The Basics About Press Releases

What is a Press Release?

They are a marketing tool.

Press releases are used to notify the media about your business. It is a perfect no-cost way to get publicity for your business.

What a Press Release Can Do:

Give a positive viewpoint of your business to the public

Create more exposure for your company, which may equate to larger deals

Result in more sales

When to use a Press Release

Press Releases are more likely to be accepted by the media, when they are used for special occasions or events.

1. Special Events or Offers
2. Official Announcements
3. Controversial Statements that deal with legislation affecting your business

How To Format a Press Release For Your Business

1. 8.5 x 11" white paper, double spaced
2. Heading in top left hand corner. Heading should contain: your company name, address, phone number, email address, company URL and any personal contact information and the person who will be acting as liason between company and the media.
3. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE should go under the heading - if the release is for a particular event or occasion, holiday or date, then you can include the words: FOR RELEASE ON OR BEFORE [date]
4. Headline in all caps (attention grabbing)
5. Body of Release should start with the city where the event is taking place or where your business is located and the date of your announcement
6. Most important information should be stated first
7. who, what, when, where, why and how
8. Just the facts, do not go on and on with all the little details
9. Length should be no more than 2 pages. If more than one page you should number the pages.

Press Release Outline

From: Your company name

Contact: Your contact person

The contact address

The contact phone number

Web Site URL

***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***

[HEADLINE]

Main Body:

1) Opening Paragraph: City, Date, and specifics [who, what, when, hwere, why, how]

2) Main Paragraphs; Important information first. Keep it simple and to the point.

3) Any quotes if you have any

4) Brief description of your company. Not an advertisement but a brief history of your company - when started, size, number of employees, your product niche

5) Brief summary of your main point

Thank you for your consideration