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How to Write a Press Release Effectively.

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:32:50 +0000

A press release is a statement prepared so that it can be distributed to the media. It gives journalists useful information by announcing various news items. It is therefore important for companies and institutions to know how to write a press release.To write a press release, a certain format must be adhered to so as to make sure it is effective in delivering information.

First of all, it is important to note that press releases should be printed on the company’s letterhead or begin with the company’s logo. The company’s name and contacts its web address, location and number should be clearly written or printed at the top of the page.

The words PRESS RELEASE should then be written in capital letters and centered followed by the name of the press release contact person and all contact numbers under it. If the press release is for immediate release, it should be indicated next in capital letters on the left margin just above the title.

Next, the press release should have a title or headline. The title should be brief, catchy but straight to the point. It should also be centered, slightly larger and bolder than the other text. The first word and all proper nouns should begin with a capital letter. The most efficient way to come up with an appropriate headline is to use the keywords in the text.

After the title, the content of the press release follows. It should begin with the origin of the press release stating the location and date. The first paragraph should give details on what the press release is about briefly while the second paragraph explains in details. Most press releases end with the third paragraph but generally the final paragraph summarizes the release and gives further information on the company and the contact information.

It is very important to note that press releases should use basic font like Times New Roman and double spaced. If it exceeds on page, the following pages should have page numbers indicated on the upper right hand corner. Also, the symbols “###” under the last line indicate the end. That is how to right a press release.

Why Adhering to Press Release Format is essential?

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:32:10 +0000

Press Release is a message communicated to the media with a purpose of making it reach a wider audience. A press release covers a varied range of items like new product launch, an important event, awards and even personal promotions.

Keeping the purpose in focus, which is highly sensitive, it is highly essential that the information is provided in a proper Press Release Format. Moreover, if news is provided in the right Press Release Format it would immediately catch the attention of the media and increase the credibility thereby standing a fair chance of the news item being published.

An appropriate Press Release Format should contain the words “For Immediate Release” or any other such instructions like “Hold for release till.” at the top left of the page. This helps the publisher to sort out and prioritize.

The next part of the Press Release Format is the headline. Make sure that this is catchy and at the same time it says in brief about the contents in the press release.

The headline is followed by the City, State / Country, Month, Day, Year which would help the readers know and connect to the place of occurrence.

Here comes the main part of the Press Release Format, the body. The body carries the actual story. Keep in mind that the message should spread over many paragraphs and none of the paragraph should be lengthy, as this may lead to a slight disinterest in the readers. Thus each paragraph should be limited to a few sentences.

The readers have now got to know what the news is. What next? The next step in the Press Release Format is to carry the information and background of the company that has given this story.

The end of the Press Release Format would contain the contact information that would include the contact person, company name, email, phone / fax, postal address etc.

So, now your press release is complete.

All you need to know about Press Releases

admin — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:31:24 +0000

In this world where media and communications takes a lead above all else press releases are of primary importance. Also referred to as a news release, or media release, or press statement it is usually a recorded communication directed at the members of the media for the purpose of making an announcement that is newsworthy. Typically agencies that handle the press communications for various companies pass these releases on to the editors of newspapers, magazines, television channels and other media networks. It provides the reporters basics of the information that they might need in order to formulate a story. These are typically targeted at newspapers and magazines and TV channels, so that via the print and broadcast medium the company can reach out and spread the message to maximum number of people possible.

Use of press releases is a common practice in the field of Public Relations. Press Releases can be used to announce a wide array of information ranging from new products or services, sales or other financial data, information about mergers and acquisitions, scheduled events, accomplishments, awards, personal promotions etc. Usually aimed at gaining favorable media attention, press releases are meant to forward the company’s agenda to the public at large.

Typically a press release consists of some common elements like:
A Headline: which briefly summarizes the news in one line and is aimed to catch the attention of the journalists
A Dateline: which usually has the release date and the city from which the news originates
Introduction: which generally contains basic information and answers the five W’s – who, where, what, when, and why
Body: which gives you further information about the news, including some form of data, statistics, or other information pertaining to the news
Boilerplate or Backgrounder: which gives you the background information about the issuing company, individual or organization
Media Contact Information: which gives you the contact details including name, email address, phone numbers and the address of the contact person of the agency publishing the information