One big mistake most writers do while preparing a press release is that they make it look like an ad release. In reality, an ad release is very different from a press release.
As one would naturally think, it is obvious that oe would want to promote ones business or product or service. It is equally important that you provide valuable information or news. If not, your press release might as well be ignored.
Here are some tips to ensure your press release is well received.
1. Don’t send fake news. News is always a happening, for real, unique. You cannot fake news. They end up on a bad note.
2. The language used in the press release should be simple. Avoid using technical jargon as most readers won’t understand what you meant to convey.
3. Don’t use too much pep talk or sound like a salesman desperate to sell or show off his wares or services. People are smart enough to read in between the lines. A restrained use of words like ‘fantastic’ or ‘amazing’ won’t do harm while describing your product or service. Make sure you don’t however, mislead readers.
4. Don’t bring up stale news. Your readers already know about it or feel having read them before.
5. Do not write an encyclopedia. Keep it short and sweet (The KISS effect).
6. Your information should be accurate. If you provide it, then provide it fully and not part information. If you are talking about an event, make it clear, even if the event is an ongoing one.
7. Ensure all info is in place. That is your name, address, phone, email address and website address. In case any editors do need to call you, make sure you leave no room for queries.
8. Your headlines should not sound boring or confusing. Make sure it conveys the meaning so that the editors / readers figure out what the article is all about. It’s a cool idea to look into major magazines and newspapers for such ideas.
9. Do not write press releases that are biased or one that sends negative thoughts about a certain individual or a company. No matter what – you may have the best evidence to prove that they are wrong – the idea is not at all good. Such information looks great on an editorial section of major newspapers.
10. Lastly, but not the least, make sure your press release is posted well before the actual event or happening. As I told you before, stale or old news is no news.
Having said these, I guess you might have a fair idea how a release is written.
