Guidelines For Press Releases

Press releases can win you more credibility if you write them correctly

Otherwise known as free publicity, the press release is one strategy commonly used by individuals and businesses to assist them in establishing a significant presence in the media, on the Internet and in society.

They may sound the same as advertisements but press releases are able to stand apart from them by helping you building more credibility to the media and the readers. However, in order to achieve that, you need to make sure that you are able to write your press release correctly.

The press release is not an ad

First and foremost, keep in mind that when writing a press release, you are not writing an advertisement that is going to be promoted in the newspaper, magazine, on radio or TV, or on the Internet. Rather, you are writing something similar to a news article but this time, it is aimed at building credibility whilst still focusing on being newsworthy.

When we say newsworthy, we mean that what you are writing can interest your readers and make them want to read more. Therefore, if you are going to write a press release for a new product, make sure you do not sound as if you are promoting it. Cite how the product can play a significant role in people's lives without sounding like an ad. Remember that you cannot fool the reader because they can tell what is an ad and what was endorsed by the media without paying for ad space. You can usually gain your reader's trust if your product is endorsed by third-party people, like reporters who have read your press release and decided to do a feature on it.

Simplicity is the key

Keep your press release simple and in plain English. This means that you should not use jargon or terms that can make readers raise their eyebrows and go, "huh?". Make sure that even a 10 year-old kid can understand what you are writing. Then, write your content in short paragraphs with precise sentences. Do not bother with complicated sentence structures and clauses anymore. Also, write in the active voice and never sound uncertain or doubtful in your article. Remember that in writing press releases, you need to keep everything simple but still understandable and enticing for your readers.

Build your press release

A press release contains standard parts that should never be ignored. Basically, the way it is formatted can easily alert the editor and reporter that what they are reading is not an advertisement but a press release. Therefore, never make do without the following elements in what you are writing:

1. The release date: This indicates when your press release should be released.

2. The title or the headline: This one should be short but should already be able to catch the attention of your reader and keep him or her interested.

3. The lead: This is the part that emphasizes the who, what, where, when, how, and why.

4. The main body: After citing the 5 W's and the 1 H, make sure to explain them in this part. Just remember to cite the important parts first and generalize later. If you can, make sure that your readers realize on their own that what they are reading is indeed relevant to their lives.

5. Background information about you or your business.

6. The date and your contact information so the reporters and editors will know how to get back to you. On the Internet, your press release may be aimed directly at your customers so your contact address and Web URL are essential.

You also need to make sure that your press releases are published in the right place such as Quality Press Releaser or Press Release Studio. These websites are structured to take care of your publicity needs so that you can get the exposure that you need. http://www.seomanualsubmission.com