Profit from Press Releases Part 1
Marketing Your Press Release
Getting your press release accepted or denied is akin to trying to gain entry past the velvet rope at an exclusive event, hoping you have what it takes to impress the gatekeeper.
The competition is fierce, with only the crème de la crème getting noticed by the editors, let alone reaching the public’s hands.
So, how do you stand out and make your press release shine in the eyes of publishers?
All it takes is a bit of research skills, a touch of creativity, and a sprinkle of media savvy, and voila, you’ve concocted a winning recipe for a press release that delivers results.
The media wields significant power. What ultimately reaches the editor’s desk and, consequently, the hearts of the nation, depends on what they deem newsworthy.
From scandals to heartwarming tales, the media dictate what stories capture our attention and shape our understanding of the world.
Moreover, the placement of a story can determine its impact on the public.
A front-page half-size feature will undoubtedly garner more attention than a small blurb hidden in the local section.
Where your news lands can significantly influence how many eyes it captures.
Luckily, news is a hot commodity. Generating interest for your press release is akin to making a persuasive pitch, minus the overt advertising. Seems daunting?
Not when you take into account how the media operates and what captures their attention.
The world of news is like a whirlwind, always shifting and changing at a moment’s notice.
One minute, a world leader basks in international admiration, and the next, a breaking story from CNN or another 24-hour news network can shatter their career in an instant.
The power these news outlets hold is undeniable, a force to be reckoned with.
Every day, editors are inundated with a mountain of news stories, each vying for a coveted spot in their publication.
They must carefully sift through the submissions, ranking them based on importance to determine the content that will grace their pages.
To secure a prime placement, your press release must stand out as unique, timely, and relevant to their audience.
The fate of your press release rests on its relevance and appeal to editors.
Some may take the time to mold your information into a format suitable for their publication, but you must give them no reason to overlook your story in favor of another.
Space is a precious commodity in the media world, whether it’s in print or on the airwaves, and if you want to promote your product or service, be prepared to pay a hefty price.
Crafting an unbiased press release is crucial to earning free media coverage.
Editors will decide whether to feature your story as a news item or relegate it to the realm of paid advertising.
Following certain guidelines when interacting with media professionals, such as showing courtesy and common sense, can greatly impact how your news is received.
Additionally, understanding the local tone and preferences of your community’s press is essential in garnering their attention.
While some media outlets may overlook local news that lacks broader relevance, even prestigious publications like the New York Times, if your story has national significance, they may consider sharing your press release.
So, ensure that your information is compelling enough to capture the interest of a wider audience and secure a spot in the national spotlight.
If you’re aiming your release at the local scene through a community press market, it’s crucial to establish a good relationship with the decision-makers who determine if your piece gets the spotlight it deserves.
Never address your press release to an editor who’s no longer part of the team.
Take a moment to check the latest masthead for the current editor’s name and make sure to spell it correctly when you send it over.
Building a friendly rapport with the editor could lead to valuable insights on why your press item didn’t make the cut for the next issue.
As a contributing reporter, essentially a press release writer, you’re an integral part of the news department.
Therefore, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with how to collaborate effectively with each organization.
Ask for their stylebook or inquire about any specific news format they adhere to.
Disregarding the style of the paper or media company may diminish your value because it adds extra work to their already busy schedules.
Neglecting the relevant formatting and style guidelines means the paid staff will have to redo the work you’ve already submitted, whether it’s deciphering and typing your handwritten release or reorganizing the information for easy editing and trimming.
Many newspapers operate with a small staff, leaving the editors with additional tasks like sifting through news, selecting accompanying photographs, and handling numerous administrative duties.
The smoother you make the process for the editor, the higher the chances of your story making it to the headlines.
Adhering to the publication’s basic rules streamlines the process, allowing the editor to focus on more pressing matters.
Conversely, showing little regard for the editor by submitting a handwritten press release and expecting it to be in the next issue will only create barriers and reduce the likelihood of your future submissions being considered.
News departments, constrained by tight deadlines, simply don’t have the resources to sift through a variety of contributor styles and formats.
It’s in your best interest to follow the publication’s submission guidelines to avoid having your submission overlooked or discarded.
Take the time to understand the hierarchy within your target media conglomerates.
Learn who calls the shots on what gets published and, equally important, what doesn’t.
Armed with this knowledge, you can tailor your submissions accordingly to increase your chances of getting noticed.
When heading to the library to dig through past issues of a publication, it’s crucial to analyze what topics have caught their eye previously.
By studying the content’s tone and style used by reporters, you can align your writing to match their preferences.
This strategic move increases the likelihood of getting your piece published.
Certain media outlets embed their style right into their names, like the Republican Times, signaling a conservative stance.
If your article leans liberal or supports democratic values, it may face an uphill battle to secure a spot in their publication.
Understanding the ownership of your target media is paramount. Many major outlets are part of large, profitable corporations.
If you happen to be a competitor, your submission might get rejected solely based on the corporate hierarchy.
The moment your press release lands in the hands of the media, whether by mail, fax, or email, the evaluation process begins.
Crafting a visually appealing document is crucial as first impressions carry significant weight.
Adhering to formatting standards in terms of typing, font, and color is a must.
Avoid gimmicks like rainbow paper, as it may backfire and land your release straight in the bin.
When initiating contact with the media, your approach should tick several boxes:
– Grab the editor’s attention right off the bat
– Clearly define your topic
– Showcase your adept news writing skills
– Offer verifiable sources and contacts
– Provide multiple easy ways for the editor or reporter to reach out for additional information or in-depth coverage.
Failing to captivate the audience with your opening sentence risks losing their interest forever.
Editors sift through countless press releases daily, so it’s essential to make your message clear from the get-go to avoid getting overlooked.
Want to grab the editor’s attention with your press release? Don’t settle for a bland title “New real estate site launched.”
Instead, go for something like “HomeBasePlus emerges triumphant in the battle of technology versus service.”
It’s snappy and sets the stage for what’s to come. Editors might tweak your headline later, but make sure it hooks them right off the bat.
Skip the flowery language and exaggerated claims in your press release.
Editors will cut them out, and it makes your news sound more like an ad than actual information.
Stick to the facts – who, what, when, where, and why – and let readers see the value for themselves.
Including quotes from experts or top brass in your industry adds credibility to your release.
Editors love being able to tie ideas back to a specific person, so choose your quotes wisely.
Instead of using a customer’s positive feedback, aim for a statement from the company President.
If you’re sharing news about a new website or company, make it easy for reporters to reach out by including a direct contact name, phone number, and email.
Be accessible for any follow-up questions they might have.
In the fast-paced world of media, everyone wants to be the first to break a story.
Make sure you’re on the right track by understanding a publication’s style before submitting your piece.
Show respect and send it to the right person for the best chance of getting noticed.
Before sending anything out, I always make sure to ask myself a few key questions. First off, did I stick to the formatting guidelines laid out in the latest issue?
It’s crucial to ensure that my work aligns with the editorial standards and doesn’t require any major rewrites. Is the content timely and relevant?
Is it news or promotional material? These are important considerations to keep in mind.
Next, I always double-check the accuracy and verifiability of the information I’m sharing.
It’s essential to present facts objectively and avoid any hint of bias in my approach. Have I trimmed down unnecessary details and avoided any unnecessary boasting?
I strive to make my press releases appear like any other news item to maintain credibility.
When it comes to language, I aim for readability and simplicity. Instead of using fancy words like “embark,” I opt for more straightforward terms like “go.”
I steer clear of hype words like “exhilarating” or “thrilling” to maintain a professional tone.
Including contact information is crucial for easy communication with editors if they have any questions.
Encouraging readers to take action and engage with the company or organization is another key aspect of a successful press release.
By understanding the media’s perspective and adhering to their standards, I can enhance the chances of my work being well-received.
Collaboration between contributors and editors is vital in the fast-paced news industry.
By following procedures diligently and minimizing the need for follow-up work, I can build a positive relationship with local news outlets.
This mutual reliance ensures a smooth flow of information and coverage.
It’s important to remember that editors rely on press releases to fill their publications, while contributors depend on editors to share their stories with a wider audience.
Crafting a well-written release significantly increases the likelihood of publication.
Editors sift through countless submissions daily, looking for newsworthy content that resonates with their readers.
Despite the disappointment of rejection, public relations professionals must understand the editor’s perspective.
Editors prioritize stories that capture their audience’s attention and add value to their publication.
By honing my writing skills and creating compelling content, I increase the chances of my press releases making it to print and reaching a broader audience.
Go To Profit from Press Releases Part 2
Go To Profit from Press Releases Part 3
Go To Profit from Press Releases Part 4
Go To Profit from Press Releases Part 5
