Tags: press, newspaper reporters, public relations, PR

Knowing how to write a press release for a website can add the exposure and self-promotion for the success of your business. There may be different reasons for writing the press release, for instance, if the business won an award, introduction of new products or services or a sponsored charity event. Your aim with the press release is to effectively connect with the media.

Having the skills of knowing how to write a press release for a website has advantages for your business. If the editors of the website that your writing was submitted to, approve of it, then it may be published. When it is published, it means plenty of free advertising and publicity for your business. Your search engine rankings will improve because of the added links to your website. Press releases also make your business more noticeable to potential customers, keeping it fresh in their minds.

A press release structured for online distribution should always have a main header stating the release instructions. For example: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

After the main header, the headline needs to be formulated. Avoid writing it in all CAPS, as this is not acceptable with many online news services. Leave a few lines open between the header and the headline. The headline should be carefully considered, as this will be the first thing that the potential customer will read. It should catch the attention of the reader and provide a little information. Not too much information that will give away what the press release’s details feature, just enough to entice the customer to read further.

A dateline must be added to the press release. It is usually written along with the city and state/country. It can be placed between the header and headline or directly before the main body of the writing begins.

For the body of the press release, start with an interesting statement, or a shocking fact to further captivate your reader. The first paragraph can be relatively short, and generally answers the questions of who, what, when, where and why. Who is the news about, when or where did it happen, what is the new product etc. The first paragraph is determined as the ‘lead’ because, from here, the person will decide to read on or not. The second paragraph will provide more details and subsequent paragraphs will continue to discuss the company’s news. Shorter paragraphs are generally better read.

Include a boilerplate, that will remain the same on every press release, stating briefly who you are and what you do. Provide contact information with each detail on a separate line.

Knowing how to write a press release for a website is one thing, the other is knowing how to effectively optimize it for search engines. It should be written in a ‘language’ that is easily understood by humans, as well as the ‘machines’ or software that categorize the release. For the ‘machines’, specific keywords should be carefully selected and placed throughout the press release. Make sure your keywords are in all the headings and in the body with a density of around 5%. Your keywords can also contain text links.

Once the press release is completed, it must be promoted. They can be sent by e-mail to website editors or submitted online to press release services, such as BusinessWire or PRWeb. You can also place it on your website. Links leading to the press release should be placed on pages that are already indexed as this will enable the search engines to find it.

Knowing how to write a press release for a website is really quite easy and your business may soar with the extra publicity!

Rod C. Beckwith, co-creator of the Press Equalizer software, has made hundreds of media contacts and distributed thousands of press releases online. If you need high quality press release software then check out his software package.

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Tags: PR, press, release, website

Web 2.0 is the second generation of web development. Its emphasis on sharing information and collaborative social networking and has brought with it some important changes to traditional media practices.

Not the least of these is the fact that market savvy individuals now have the power to disseminate press releases and reach their target markets directly.

While mainstream media still play an important role in many PR initiatives, it’s important to remember that your target audience is no longer a small cluster of journalists.

Thanks to the powers of web 2.0 there are now millions of readers out there who are able to access your press releases and turn them into news. To get you on your way we’ve jotted down a few tips and suggestions:

- Understand your new market. Unlike traditional press releases, a web 2.0 press release has the capacity to reach millions of people through search engines and RSS readers. Before you write, think carefully about your target market, and use phrases that will resonate with them.

- Use a distribution service to publish your release. Of course, simply writing a brilliant press release isn’t going to increase sales. Once it’s written, take some time to distribute your release through established distribution channels. As a first point of reference you might like to consider sites such as businesswire.com or marketwire.com.

- Include links. Make sure you give your readers plenty of opportunities to link back to your site. A good press release will provide only a brief outline of newsworthy issues, and readers will expect links to a site where they can get more detailed information.

- Emphasize key words. Think like your target market and be sure to use the same keywords that they use when they are searching for information.

- Remember, good content inspires action. Make sure you release quality content and back it up with strong copy on your own site. Your readers won’t be fooled by fluffy content; they’re looking for substance – be sure to give it to them!

If you need help with a web 2.0 press release, visit Affect Media Copywriting and Communications Consultancy

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Tags: pr, press, press release, media, news

I presume of course that you have already done your preparation. You’ve become familiar with the program you’ll be on. You’ve prepared memorable messages that the audience will find interesting. You have a clear idea what your objective is in doing the interview.

Following these tips will enable you (or your client) to feel confident and in control of the situation from the moment you leave your home or office until you return. Having that confidence will help you stay focused on interacting with the interviewer to get your message across to the audience.

1. Find out from the station when you should arrive at the studio. Then give yourself an additional 15 to 30 minutes. You want to have plenty of time to use the restroom, have make up applied, get settled in the green room (the room where guests wait until it is time for their interview), and observe part of the program.
2. From the moment your leave for the studio until you return home, assume everything you say is being taped. I’m not trying to make you paranoid. Well, actually I am! In a world of video cell phones, everything you say could become public. So when you’re not actually in the interview, only say things you would be happy to hear on the air.
3. Wear summer or all-season weight clothes. Even though it may be snowing outside, inside under the lights will be plenty warm enough.
4. Shortly before going on, check you appearance. Otherwise, an off-center necktie, or a loose strand of hair shining in the light, may be more memorable than what you say.
5. Use your time in the green room for one more review of your messages, then relax. Shortly before your segment, do face exercises to loosen up your jaw, cheeks, and forehead. Smile!
6. Once you are on the set and “miked,” you’ll be asked for a sound check. Rather than replying with the usual “testing, one, two, three,” try this: Give your name, your organization, and something interesting about the topic you will be discussing. For example, if I were doing an interview about public speaking, I might say, “This is Lou Hampton of Speak to Lead dot com here with the answer to one of the most frequent questions speakers ask, ‘What do I do with my hands?’”
7. When you are being welcomed to the show, keep your eyes on the host, unless you have been instructed to look at a specific camera. Smile; lighten up the face by raising the cheeks and forehead. Once the interview begins, keep your focus on the interviewer throughout the interview. If there is more than one person, keep your eyes on whoever is talking. The “illusion” of TV is that the viewers are eavesdropping on a private conversation.
8. Start your first answer with the interviewer’s first name.
9. Be enthusiastic about your topic! Don’t expect viewers to be excited if you aren’t.
10. When the segment is over, stay seated and keep focused on the host until you’re told it’s okay to get up.
11. Thank the appropriate folks, gather whatever you left in the green room, and exit the studio.
12. On the ride back think about what went well. Then think about anything you might do differently the next time you’re interviewed.

And now to keep you focused, I invite you to claim your Free Instant Access 400-year-old tool I’ve adapted to help you stay on message by visiting this site

From – Lou Hampton, The QuoteAbility(tm) Coach and Speak to Lead.com

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Tags: interviews, media, media relations, tv, press

Knowing how to write a press release gives you a boost ahead of other entrepreneurs. A successful press release generates enough interest in the media, whether offline or online, to write about your company. That means increased visibility with potential customers. While publicity may not lead directly to increased sales it does lead to the increased probability of sales. Here are 3 tips on how to write a press release.

1. Keep your approach newsworthy. How many times have you seen a headline that says “Big Company Announces the Release of New Product”? Probably many times, however that headline doesn’t snag the attention of anyone. It’s boring. The purpose of the headline is to entice the news media to actually read the release. If you can tie your release to current events so much the better, the odds will increase it will get read.

Stress the benefits of your product or company, rather than the attributes. If your new system runs 50% faster than competing systems a reader may not be interested, but if you tell them they can accomplish twice as much in half the time that may perk up their ears.

Look at the release from the point of view of the media and their readers, not from your point of view as to how publicity can benefit your company.

2. Pack all the important information in the first paragraph of the release. That may sound counter intuitive, but sometimes only the first paragraph is read before the decision is made whether there is media interest. Answer the questions of who, what, why, where and when. Expand on the answers more fully later on in the release.

3. Keep the release to one page which is about 350 words. The release isn’t supposed to tell the entire story for your company but to get the media to be interested enough to call and write a story. And don’t send the release as an attachment. These days most attachments are deleted unread, even if labeled “press release.” Don’t link to the release as a pdf file. Reporters have short attention spans. If they have to take the extra step of following a link, they may just go on to the next release in the pile.

Follow these three tips when learning how to write a press release and your releases will be more effective in generating media coverage for you, your company, and products.

Get Your FREE report How to Unleash the Write Press Releases Tips, tricks, and techniques to get your company the publicity it needs for success. Dee Power is the co-author of several nonfiction books including “The Publishing Primer: A Blueprint for an Author’s Success,” “58 Ways to Find Money for Your Business, “Inside Secrets to Venture Capital” and “Attracting Capital From Angels.” More Internet marketing tips.

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Tags: public, relation, press, release, strategy

If you want to drive targeted traffic to your website you can create a press release that can send massive traffic. Before your Press Release (PR) can be circulated to your target market, it needs to pass the approval of editors, which means that your press release should be structured so it appears to be newsworthy, rather than a blatant advertisement. he key then is to find a way to promote your product or service and its benefits rather than blatantly sell as you would in a sales letter on your website.

Traditionally, a well-structured PR should not consist of more than a single page as the aim is focus the readers attention in a short read rather than a long description. It will be a good idea to go online and find examples that you can copy to ensure the very best result. Ensure that you address the fundamental aspect of what people are looking for (how it benefits them) will outperform any other kind, so keep it trimmed, comprehensive and highly targeted so that it communicates directly with your customer base.

Here is the basic anatomy of a successful press release:

The introductory part typically includes the words: “For immediate release” and should include a specific date as to when publication is expected. You could use the “For Release Before…” date or “For Release After…” date. Most people use the “For immediate release” option. Headline:

This will be the most important part, so plan to spend a great deal of time on it. You want to grab the reader instantly with it, so they’ll be interested in reading the rest of the release. Try to focus on incorporating power, action driven words within your headline, such as:

· Announcing!

· Secret

· Free

· Discover

· Strategies

· Success

· Shocking

By using emotionally driven words you will engage the reader much more encouraging them to read your press release and check out your website. Emotional words are words that sell so remember that people buy with their emotions first so engaging their wants rather than their needs is an effective strategy in writing a press release as well as delivering the facts of the product or service. Summary: The summary simply offers a snippet of what your PR is all about. It’s like taking your entire press release and describing it in four sentences or less. It should work in a similar way that your title does, in terms of catching their attention and luring them in, so keep it direct and strong. One way to ensure the strength is to read it out aloud and see if you have written to the point summerising succinctly.

Content/Body: The body content of your serves as the information lifeline that provides all of the information needed for your reader to clearly understand your message. Make sure that you cover all the relevant points that need to be covered in the article. The thing to remember is that your press release should be designed in a similar format as a journalistic style news story, so that the most important element is featured first. The reason for this is that you’ve pulled in your readers with the headline, and now you need to keep them there, so they’ll read through the rest of it or read the most important facts before moving on. Imagine that each paragraph leads them onto the next so that you take them on a focused journey into your product or service. The last couple of paragraphs within the body should tie everything together. It reminds your readers about the point of the press release itself, bringing your message to a logical conclusion. At the end of your press release, you want to signify that’s there no more. It would look like this:
###

Resources:

Creation Services: pressequalizer.com pressedge.com/

Writers: custompressrelease.com prnine.com Press-Release-Writing.com contentdone.com contentcustoms.com Distribution Channels: PRWeb.com

URLWire.com PRNewsWire.com Free-Press-Release.com

David Marshall is an Internet Marketer who has been online creating businesses since 2001. David owns and manages 117 different businesses in a number of niches specialising in the internet marketing and Forex niche markets.

David also teaches others to create a business online specialising in providing practical and up to date techniques that ensure the success of his students.

Please visit his latest site that will help anyone create guaranteed website traffic using the latest techniques check this Site.

Get your free internet marketing CD from this Site.

David is based in Hertfordshire, England where he lives with his partner and 5 children

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Tags: press, release, traffic, power, website

One big mistake you can make in Internet Marketing is to try to engage in too many activities concurrently. This can strain your resources and/or make you lose focus very quickly.

You will get more value for your marketing when you master activities one at a time. Also, while there is no written rule as to which techniques you should learn first, you don’t want to get into certain techniques until you have some skin in the game.

You can get some skin on the game of driving traffic to your website by using Press Releases; they are easy to write and master.

Whenever you have a new product, service, event, or occasion to promote, you want to put out a Press Release. Web traffic Press Releases are much like normal Press Releases except you want to optimize them for search engines by spicing them with keywords relevant to your product or service. Equally important, you should have links in your Press Release that take people back to your website. In your Press Release, don’t go on about who you are or how great your company is. Nobody cares. You want to identify a big problem that many of your potential visitors have, and then pitch your new product or service as the solution to this problem. PRWeb is one of the best Press Release services.

Press Releases are very good tactical tools for blasting your news all over the web and getting you ranked in search engine results. However, a Press Release does not establish you as an expert in your niche, which can win you regular and dedicated visitors. This is where Article Marketing comes in. Furthermore, a Press Release does not necessarily put you right in front of people who are already looking for you. One of the most effective tools for that is Pay-per-click (PPC) Advertising.

Capitalizing on his copywriting skills, Gbenga Alaran founded the web strategy and marketing firm Aran Meta Investments (AMI) to help new and established small business owners strategically develop their web presence. Visit the AMI blog to get more intelligence for driving traffic to your website.

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Tags: pr, online, traffic, press, release

Press releases (you can also call them news releases) are a great tool for getting media coverage–my favorite kind of free publicity–and they should be part of every PR strategy. The majority of press releases go straight into the recycle bin–or simply get lost in the deluge of press materials. And some of the reason is that an amazing number of news releases break some of the basic rules.

So be a successful media contact and get the free publicity. Set your news releases apart from the crowd–do it right! That, along with proper follow up, will boost your odds significantly.

The crucial part is not so much in the structure of the release, but in the ingredients. Just as when you bake a cake, it needs flour, eggs, flavoring agents, and sweetener–but you can assemble them in thousands of different permutations within that basic “cake structure”

So here’s what you should have in your computer cupboard when sending a press release to try to get mentioned in newspaper and magazine articles, or to get free airtime on the radio:

- A news hook–something to pin the story on that makes people want to read past the first couple of lines. You are competing with a huge number of inputs so yours has to be memorable. Otherwise–you get skipped over and someone else gets the free publicity.

- An understanding of who’s reading the news release and what they’re looking for, i.e., one size definitely does *not* fit all. This is why I always ask my press release clients who will be reading it. Some audiences want something sexy or overdramatic, others want just the facts, others want a local or niche angle.

- The right list to send it to, preferably with individual editors’/reporters’ names, recently verified, who write the kinds of newspaper and magazine articles you’re aiming at in your free publicity campaign.

- Full contact info! The best release in the world is useless if the reporter doesn’t have the tools to follow up. Likewise, complete info about the product or event (including ordering information, if appropriate)

- A format that’s accessible to the news media. This means good writing. Ideally, you’ll see your exact words in print, in newspaper and magazine articles. It also means using only one side of the page, making it easy to read, and making sure it’s addressed to the right department (at the right fax number or e-mail address).

Other things are nice to have, but not essential: some sort of third-party validation, for example, or quotes from the principal person involved, or a summary.

Eventually, it becomes second nature. I can knock off an easy release (say, for a community happening) in about 20 minutes, and the papers will pick it up. For a project with a national audience and significantly more research involved, it still usually only takes me one to two hours.

Marketing consultant/copywriter Shel Horowitz is founder of the international Business Ethics Pledge campaign and author of seven books including the Apex Award winner Principled Profit: Marketing That Puts People First.

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So just how do you impress the media today? Well, one thing for sure you better not be wasting their time. Virtually, every media outlet from television, radio, magazines, even blogs etc. are operating with fewer staff. They still have the same deadlines and massive work to do, but without as much help.

Your pitch has to be of relevance and importance. If not you will surely find yourself on a blackball list and believe me these days it will take even more than a phone call from President Obama to get you off.

There are some reasonable measurements to take to remain newsworthy. Following these steps will help to stay on the media’s good side and off the blackball list.

1. Reality Check – Are you aware of what is going on in the news? Seriously, have you done a self reality check to make sure that you are up to date on the latest news happenings? You can’t make the news if you don’t understand what is going on surrounding the news. Trust me most reporters and producers know when you are out of check with reality.

2. Win-Win Match – In order to receive free publicity from a media outlet you need to offer win-win match solutions to cover news about you. Pitching a storyline that does not match a media outlet’s target audience is the fastest way to land on a blackball list. Also make sure that you are pitching reporters who cover news related to your pitch. Reporters don’t pass on news to other reporters because it fits their category better; they simply toss your bad pitch.

3. Create News – There are so many social media resources to create news buzz. Try starting a company blog, put some videos on YouTube, or connect with others on Stumbleupon or Twitter.

4. Promote News – Most story ideas in the media are created from a press release. Make sure that you actively promote news to attract the media to cover stories on you.

5. Monitor News – Staying on the pulse of rising news stories is an entry to pitch and promote news to receive coverage. When it comes to breaking news stories the media always seek topics on related subjects to add to the story.

Remember the media runs on news and you have to stay newsworthy to be of benefit. Keep pitching!

Receive FREE Public Relations Tips.

“CR” Cataunya Ransom is the Co-founder of Mosnar Communications, INC. She developed a niche for Luxury PR & Global Marketing. Guiding clients on how to brand, market, and promote luxury products, events, and services. Feel free to visit this site

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Press releases should make your business story clear and should express what is newsworthy about your event or change within your business. The format is pretty straightforward and there are plenty of templates online. They should be written in third person and have all of your contact information including your name, where your business is located (city and state), your phone numbers and email addresses. They are not difficult to write, but do use proper formatting if you want to get noticed.

If you are a business owner who rose up out of poverty to create a viable business, that is a news story. If you have sold a portion of your business to a Fortune 500 company, that is a news story. If you hire only after school high school employees to help you, that is a news story. If you have started a business that has a really strong niche market, that can be a news story. The fact that you have a business that sells widgets for a low cost is NOT a news story. Find an angle in order to entice reporters to write about you.

If you consider yourself less than a good writer, you can outsource the work to a freelance copywriter. They are easy to find on freelance employment sites like Odesk or Elance. For a standard one page press release, you can expect to pay $5-$15. Don’t skimp! You should review writing samples the writer has done in the past. But, if you write at the executive level, you can easily write your own using templates you found online.

Write a press release that is full of detail, but not marketing, sales or industry talk. Write it in common, news style language and be sure the story is obvious to the reader and reporter. Don’t get bogged down in your personal industry jargon. Write it like you’ve never heard of your business before.

Submit your press releases online. There are a variety of services that will deliver your item. Some are paid sites but there are many free site as well. Do a Google or Yahoo search for press release services and register with each of them. There are restrictions for free submissions and each site has particular requirements so review those before submitting.

Using press releases effectively can brand you as an expert in your field. Don’t throw them out for everything you do. Use them judiciously and look for the stories within your business. Once you learn to develop this eye, you build credibility with reporters. Media attention is free marketing so try sending out some and see what kind of interest you generate.

Steve Schlagel is a CPA, CVA, CFP and attorney with over 30 years experience providing small business owners coaching, training and consulting services. Steve understands business, wealth creation, and building successful and valuable enterprises. Visit this site for more articles or to learn more about his services.

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Tags: map, basic, press, press release, news