News Release Writing Tips
Important Tips for Writing an Effective News Release
You will find the following information assist you when writing a well news release to captures the attention of journalists for distribution through Add-ons Media’s news release network.
News worthiness of your news release
The objective of a press release is to inform the world about your items. Do not use the news release to try and make a sale. A good news release answers all of the “W” questions (who, what, where, when and why), providing the media with useful information about your organization, product, service or event.
Headline - Grab your readers’ attention
Your headline is the first single line of text in the press release and first paragraph should tell the story. It can be a very effective tool to grab the attention of journalists and your readers. Do not blow it with a weak opening.
Dateline – Date and city of the press release
The dateline contains the release date of the press release and usually also the originating city of the press release.
Summary – Build up your chance
The summary let you build up your chance to sell your press release to the journalist. It is generally a requirement of online press release services and it can be of the size of a small paragraph.
Introduction – Press release body
The introduction is where the press release body starts. It is the first paragraph in a press release, that generally gives basic answers to the questions of who, what, when, where and why.
Body – After the introduction
It gives further explanation, statistics, background, or other details relevant to the news and also serves to back up whatever claims were made in the introductory paragraph.
About – Background information
It is generally a short section providing background information on the press release issuing company, organization or individual.
Media Contact Information
This section contains the name, phone number, email address, mailing address, or other contact information for the media relations contact person.
Illustrate your press release illustrate
Use real life examples about how your company or organization solved a problem. Identify the problem and identify why your solution is the right solution. Give examples of how your service or product fulfills needs or satisfies desires. What benefits can be expected? Use real life examples to powerfully communicate the benefits of using your product or service.
Stick to the facts & examples
Tell the truth and show examples. Journalists are naturally skeptical. If your story sounds too good to be true, you are probably hurting your own credibility. Even if it is true, you may want to tone it down a bit.
Avoid the hype.
The exclamation point (!) is your enemy. There is no better way to destroy your credibility than to include a bunch of hype. If you must use an exclamation point, use one. Never do this!!!!!!!!!!!!
Get Permission.
Companies are very protective about their reputation. Be sure that you have written permission before including information or quotes from employees or affiliates of other companies or organizations. Any dispute resolution will favor the other company, meaning that your press release may get pulled.
Correct grammar usage
Always follow rules of grammar and style. Errors in grammar and style affect your credibility. Excessive errors will cause your press release to be rejected by Add-ons Media’s editors.
More than One Paragraph
It is nearly impossible to tell your story in a few sentences. If you do not have more than a few sentences, chances are you do not have a newsworthy item
Do not include your e-mail address in the body of your release
We have a special place during the submission process for you to include your e-mail address. If you include your e-mail address in the body of your press release, you run the risk of receiving spam. Provide your e-mail address only in the space(s) provided during the submission process.
