"FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE"

A press release is an effective (and affordable) way for you to get important business milestones noticed. They allow any business to create its own news stories and circulate them to the public through all different types of media.

A great press release has a crystal clear message & a strong headline. When well-written, a press release can be mass distributed, getting your message the solid reinforcement it will need to generate a good buzz of credibility.

A couple of things to remember:
1. Cover the ‘who, what, where, when and how’ - so you don’t leave potential readers guessing about the purpose of your press release.
2. When it comes to style, I favour a ‘one pager’ (one page in length, 4–7 paragraphs, and no more than 3 sentences per paragraph).
3. Include good quotes and/or any statistical data pertaining to your message as backup.
4. Be sure to include all your contact information (using letterhead is a good practice).
5. Always have a concise ending (tying up any loose ends).
6. Always label your message “FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE” to generate a sense of urgency.

Though not standard practice, I tend to follow-up with someone in the editorial department to ensure they have received my release. It also gives me a chance to personally pump up my plight for press.

Have a question for me? Go Ahead and Ask!