Want to get your name out there so future clients know who you are and what you have to offer? An easy and inexpensive method is with a press release. You can submit a press release to your local newspaper, radio, magazine, or TV station, and your brand will be seen in your local community. In this article, we will focus on newspapers. You can use similar steps for the other media.
Newspapers are looking for cheap content, especially now that they are cutting staff. First, study the newspaper and try to find a place where your story is most appropriate. Try to answer the question of what will leave the page. Then send your press release to the editor of that section.
What should you write about? You can write on a variety of topics such as:
- Something special about you. Did you grow up in the area? Did you move and find the special place? Are you a minority owned business? Did you just receive an award? Throw a book?
- Upcoming classes, demonstrations, speeches, shows, seminars. If you’re doing something, tell people where they can come see it.
- Something special about your business. Are you doing something historically significant? Do you own a family business that has been in the same family for generations? Is this a cutting-edge business like no one has seen yet?
- Something timely. Have you just opened your business? Have you just launched a website? Has your business just changed ownership and is it a grand reopening? Did you recently remodel?
- Something specific for the client? Do you cater to gardeners? Housewives? Sports fans? Do you produce something unusual like cast iron plows for historical reenactment?
If you’ve never written a press release before, you can hire someone to write it quickly at elance.com, odesk.com, and guru.com. Be sure to read it to verify that it communicates what you want it to say.
If you want to write one yourself, there is a template at the end of the article that you can use.
How to publish your press release
First remember the number one mantra of selling. “What’s in there for me?” Newspapers love a good story. And while you can provide free content, it must be useful content.
If you’re involved in a fundraiser, the story could be about the charity and your name and company would be mentioned. Could you give practical advice? If you were a plumber, they might post an article on best practices to keep your pipes in good working order and recommended by you, a professional.
Second, make sure your press release is short and to the point. Publishers are busy people and they make a decision on your press release very quickly because they receive hundreds a day.
With your press release, include a letter to the editor about why they should publish your press release. Point out the usefulness and how your readers will appreciate the information. If you can provide additional information, such as sidebars or photos, be sure to mention it!
The fastest way to put out a press release is to cold call the publication and give your best presentation. They may turn you down or say they are interested but in something a little different. Hurrah! Make the adjustments and send it.
It’s hard to sell yourself; however, it is important to remember that no one else will. Highlight the uniqueness of you or your product and provide useful information. People will be curious and want to know more information. Remember, people want to know more about your products and services. Press releases are a great way to do this at little or no cost.
Steps to write a press release
- Release date
- contact information
- catchy headline
- An introduction similar to the date line of a news article. Keep it simple and newsworthy. Provide the basic information of what you want to publish.
- The main body simply expands on top of the introduction, containing the tips, quotes, etc.
- boiler plate. This is a line or two about your company and its mission.
- The word END
Congratulations, you’ve just written your first press release!
