Writing Web Writers
How to Write Press Releases
How to Write Press Releases That Are Interesting and Informative?
A good press release should be able to generate interest and create a buzz in the media. This is essential in gaining publicity for a company or an organization. Therefore, it is important to know the general tips on how to write press releases.
The first thing is that your press release should be short and compact; if possible, not longer than a page. It would be a good idea to keep most of your information in the first paragraph. This is because often, reporters have short attention spans and won’t read beyond the first paragraph to determine if your release is newsworthy or not. Remember to include the who, where, when and why.
Keep it interesting and newsworthy. Mostly, focus on the customer or the reader. How did the company or product help the reader? This shows that your product is actually useful to people and your customers will be happy that you are focusing on them. It will help potential consumers connect with you and create a feeling of good will towards you.
Write your press release from a third person point of view. Avoid overuse of adjectives, hyperboles, and too much flowery language. Each word you use should be worth it. Avoid being vague and avoid words like ‘might, maybe’. Use words like ‘definite, will’. This expresses self-assurance to the reader.
A wide variety of formats are acceptable when writing a press release, the most basic being a catchy headline. Avoid boring headlines which will not stimulate interest. The content of the text comes next. You can include some direct interesting quotes in the body. Don’t strive to pour out all the details in the release, just vital information. Conclude by letting people know what is next. What is it that you want people to do after reading the press release?
Always include your most current all-inclusive contact details so that the press will know how to contact you. At the minimum a landline and mobile telephone number, an e-mail and web address. Give the contact details of one specific person and not the general contacts of the company.
After submitting your press release to the media, one of the rules on how to write press releases is that you should do a follow up.