When your organization has news, one of the most strategic and cost-effective ways to tell your target audiences is through the media, which includes newspapers, trade magazines, television stations, radio programs, Internet sites and newsletters. Whether launching a new product or reaching a new milestone, you can publicize your organization's achievement by communicating it to the media via a press release.
What is a press release?
A press release is an informative document designed to share your news with the media. The press release describes the who, what, when, where and why of your news, along with any additional quotes or details. Press releases should include only the facts, without any marketing or promotional messages.
What is considered newsworthy?
Your company has a lot of news to share; you just may not realize it. Reporters are interested in hearing about new products and services, new hires and customer wins, grand openings and business expansions, company milestones, acquisitions, involvement in the community, charitable donations, expert advice, industry trends and research findings, awards and recognition, customer case studies and success stories, and general human interest pieces.
What does a press release include?
Common to all press releases, the information must be timely, accurate, well-written and of interest to a publication's readership. A press release should be limited to approximately one page and should include the following elements, typically in this order:
• Logo or company name positioned at the top of the press release.
• Headline needs to be short, simple, creative and to the point.
• Dateline informs the reporter of the location where the news took place and what date the press release was issued.
• Introduction communicates the most important points first, including why the news is significant or of interest to the public.
• Quote should be from an executive at the organization that says something beyond what is stated in the press release.
• Additional paragraphs cover the details and background information of the news.
• Boilerplate outlines organizational information, such as the date founded, the organization's location, its mission or purpose, awards and recognition, and a link to the Web site.
Where do I send a press release?
Press releases should be sent to journalists who frequently write about your particular industry or subject matter.
You may decide to consult with a public relations firm that can easily identify the best media targets for your news and even help you write and distribute the press release. A good PR firm will already have relationships at the media outlets you are trying to target, which will increase your chances of seeing your news in print.
Caroline Callaway may be contacted at (760) 439-5903 or at
[email protected].
What is a press release?
A press release is an informative document designed to share your news with the media. The press release describes the who, what, when, where and why of your news, along with any additional quotes or details. Press releases should include only the facts, without any marketing or promotional messages.
What is considered newsworthy?
Your company has a lot of news to share; you just may not realize it. Reporters are interested in hearing about new products and services, new hires and customer wins, grand openings and business expansions, company milestones, acquisitions, involvement in the community, charitable donations, expert advice, industry trends and research findings, awards and recognition, customer case studies and success stories, and general human interest pieces.
What does a press release include?
Common to all press releases, the information must be timely, accurate, well-written and of interest to a publication's readership. A press release should be limited to approximately one page and should include the following elements, typically in this order:
• Logo or company name positioned at the top of the press release.
• Headline needs to be short, simple, creative and to the point.
• Dateline informs the reporter of the location where the news took place and what date the press release was issued.
• Introduction communicates the most important points first, including why the news is significant or of interest to the public.
• Quote should be from an executive at the organization that says something beyond what is stated in the press release.
• Additional paragraphs cover the details and background information of the news.
• Boilerplate outlines organizational information, such as the date founded, the organization's location, its mission or purpose, awards and recognition, and a link to the Web site.
Where do I send a press release?
Press releases should be sent to journalists who frequently write about your particular industry or subject matter.
You may decide to consult with a public relations firm that can easily identify the best media targets for your news and even help you write and distribute the press release. A good PR firm will already have relationships at the media outlets you are trying to target, which will increase your chances of seeing your news in print.
Caroline Callaway may be contacted at (760) 439-5903 or at
[email protected].