How to get your press releases published

Sending out press releases via email is a great way of gaining media coverage. Editors, however, are inundated with hundreds of emailed press releases each week. Unable to print all of the information they are sent, most of them end up being deleted. Don't be deterred! Here are some guidelines that you can follow to make your press release stand out from the crowd.

Firstly, ensure that you've researched the publication properly and the information you are sending to them is relevant. Edit your media list to make sure that it's up-to-date and only includes publications that will be interested in your business.

Second, know the point of your story and make sure it's newsworthy. A press release that simply advertises your company won't work. In the same way, self promotion can put an editor off printing something that would otherwise have been newsworthy. Go for a new and interesting angle to grab the editor's attention. Be sure to keep the publication's target audience in mind.

Check your grammar and then check it again. Use short sentences, short paragraphs and short words. Be concise and avoid using technical jargon.

Include the most important information in the first paragraph. Editors are busy people and are unlikely to read a press release that is pages and pages long.

Make the editor's life easy. Don't forget to write a headline, date and contact details. Add a 'note to editors' at the end and a note about any resources such as pictures, if relevant.

Finally, don't forget to edit your press release carefully. Ask a colleague or friend to double check it before you send it out.

If you are a small business owner, and if you want to turbo charge your marketing - take a look at The Marketing Compass.

Nigel
www.nigeltemple.com

How much time do you spend on marketing?

If you are fighting off customers with a big stick, the answer may be 'none'.

If you are in a pit of despair about your lack of business, you may be too depressed to do any marketing.

Marketing is one of the best investments you can make in your business.

What is marketing, anyway?

It includes:
* Planning and strategic thinking
* Copywriting articles, blogs, press releases etc.
* Working on your website
* Networking online and face to face
* Talking to the media...
* ...and any of the other 250+ ways of promoting your business.

A little bit of marketing every day will drive your business forward.

So....how much time will you spend on marketing today?

If you have a marketing question for me: just ask (special Friday only offer!).

All the best,
Regards
Nigel
www.nigeltemple.com
Tel: +44 (0)1628 773128
Marketing consultant, speaker and author

Here is my blog - The Marketing Mentor

Click on the book cover to read all about it!