A successful business requires solid management, effective marketing, and financial literacy. However, it can also require a strong grasp of writing for the press and influential publications.
Many of the world’s most well-known businesses first gained traction through traditional, top-tier media. When examining the rise and success of various corporations, it’s important to note the pivotal role so many first played in the news.
You, too, can leverage media coverage and press releases to learn your story, articulate your vision, and combine copy and creativity.
Keep reading to learn the dos and don’ts of writing a press release:
What Is a Press Release?
A press release is a document that is distributed to members of the media with the intention of announcing something newsworthy. Press releases are often sent to journalists in an email, but can also be distributed through other means, such as postal mail or fax.
They typically contain a headline, a brief summary of the news story, and contact information for further inquiries.
The Do’s of Writing a Business Press Release
Here are some of the key points you need to keep in mind when writing a business press release:
- Make sure your headline is catchy and interesting, and that your main points are highlighted in the first few paragraphs of the release.
- Make sure that your release is well-written and error-free.
- In order to maximize the effectiveness of your press release, be sure to target the right media outlets.
- Always include contact information for reporters who may be interested in learning more about your story.
- Timing is key when sending out a professional press release – be sure to send it out at least a week in advance of any major news event.
- Be sure to follow up with reporters who have shown interest in your story.
- Keep track of how many people read your press release online and measure its effectiveness accordingly.
- Always proofread your press release before sending it out!
Don’ts of Writing a Press Release
When writing a company press release, here are some of the things to avoid:
- For starters, don’t make your release too long. Try to keep it to one page or less.
- Avoid using jargon and buzzwords, which can confuse readers.
- Don’t forget to include all the necessary contact information, including your name, phone number, and email address.
- Don’t make it sound salesy.
Is News Release and Press Release Same?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but news release vs press release has a slight difference. A news release is what you send to reporters and editors to let them know about your story. It includes all the details they need to decide if they’re interested in writing about it.
A press release is a document that you create to promote your story. It’s not meant for reporters, but for the general public. It contains all the information someone would need to know if they wanted to write about your product.
The Bottom Line
Writing a press release is an effective way to communicate with the media and announce newsworthy events happening with your company. By following the do’s and don’ts mentioned in this article, you can create a well-written and effective press release that will help you achieve your desired results.
For more tips and guides about running a business successfully, browse through our blog today!
