Sending out a press release over the internet can be a great way to get a lot of free media coverage. If you want to be on radio/TV or in print, and not have to pay for it, this is an absolutely great way to go.
It really helps if you can tie your release into a big news/media story, such as a Super Bowl win, or a natural disaster, so when people search for those popular topics, your release might show up. Remember, your story must also be newsworthy, and answer the question 'who cares.'
Writing a Press Release
Most press releases follow a simple formula: They should start with 'FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE', all in caps right at the top of the page, followed by a catchy headline or title. Next comes the body which should immediately answer who, what, where, when & why questions. Then the rest of the release should answer 'who cares about that'? and give any pertinent details. After the closing body paragraph, contact info should be posted (including your website, phone, fax, email etc.), and the release should be ended with '###' which lets the media know that it's finished. Ideally press releases should be kept to a single page in length, but absolutely not more than 2.
Releasing a Press Release
Here you have two choices: you can send it out yourself, which can be both difficult and time consuming, or you can pay a professional company with the right media contacts to do it for you (which is what I recommend, unless you're broke). Some companies such will even send it out to a limited number of media outlets for free. There are many sites that can distribute your online releases for you, just Google 'send online press release.' |
