How to Write a Stellar Press Release the Media will Love!

Writing a press release to get the word out about your business launch or new product is a great way to garner attention and traffic to your website.  But how do you write a press release that is both newsworthy and promotes you as an expert in your industry?  Follow these tips for press release writing success!

1. It’s all about “The Hook” - The hook is the unique angle that your press release is presented with.  Major news outlets and journalists are always looking for a timely, relevant or unique angle - and your press release could be used as part of a larger feature.  

Don’t pitch or try to sell in your press release, and stick to the facts.  More importantly, write about how it will help or inform the consumer in some way.

2. Don’t be afraid to be strong - It’s okay to use more “forceful” words when you write to help get your point across.  This is especially important in your headline and opening paragraph.  If you don’t grab the reader’s attention here - all your efforts will be wasted.

You’ve got seconds to tell your opening story.  Use the rest of the press release to fill in the blanks and give more details (because by that time, the reader will want to know more after reading the first paragraph - that’s a good sign you’ve captured their interest!)

3. Cut the hype and fluff - No one wants to read (or hear) over-used clichés or the same old stuff.  “Oh, another website launched today…ho-hum…” thinks the reader.  Avoid using all-too-common marketing catch-phrases like “best ever” or “we’re number one”. 

Say what you have to say in as brief a way as possible to “whet” the reader’s appetite.  They’ll call you for more details if they’re interested.

4. Always get permission - If you’re quoting an employee, an associate, or another company, always get written permission from them before you submit your press release.  Even if you think it’s okay that Bob in Customer Service said “I love this company and couldn’t imagine working anywhere else.” - get permission.

These are just a few of the ways you can write an attention-grabbing press release.  To submit it online to major media outlets and newspapers, use a service such as prnewswire.com or prweb.com and follow their specific formatting guidelines to increase the chances of getting your press release picked up.  Good luck!

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