HAVE YOU WRITTEN A PRESS RELEASE LATELY?

So what’s new? If you have added a new employee, added a new product or service, sponsored an event, updated your Website, are having a special sale or promotion you should write a Press Release. In fact, if you have done anything worth mentioning to anyone, you should write a Press Release.

Once you have written the Press Release, send it to all of the local newspapers. Begin a list of outlets and reporters and send it to all of them. (Then save the list for the next time.) Websites and mastheads of the newspapers often give instructions for submission. If you know a reporter or if you enjoy articles by a certain reporter, send the Press Release to that person. While there are no guarantees that the Press Release will be published, there is a good chance it will, and you may even be contacted by the reporter for an interview!

Even if none of the newspapers pick up the story, there are places that will publish Press Releases and articles whenever they are submitted. In the Chicago area, TribLocal is an on-line newspaper that covers about 100 local cities and towns. And they are always looking for news. Articles are accessed through their Website, and may be sent via email or through RSS readers. For a nominal fee, outlets like PRWeb publish press releases to many Websites. The bonus is that they are optimized for high search engine placement.

One thing to remember when submitting a Press Release: You want people to read it. It should be interesting and timely, and written in a way that will engage the reader. While Press Releases are a way to “toot your own horn,” they shouldn’t be blatant advertisements. However, every business and business owner has something unique and interesting to tell people. So, what’s new with you?

Tags: Marketing Tactics, Press Release, Public Relations, writing