Press Release Checklist: Are You Getting The Most From Your PR?
Your business can receive public attention by using press releases. A press release is simply a document that gives media outlets information that they will announce to the public. Such information might include some facts about your business, an explanation of special offers or incentives you are currently featuring, or a description of some special event that your business will be holding soon.
You business will gain lots of great public exposure when it is mentioned in a magazine, newspaper, or other media source that is readily available to the public. Links to online media stories or clippings from newspapers can be integrated into your press kit.
You can submit a press release at any time, however you may find that the media features stories about businesses when something special is happening, such as a grand opening, special event, or special offer.
Writing a press release is simple; it always follows the same basic outline. Place the words “For Immediate Release” in the top left corner of the press release if it can be featured by the media at any time. “For Release After [insert date]” should fill the same spot if you want to time the press release with an event and thus require that the timing be specific. Afterwards, mention your contact information.
The body of the press release follows. This contains information that you want to make public. Keep press releases at two pages or less. If it does include a second page, make sure that the word “more” appears at the bottom of page one. The press release should end with three pound signs (###).
As you write the body of your press release, keep it focused, clear, and concise. Try to answer the five basic questions who, what, why, where, and when. Who are you, and what, exactly, are you promoting? Why is your target market interested in this? When and where is this taking place?
After preparing a press release, get it into the hands of local media like newspapers, magazines, television stations, and radio stations. Consider your target market and make sure they will be exposed to the information in your press release. Press releases that advertise an event for a specific date need to get to the media early enough to be publicized before the event occurs.
Do all you can to make your public exposure complete. That means taking advantage of Internet talk radio programs, newswire services, and other online media outlets.
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