do, such as go to your website, buy your book, etc.

That’s it. The basics for writing a great press release. Create one today and see what a difference it can make in your business.

Diana Ennen is the President of VirtualWordPublishing.com specializing in PR and Marketing and VA and PR Coaching. Contact her for her free PR Informational Package at diana@virtualwordpublishing.co m. Article is free to be reprinted as long as bio remains.

Thanks, Diana. As always, you offer such useful content.

I picked up a press release tip the other day that I want to share. I'm sure you know but I thought your readers might find interesting.

Once that release has been written, using your example above, "...benefits of working at home when the flu epidemic..." this release can be submitted to more than one place.

WAHM publications can use this release. Medical sites can use this release. Hospitals which have online publications can use this for their readers. Sites which target drug manufacturers of flu medications might use this topic in their publications, for example.

I had not actually thought to take a release too much further than the local papers, radio and TV but after reading this tip, it opened up entirely new options.

Always something new to pick up in the PR world!

Thanks again!

Janine

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Hi

That is a fabulous idea! Wow, I never thought about that. I betcha often times they have blogs too and newsletters that they are looking for new material for.

GREAT TIP. I'm so going to use it.

Diana Ennen / www.virtualwordpublishing.com

There are several article directories that accept press releases. One of my favorite is IdeaMarketers.com. Another idea is to sign up for HARO (helpareporterout.com) - it's free - and see if any of the reporters and freelancer writers are looking for just the type of news you have in your press release (also it gives you a good idea of what's newsworthy and of interest to the media).

Hi

I agree! HARO is the best. It's amazing how much PR you can get if you respond to those leads and they so often have them that are perfect for us VAs.

Thanks!

Diana Ennen
VirtualWordPublishing.com

There are some really creative ideas on here, just found HARO. Thank you - let's see what comes from this.

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Classic Exec
Your Virtual Administrative Consultantwww.classicexec.com

Hi

You will absolutely love HARO. One tip is to pitch as soon as you can. You do have a lot of competition. Also, try and include the tips they ask for so that they could almost take what you have an post it in an article.

There are some other good ones too.

RadioGuestList.com
PitchRate.com

Hope this helps!

Diana Ennen / www.virtualwordpublishing.com

Originally Posted by oneclick-va

There are several article directories that accept press releases. One of my favorite is IdeaMarketers.com. Another idea is to sign up for HARO (helpareporterout.com) - it's free - and see if any of the reporters and freelancer writers are looking for just the type of news you have in your press release (also it gives you a good idea of what's newsworthy and of interest to the media).

Thanks so much for recommending HARO! I've signed up and am looking forward to submitting my press releases.

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Carol Aldridge
www.ProgressiveBusinessSolutions.net