What a Press Release is NOT:

- a Novel- an Advertisement- a tell-all promotional piece full of details

Concise: brief and to the point.

Well-written: Ask feedbacks and read your own aloud.

Factual: stick to logical and substantiated claims.

Honest: avoid the padded quotes by company officers.

Timely: if isn't topical incorporate it with a recent news event

How a Press Release Should be:

Questions to Consider Before writing:

* Who is the preferred audience?

* What do you want readers to take away from it?

* Does your press release provide invaluable information?

* What is the support for the info in your press release?

* What is the tone of your press release?

* Are you aware of areas to avoid in it?

* Do you want increase business, disseminate information?

Target:

A press release is written to appeal to a journalist.

The journalist is not seeking to buy your product. A journalist is looking to fill a news need.

Answer the question, "Why would ABC magazine's readers care"?

The headline takes on a new focus. Use a headline that proclaims its newsworthiness.

Get READY

Visit the Web and look at the stories the site offers.

Buy a copy of the magazine or newspaper and review the common interests of its readers.

CALL:

- if you are writing a Press Release to invite Journalist to a Presentation, call them to let them know is going to be a good event with buffet at the end

- if you are writing about a news, DON'T CALL, if you are not getting answers means they do not perceive you relevant. Continue to write to the media everytime you have a news. They will understand you are a valuable news provider and you have GOOD news to provide

PUT IT IN THE RIGHT HANDS

Like advertisements, press releases must be placed in strategic areas. Search the Web for outlets to run your release. http://www.businesswire.comhttp://www.internet.comhttp://www.prnewswire.com

email your press release to the appropriate person at individual magazines, newspapers and Web sites. Target those that would be read by your customers.

Be sure to find the correct name and email address for the reporter who handles stories related to your business.

KISS

Keep it short silly!

To give the reporter an idea of what's happening in your business that their readers need to know about.

If the journalist would like additional information or would like to arrange for an interview, he/she will call.

Your press release should be approximately 400 words - 500 maximum.