Ok, you’ve finally got a professional website and have your brand identity in order. What you need now is to let the world know about you, your products and your services! In this post, I will guide you through writing a professional press release to tell the world what you are all about!
While some people assume that running your own business seems to be an ideal job, what they don’t know is how much hard work that goes on behind the scenes. Wearing many hats is just one of those things that you have to get used to.
From being a copywriter, social media marketer, accountant, SEO expert, and administrator. These are just some of the things you have to juggle to run a successful business.
When you have all these things going on learning how to be a PR specialist has probably never entered your mind. But if you want the world to know about your business, and increase publicity that can lead to more clients, then PR is another skill that is handy to learn.
While you might think to announce yourself on social media is enough to get the word out about your business, issuing a press release has long been the traditional way of making sure that those who are interested in finding your online business or service can do!
However, writing an effective press release is not always that easy. Some people hire public relations consultants, but if you are just starting as a new business, then creating your own can also be effective as long as it’s done correctly.
What Is A Press Release?
A press release is a short 400-600 word statement about your business given to the media to generate interest and positive news coverage.
A good press release should include a compelling headline, a powerful lead paragraph, and an informative body. If written well, it can help you market your small business, increase brand awareness and target your preferred audience.
A Sample Press Release
by rockcyber.com
How To Write A Press Release
Before you start writing it’s important to follow a certain style and formatting guidelines. An A4 (8.5 x 11 inches) document should be used with 1 inch of margin all around the edges. Use standards fonts such as Times Roman or Arial for better readability.
Press Release Template Guide
1. Create A Powerful Opening Paragraph
Write your opening paragraph. It should include your website or business name. Mention your services and any information that you think might be useful. Make sure that you add the benefits of choosing you as an expert, highlighting what about your service is unique. Do not forget to include recommendations or quotes from your clients. If your text goes beyond this point, it is best to break the body of the press release into two different paragraphs.
2. Develop Your Story
Write something that contextualises your services and company. Give some useful statistics and factual information editors can use in an article about you. Although you are describing your expert services, remember to write your text in the third-person perspective, as if it was written by someone else rather than yourself.
3. End your Press Release
Pen a strong statement or quote that catches the reader’s attention. The stronger the better! When you are done writing, insert these three symbols (# # #) at the bottom of your text – they indicate that the press release is finished. After the hash signs, add your contact information, website address, telephone number and email address.
4. Add Boilerplate Copy
The final major section of your press release is your company boilerplate. Pen down a brief company description that informs readers about what your business and its purpose. A good boilerplate is usually 30 to 100 words. Write this information at the end of your document, below the final paragraph.
Submit Your Press Release
After you have finished writing your document submit it to your local news desk or to the following websites. PR websites will allow your document to be seen by newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and similar media outlets.
Some of the links that I have added below will allow you to submit your document for free. However, companies such as PRWEB charge a fee depending on the plan you choose. The cheapest package start from $99.00 and this includes submitting your document to major search engines such as Google, Yahoo!, and Bing. They will also permanently host your press release on PRWeb.com.
Summary
A professionally written Press Release should be a standard part of your online marketing strategies. By sending out your press release there is a chance of building awareness of your brand. Keep in mind that press releases should be done everytime there is a newsworthy information within your company.
The information I have provided above allows you to create one almost effortlessly. Make sure to go through the information above and carefully substitute your own personal touches. You can also download a template by clicking on this link.