Wednesday, August 07, 2013

Press release - Building Traffic Part 3 - E-Business Success Blueprint Workshop - Part 23


Press Release
Press Release
Previous lesson..

Send out press releases.

If you create a dynamic release, you will receive publicity and get even more exposure. A press release is an inexpensive way to tell the world about your great product or service. It is a way to get your name out there. I highly recommend that you submit your press release to web based press release companies like http://www.prweb.com

They have national exposure.  

Although anyone can draft a press release, not everyone can draft one that gets publicity from the local or national media. Therefore, you have to make sure that your press releases outshine the competition.

You have to make sure that it truly describes your product or service in a unique way. A good press release provides a reporter with a unique angle and makes them want to delve deeper into the story. A bad press release gets thrown in the trash without a second glance.

Your best bet when drafting a story is to follow your daily newspaper and your local TV station and see what type of story reporters typically cover. Find out what topics are hot and then write up a powerful article that hits one of those hot topics while linking to your story. For instance, if you’re a resume writer and you write a press release about the recent increase in unemployment then you have a newsworthy topic.  

Once you find a newsworthy topic and write your article, send them directly to newspapers. If the media picks up your story, you’ll get free promotion published by a third party. This kind of promotion is much more powerful than any that you could purchase for a fee.  

There are several instances when a good press release will work wonders:  

New Press Release

a. If you are controversial (be careful) 
b. If you are solving a problem 
c. If you appear to be out of ordinary. (being “nuts” is not part of this option)  


Just remember that when you write your press release that you don’t write your entire story. Just write specific points that may generate media interest. After all, you want the media to contact you for more information.  

In addition, you also have to pay close attention to how you format your release and you have to make sure that your release doesn’t exceed one page.  

At the top of your Press Release, put your title and use larger font than text in the body. Make it catchy, creative and attention-gathering..  

Below the title in the left side of the page write. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 


On the same level in the right side of the page write  

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT 

and give your name and phone number and/or email address. Remember you want them to call you for more info.  

Now use subtitle in the same font and elaborate on your headline. Create your story. Below that, state what problem you are solving or what your story is. Be specific and make it interesting.  


Below that, add some bulleted points that further explain your main points. Tease your readers and make them want more. Include quotations as needed.  

Below include your credentials. Write it like somebody else would be saying this. E.g. Bogdan Fiedur runs his internet business for over 14 years and has helped thousands of entrepreneurs drive quality targeted traffic to their websites. His site is in the top 6,000 sites in the world and he receives 30,000 visitors a day.  


Include some additional information about your accomplishments and end your press release with three pound signs like this.  


# # #  


Then, read it, proof it and then ask someone else to proofread and critique it. Tweak it and send it off. Once you’re done, feel proud of what a great job you did!  
There are several things to avoid when crafting your release:  


  1. Don’t send your press release to your entire contact list. Make the contact list relevant to your article.  
  2.  Avoid spelling and grammatical mistakes.  
  3. Don’t use buzzwords or big corporation style. Be personal and make it sound like your press release comes from an individual.  
  4. Don’t buy lists offering media contacts. Most of them will be either outdated or never existed in the first place. Instead conduct your own research to find suitable contacts. You can find them using online and offline sources.  
Where do I find media contacts?  


  1. Start with your local newspaper, television or radio station.  
  2. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce  
  3. Check out these websites. http://www.prnewswire.com, http://www.press-release-writing.com

Next lesson..

Bogdan Fiedur
Adlandpro.com Copyright 1998 - 2013 - All rights reserved . 
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2 comments:

Jim Allen III The Curmudgeon That Cares Rants said...

Hey Bogdan,
I am enjoying this series as it serves as a great refresher on the basics and is very valuable to the beginner and novice. Many need to be reminded its a process not a lottery.

Bogdan Fiedur said...

Glad to hear that Jim. The notation about easy money blurs the picture, because every success requires focus and tools.