Provide your reader with everything they need, but leave them wanting more

Press releases are traditionally sent out to invite journalists to write news articles about you. That is why you should be able to somewhat sell your press release to them. To do that, you have to give journalists what they want — information. Keep your press releases concise and to the point. Be economical with your words. You want to promote your business, sure, but you have to keep an objective front, too. Provide all the necessary details but don’t bog it down with too much information. If you can keep the length confined to the equivalent of a page, that would be great. Otherwise, don’t go beyond two pages. A well-written press release provides your reader with everything they need while leaving them wanting more.

Why use press releases?

Companies of all sizes use press releases because they are one of the most cost-effective ways to promote the business, win customers, and establish credibility. They cost next-to-nothing to make and submit, and in some instances, you can even get your press releases submitted free of charge. Both big and small businesses alike can use them, regardless of the difference in their needs.

Writing a press release

A well-written press release follows a certain format. While different kinds of press releases exist, they more or less have same flow.

• Headline: The headline is the title of your press release. Its goal is to attract attention. If you can’t grab people’s attention with your headline, then you can forget about getting them to read the entire article, much less become interested in your product or service.

• Subhead: The subhead is pretty much your headline expanded, providing support and more information regarding the topic matter.

• Lead: The lead is the first paragraph of your press release, dedicated to answering the questions who, what, when, where, and how. If there was a part that a journalist will focus on, this is it. This section should provide enough information such that even though the journalist does not ready the other parts of the press release, he would already have enough to work on to develop a story.

• Body: The body basically provides support for the lead, giving more information. Aside from facts, you can also use quotes to give the press release credibility.

• Boilerplate: The boilerplate contains information on the companies or persons for whom the press release is being written for. After the boilerplate, you can signal the end of the press release by placing the symbol “###”.

• Contact Information: At the very end, don’t forget to include your name and contact information so that readers, editors, and journalists can contact you.

Can you do it on your own?

Writing the press release is one thing, and distributing it is another. If sending your article to newswires yourself is simply impossible because you don’t have the right contacts or because you don’t have enough time, then consider using a press release distribution services like PressReleaseRoom.Com. Press release distribution services don’t only offer you efficient newswire submission – some also host press releases on their own web sites, as well as RSS syndications on blogs and RSS feeds, giving you more venues for exposure. After all, on the Internet, every ounce of good publicity can help your business.