TUESDAY CHALLENGE: WRITE A PRESS RELEASE
Getting noticed by the public is the key to a successful business. There are many ways to make that happen whether it’s meeting people one by one or organizing a larger than life event. The next piece of the puzzle is utilizing marketing dollars to make it happen that small and large companies may not have. Last night in the Monday small business class we presented multiple ideas for small businesses to reach out with little to no cost.
A press release is one of the quickest and easiest ways to get free publicity. Writing a press release will provide you and your company the exposure you need about a new product or innovative service offering. Write it with your customer in mind and as in all marketing discuss your product or service benefits. More importantly the article needs to be written well and thoughtfully created to get the attention of the publication.
Following are a few rules to follow as you develop your story:
- Key parts: Headline. Opening sentence. Body. Contact Information.
- Headline: Short and catchy. This is the most important piece. Simple and catchy. Whether you send the press release to your customers or to a publication for consideration, the headline must arouse curiosity so that it will be opened. Remember that people will spend all of 8 seconds on your website before they decide to stay or move on. The same is true for reporters looking for a good story. Peak the readers interest right from the start.
- Opening sentence. Someone said to think of this as a tweet. In only a few words communicate the answers to “why does this matter?” Don’t repeat your headline again in your opening sentence. This is where you grab the reader so they will continue reading.
- Body: Follow up on the headline and opening sentence. Give an overview about the subject in a sentence or two and then follow with the specifics. Be thorough and clear with your message. Don’t get caught up using cliche’s and big words. Use quotes from a customer or the owner of the company or other pertinent individual. Be sure it is relevant and speaks to the point of your press release.
There are many resources online with examples of how to write a great press release. Just Google it and get started!
BizQuack is launching a new blog/online business news that will be open to the public. We will be featuring press releases about our members so be sure to submit your press release to info@bizquack.com and it will be reviewed and published. You can then share it on your social media sites and send links to your customers.
There will also be additional opportunities for you to submit articles in the future. We are constantly looking for ways to support our members. Please always send us feedback if you have a great idea!
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