Press Releases?

[Confetti Kidz]

Hello,

I am looking for information on Press Releases. I think I saw something recently on here about these, but I can't find it now.

I want to know more about them. What exactly are they? What should be included in one? Do you need to hire a profession PR person to write one for you? Etc.

Thanks,

Susan
www.confettikidzboutique.com

[minimemom]

If you google Alice Seba, she sends weekly e-mails that will help you write your own if you are interested in doing it that way. I haven't gotten around to it yet, but it seems like she has some really good tips on writing a well thought out release. HTH!

[thebabypanda]

Marketing Your Website with Press Releases

What is a Press Release?

A press release is a newsworthy story about your business that you submit to
various media outlets ~ newspapers, magazines, website, radio, television. This
is a wonderful way to get free promotion for your website. Any story that the
media picks up will be far more valuable than a paid advertising spot. Having
the media do a story about you is like a personal endorsement of your website
and business.

What is the Appropriate Format for Your Press Release?

Your press release should have six basic components and they are:
1. Release Instructions
"For Immediate Release";
"For Release Before [date]" or
"For Release After [date]"

Use one of the latter two if your press release is of a time sensitive nature.
For example, if you are holding a public speaking event, you will want to use
the "For Release Before [date]" and make sure you input the final date for
registrations. If you are using the "For Release Before [date]" ensure you are
sensitive to media deadlines. Send your release out well in advance.

2. Headline
Write an attention-grabbing headline. Make it benefits-oriented (why would it
be of interest to people?) and descriptive. Avoid hype and promotional language
~ remember, this is a news story.

3. Contact Information
Include as much information as possible here. Make it easy for the media to
contact you. Include your phone number, address, company name, fax number, email
and URL. Include the hours you are available at the listed phone number and add
an after hours phone number, if applicable.

4. Summary
Before you get into the body of the release, write a sentence or two to
summarize your press release. Make it interesting, you want the recipient to
keep reading.

5. Content
This is the meat of your press release. Again, write a benefits-oriented
story. Think of the target audience as you are writing. Your target audience is
partly the editor or reporter who will be reading the release. Ultimately,
however, your target audience is that editor or reporter's readers or audience.
You need to write a story that will be of interest to them.
The first paragraph should answer all the important questions - Who, What,
Where, When, Why & How?

Add some quotations to add credibility and to break up the story. Quotations
can be from you about the topic. Testimonials or commentary from your customers
are very effective as well.

6. Signify the End of Your Release
The end of your press release is shown by a few simple characters. Place ###
at the end of your release.

Other General Formatting Tips
- Always remember that your press release is not an ad. It is a newsworthy
story.
- Address your release directly to the appropriate reporter or editor. The
media receives many press releases each day. A release addressed to a specific
person is more likely to get attention than a general submission.
- Keep your release to about 1 page (or 2 pages maximum).
- Number your pages 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.
- Use active verbs.
- Do not use excessive adjectives ~ they sound like hype.
- Tweak your release when sending to different media outlets. If you are
sending to the local paper your content may be slightly different than if you
are sending it to a trade magazine.
- If you are sending your release by mail, use 8 1/2" x 11" paper.
- If you are sending your release by email, never send an attachment. Copy
and paste your release into the body of the email.

Where to Send your Press Release
You need to build a media list and this will likely take some time. Start local
and small. Local and/or small media are most likely to be interested in your
story and it's the perfect way to hone your release writing skills. Besides, a
lot of the larger media outlets scan the little guys to find stories to pick up.

Try newspapers, trade journals, topic specific magazines, websites, radio
shows, television show ~ whomever would be interested in your topic.

Again, always remember to get specific contact information for your press
release. A release address to a particular person will get a lot more attention
than a general release sent to the media outlet.

Alice Seba is a “Retired” Press Release Writer that now teaches other website
owners to increase their media exposure. Find out how you can get the media to
sing your praises at
PressReleaseProfits.com


Additional Info:

Site contains list of places to distribute your press release

http://www.language-professionals.net/m ... ubmit.html


Hope that helps!

[littlelaundry]

Not a whole lot more needs to be said other than what Cynthia from Baby Panda wrote, but you can also check out:

http://www.theswitchboards.com/forum/index.php

Search for Press Release (check search for all terms box/circle). That site is incredible. There is a wealth of information!

[melissa22]

i was a PR girl in my pre-baby life. just a few things i would add.

## if you are hoping to target print media, you should check out the business section of your local library. they should have several media directories(bacon's media directories is the big one) that can help you build your contact list. however, staff changes quite a bit, so before you send any mailings, you should double check your list to make sure you have the appropriate contacts. also wise to do this periodically to keep your media list current.

## also: most magazines include an editorial calendar in their media kits. this is a great promo tool, as it includes specific sections in the magazine and what the focus for an issue month by month (i.e. if you see that they are doing a special baby product feature in march 2007 or editorial focus on child safety you can tailor your pitch specifically for those subjects and see where you can be most relevant).

## i think a huge thing is just knowing your media. don't even bother pitching to an outlet if you aren't familiar with the things that are typically on their pages or on their web site. you will lose all credibility. even with the most stellar and professionally written release.

## if you see an opportunity that is really key for your product, follow up on your release with a call. editors get tons and tons of press releases ever single day, and often won't filter through it all. your follow-up could make a difference. (be aware though, they also get lots of CALLS, and may not always be responsive. but the calls are worth it of they are. you either 1) get another chane to get your press kit/release in front of their eyes, and pitch your product or 2) even better, they'll say, yes! i got it and loved it, and it will be in our march issue -- and then you'll know to watch for it!!.

HTH

[amberstar]

Wow! awesome advice from all of you, thank you!!

[Confetti Kidz]

Hello,

Thank you for the help! This is great advice! I really appreciate it!

Susan
www.confettikidzboutique.com

[lesliem]

So Susan - does this mean your new business is ready to go? If so, what did you end up calling it? I'm excited to see!

[Confetti Kidz]

Leslie,

My web designer will be working on my new site this month. I believe I am going with ideazinbloom.com. What do you think? I'm still trying to decide on a tag line, color scheme, font, layout, etc. I am awful at making these types of decisions.

I am trying to get the word out about my current site and my new site, so I am going to try writing a Press Release and then try sending it out to a few places.

It never hurts to try......lol.

Thanks for asking!

Susan
www.confettikidzboutique.com

[lesliem]

Ideazinbloom was probably my favorite once I was about three days removed from it (it stuck with me even days later). I also liked Paula's Confetti Kraftz (or was it Craftz?).

Let us know if you want to bounce ideas off of us - that was kind of fun last time!

[DancingQueen]

Thanks Leslie!
It was Confetti Kraftz, like Confetti Kidz, but I think Ideaz In Bloom rolls off the tongue better. Best of luck with the new site Susan! Let us know when it's up.