We all know that factual information and news are the mainstays of press releases. The ‘who, what, how, when, why’ are essential elements of any news release. Putting your words together so that they are pleasant sounding and pleasing to the eye is an important byproduct of effective press release writing. A melodic press release packs a powerful punch, the least important of which is that it will get read sooner.
Words can be musical without being sung. In fact, good writing matches Read more »
One of the biggest complaints we get from media people regarding press releases (not written by us) is the phony salesmanship that comes across the page. Too much hype turns people off.
Remember the old stories about snake oil salesmen? Read more »
- To promote a person, product, event or idea (hereafter referred to as ‘the product.’)
- To inform the public.
- To jump start a new business. Read more »
Many artists and performers send press releases to let potential clients know they are available for special assignments or gigs. They also benefit if a profile on them appears in the local newspaper, radio or TV station.
If you write your own, it’s best Read more »
Many companies hire public relations firms to handle their press releases and that is fine. Chances are they will be professionally written and sent to niche markets, most likely by standard mail or special courier. This is probably the most costly method. You may also have Read more »
A press release is perhaps the most efficient, most economical way of advertising your product, person or service to a broad audience. Newspapers as well as radio and television outlets pick up press releases easily and frequently because they need news to fill their empty slots. Media outlets also need to inform and entertain their audiences. Therefore, Read more »
Good press releases must adhere to the rules of any other writing. You write so the reader will read. Laziness in writing is settling for overused verbs that are easy but totally boring. Active verbs add sparkle to your writing, in any form. The verb “to be” is overused ‘ad nauseam.’ i.e. “I am, he is, you are, they are, we are.” Search around for quicker and slicker verbs such as: Read more »
This article will deal with the use of press releases for the Online Press Room. The value of press releases has been reiterated over and over again in the Press-Release-Writing.com newsletter. The many tips and techniques we offer have a proven track record with professional journalists and press release writers such as those on our PRW staff.
After you distribute your press releases to the media, tack them up on your Web site for easy, accessible information for journalists who need input to write a story. Read more »
Lately, it seems everybody is breaking all kinds of rules and getting away with it. Fact is, no matter what you write, rules still apply. Grammar guidelines, such as the use of commas, have relaxed as well as have the use of newly coined words and phrases that have not made it to the dictionary yet.
Case in point, an entire vocabulary has arisen out of the technology world. Read more »
In the last newsletter, we discussed different types of interviews to use to get good quotes for press releases. Whichever type you choose, you must first telephone to set it up. Don’t ever put the interviewee on the spot by calling and interviewing without a previous appointment, unless the subject suggests it and prefers it. When you call and speak to the subject or an assistant, Read more »
