Knowing what you can do to increase your chance of getting free media coverage can be of great value and benefit to you and your business. All too often, I hear of people who want to get free media and press coverage, but they may not understand what they need to do to start the process and make it work correctly.

The most common mistake marketers make when creating press releases is assuming journalists write stories “about” companies. Your new business, new company president, new hire or new product may seem great to you — but the sad truth for marketers is most reporters just don’t care.

As a former TV news reporter, I can assure you most press releases news organizations receive go directly to the trash can. The few releases that do catch journalists’ eyes have a few things in common. Here are seven types of stories reporters often deem “newsworthy”.

- Studies and surveys. A company with healthy marketing budget can pay a survey firm to conduct a newsworthy survey, essentially creating news whenever they want it. For example, an apartment listing Web site could conduct a survey about how more Americans are choosing renting over buying in the current economic downturn.

- Lists. You see these stories in the news all the time: “10 Most Congested Cities,” “15 Fattest States,” “Best Cities to Start a Small Business.” Simply think of a list that ties to your business and hire a research firm to crunch the numbers. For example, a lawn care company could publish the list “20 Best Cities for Beautiful Lawns.”

- Hero Narratives. You’ll know this story when you see it. The snowplow driver who clears off a nursing home parking lot in his spare time. The fireman who removes kittens from trees. The CEO who prepares inner-city children for the management track. To identify these stories, it’s important to have open lines of communication among employees at all levels of your company.

- News You Can Use. These are often similar to list releases, but a lot cheaper — no need to hire a pricey research firm. They can often take the form of lists or bullet points. For example, “Seven Ways to Avoid Foreclosure,” “Top Tips for a Healthier Pet,” or “How to Save Money on Your Apartment Rental.”

- Legitimate News Tie-ins. To take advantage of this type of press release, you’ll need to act fast. Current events can become old news in a matter of days. Story ideas in this category include a church holding a vigil for a missing child and a company filling a truck with supplies for disaster victims.

- Far-Out Features. The stranger the story, the more likely it is to gain publicity with a press release. A local restaurant offering a $500 hamburger is the type of far-out feature story that may get the media’s attention.

- Trends. Are local rodent populations on the rise? If you’re in the pest control business, that’s a press release opportunity. Ideally, you’ll have facts and figures (bonus points for a graph) to demonstrate the trend. Be sure to include the relevant numbers in your press release.

Megan Tsai is a seasoned communicator and award-winning writer. As a full-time freelancer, she provides business writing, copywriting and marketing communications for companies and advertising agencies.

Visit site to learn more and sign up for the Red Wagon Writing monthly e-mail newsletter full of writing and marketing tips.

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Tags: press, press release, idea, news, narative

The most common way for internet marketers to drive traffic to their web site is to advertise to individuals or businesses that are already on the Internet. While this definitely works, if these customers are your only focus, you run the risk of missing out on a ton of potential business. There are lots of companies and people who aren’t yet on the Internet but can still benefit from your product or services. While millions of people certainly use the internet and are quite familiar with it, they may not understand how to find your particular product or service online. You need to get their product in front of their eyeballs. Your goal as a marketer is to get people to see your product or your service so you can make the sale and subsequently, more money. In order to do this, it may require that you start targeting individuals that off-line.

One way to accomplish this is to use press releases. You can either craft your own or have someone write it for you and then submit it to local newspapers, newsletters owners as well as local and regional publications or magazines. If you have something interesting to say that might benefit one of these publication’s readers, they may contact you and interview you about your release and most importantly, your business.

Writing and submitting press releases to the right places generally requires a certain level of knowledge. However, you can find lots of good information about writing press releases and contacting editors by simply doing some research online. There is plenty of free information out there. You just need to look for it.

You should also purchase the publications that you’re interested in submitting your release to. The contact information of the correct editor to send your release to should be listed somewhere in the publication. You may also want to give the office a call and find out the best person to send your release to.

Writing and submitting a press release online is another option. If a news source finds your press release and they deem it interesting they may want to talk to you. Even though your press release is being submitted online, you still may be able to get our release in front of off-line readers or viewers.

Press releases can be a very powerful way to reach people who are off-line. They are fantastic mediums for teaching the public about your company, product or service. When things are covered in the newspaper or on the news, they tend to seem more credible, which may translate into more sales and inquires.

Fortunes can be made online by creating and selling ebooks. Learn the secrets of producing hot-selling ebooks here How to Create Ebook

You can get a step by step guide which demonstrates how to create profitable information products such as ebooks and audio books lightning fast at this site

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Publicity is one of the most efficient and cost-effective marketing strategy that builds the credibility of a business to gain an edge over its competitors. And the best way to get publicity is through press release writing. Press release can dramatically increase your profits and sales and it can also bring the much-needed exposure to your company. In addition, it can be a great tool in enhancing your company’s projected image or reputation. Here are the first best 4 steps to help you out in writing your press releases:

1. Only write a press release when your company has newsworthy information. Press releases, unlike articles can’t be just about the features of your products or services. They must talk about interesting topics like product launching, promotions, or when your company has reach milestone (reached 1 million subscriber benchmark, received recognition, or changing management).

2. Make your title interesting. Your title should summarize the information that can be found in your press release. It must answer the why, who, what, why, and when questions of your potential readers. A good example of a press release title is “Company B to merge with Company A in December to expand internet services in United States”. In addition, your title must contain relevant keywords so it can easily be found by your target market.

3. Do not use too much hype. Absolutely no exaggeration, excessive use of fancy language, and adjectives in press release writing. Instead, deal with facts and present them as direct as you can. Remember, you must not sound like you are pitching your products and services when writing press releases.

4. At the end of your press release, be sure to leave as much contact information as possible. This includes the contact person, phone, address, fax, email, and web site address.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide’

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Writing

Do you want to learn how to build a big online subscriber list fast? Click here: Secrets of List Building

Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 9034 articles in print and 14 published ebooks.

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Tags: press release, write, press, pr, potition

Wondering where to submit your press release? Well, in my never ending quest to find the laziest methods of marketing (Is it weird to work your butt off trying to be lazy?) I have FINALLY become converted to press releases.

Why? Because last week I met with Steve A (name is abbreviated to protect the innocent) a great SEO guy, and he told me how he convinced a client to submit press releases on a weekly basis, like article distribution. I always thought press releases were for “special occasions” like product launches and big announcements. Not so, says Steve. You get great link love, the Press Release services WANT tons of content anyway, so if you’re going to create content why not leverage it everywhere you can?

Well, I can’t argue with that logic, so I spent some time figuring out the list I’m going to submit to, and now I’ll share it with you, my esteemed readers. And remember, I’m not just lazy, I’m cheap, so these places all allow you to submit your press release free!

PRWeb Pagerank: 7 Alexa: 9,053

PRLog.com Pagerank: 5 Alexa: 14,220

PRLeap Pagerank: 5 Alexa: 49,934

1888Pressreleases Pagerank: 4 Alexa: 59,949

PressAbout Pagerank: 4 Alexa: 95,355

Ereleases Pagerank: 6 Alexa: 101,200

URLWire Pagerank: 5 Alexa: 163,894

There you have it! And if you are wondering, “Where will I find the time to submit all this stuff!?” I have three recommendations:

1. Only submit to PRweb.com, probably the most respected and best of the bunch.

2. Hire an executive assistant! If you paid a student or other part timer to do a lot of the online “grunt work” it would pay for itself within weeks if you know what you’re doing!

3. Have your kids do it!

Dave Sherwin is a Network Marketer who won the “Rookie of the Year”award in a large international network marketing company in 2006. He is the co-author of “Lighthouse Marketing”, The Art And Science Of Attracting People Into your Network Marketing Organization. Learn the Lighthouse Marketing secrets at this web

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Tags: press release, pr, press, write, credibility

PR, the common term for Public Relations is usually referring to the efforts of a company to obtain a favorable or increasingly positive view in the public’s eye. It normally applies to big business but as a small business owner, I think it concerns small businesses too. I want my customers to have a good feeling about my company and me. This obviously could result in more business and more profits.

I have put together some ideas of which many may be considered “free” or “low cost” types of marketing to gain good PR. Most are not anything new; some are as old as the hills, just based on good principles and real concern for other people. I am not an expert at these, but it’s a goal. I see them as obvious time-tested principles that are just no-brainers. High cost conventional marketing and advertising does not take the place of most of these concepts and ideas. They are compatible. There may be sweat and effort involved, but that’s business if it makes you a better business. Maybe one or more of these ideas will put you and your business on the map?

1. Contribute to the community. It could be something you do or produce already

in your business and for little or no charge. Do some volunteer work.

2. Give a little extra when doing business; make sure they remember you in a good

way. “Go the extra mile,” they say. People will remember if they think they got charged too

much. They will also remember if they think they got a great deal!

3. Be friendly (and smile once in a while). It makes a difference even when

you’re on the phone!

4. Have great service.

5. Have a great product.

6. Be honest, even when no one is looking.

7. Be a part of a group or organization or two so people can get to shake your

hand, see your great smile, and know you exist! It may be around town or it may be on the

Web.

8. Make some calls, or send out some nice letters or emails to your current

customers. Thank them for their business. Ask if there is anything they might need and to

give you a call if so. (They might be flattered!) One business sent me what looked like the

nicest greeting card I had ever seen! I was impressed! (Even though it was an

advertisement.)

When you look at a lot of these you may think, “Oh yeah, I should’ve thought of that!” (That is if you don’t use them already!) That is because they are simple, honest and basic ideas that can naturally be a part of everyone’s business with a little practice and implementation. So, good luck on your success!

Note: You may publish this article at no charge as long as you have included the signature box below. Thank you.

Randall Street is a multi-talented artist working in fine and graphic arts. He has worked in the design and production of digital and web graphics, printing and sign media for over 25 years. Get 5000 business cards free with your order of 5000 brochures! Visit this site.

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Tags: study, public relations, press release, strategy, press

Writing and distributing press releases is another way to give your ebusiness the kind of exposure it needs. Unlike articles that are usually written with specific areas interest in mind, press releases talk about straight facts and hard news. They can be about the launching of new products, the specific achievements or milestones reached by the company, or partnerships with other business owners.

Here’s how you can excel with press release marketing:

1. Kick-start your press releases with intriguing titles. You need to know how to capture the attention of your audience so you can get them to open and read your content. Your titles must be direct to the point, answer the who, what, why, when, and how questions of your readers, and they must be relatively short and concise. They must also be keyword-rich so you can easily make them fare well on relevant searches.

2. Use inverted pyramid technique. You need to make your press releases compelling and “punchy”. They must keep your readers interested so you can get these people to read your content in its entirety. Ensure that you post the most important information on the first paragraph of your press releases. Your readers must know the gist of your whole content by just reading the first 100 words of the written material. Don’t forget to support your most important information with specific details on the succeeding paragraphs so you can help your readers better understand your content.

3. Deliver timely content. Press releases are meant to deliver time-sensitive information. You need to write about new issues that have direct impact on your business. You cannot simply write anything that has already happened in the past as this will not generate the kind of attention you need online.

4. Add human element to your story. Tell your readers how your news can affect or benefit them. If your company was able to figure out solutions to their pressing issues or was able to discover new products that can bring huge difference to their lives, make sure that you emphasize that. People are most likely to pay attention if they know that they are getting something positive from your content.

5. Keep it short. Fillers, flowery words, lengthy introductions, and beating around the bush do not go well with press release writing. Remember, you’re supposed to deliver hard, straight news so you better stick with the information you have at hand.

Do you want to learn more about how I do it? I have just completed my brand new guide to article writing success, ‘Your Article Writing and Promotion Guide’

Download it free here: Secrets of Article Writing

Do you want to learn how to build a big online subscriber list fast? Click here: Secrets of List Building

Sean Mize is a full time internet marketer who has written over 9034 articles in print and 14 published ebooks.

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Tags: online, pr, press, marketing, traffic

Press releases are designed to provide exposure for a company or organization. They are written either for the media to adapt or to interest your potential customers directly. It helps if they are already crafted in such a way that they are ready for publication. In many instances, the press will run press releases without making any modifications on the original content, so you want to make sure that your material already contains all the information that you want to relay and in a format ready for publication.

If you’re a novice at writing press releases, looking up examples of press releases will help you with how to craft your own release. Try to keep your content interesting but impartial. You want to come across as an authority in your field.

You can find samples of press releases all over the Internet. There are websites that were created mainly to help users learn how to write these materials properly so they usually contain templates and formatting instructions that you can follow. Take note that a press release has to follow a standard format so you need to take the time to learn about this pattern before you go about writing your first press release.

Press release submission sites usually also offer you sample press releases which you can use as a basis for your own material. It’s best if you study press releases that were produced by companies or organizations that are somehow related or similar to your own. This way, you’ll have a good idea of how to go about relaying your information to your readers. But your press release should be unique, of course.

PS If your press release is contains original content, you can post it at Fast Press Releaser or Quality Press Releaser

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Tags: online, pr, press, sites, press release

The Modern Press Release Goes Beyond Geographical Boundaries

Press releases were originally for the sole purpose of relaying updates and other pertinent information to the media about a company or organization. They served as some sort of personal correspondence between the media and a company. In the perfect world, the press release is designed to be publicized through the media so that people would learn about your product or service if the media chose to run your story.

But in the not-so-perfect world, the traditional press release has a fifty-fifty chance of surviving the paper shredder in various news organizations. It all depends on the editor’s judgement and his or her idea of newsworthy information. So in the past, releasing these materials to the press was always likely to result in no take-up of the message that you were trying to convey.

These days, however, the press release takes on another purpose and is redefined by the increased accessibility of online media. In recent years, the press release has gone online – just like other marketing tools – and is now made open for mass readership. They are no longer limited to the people in the media. Anyone who is interested in a company or industry can access your press release directly through distribution sites and news release sites.

But what has defined the newfound role of the press release is the fact that it rides on the pervasiveness of the Internet, the medium through which it is distributed. Over the past decade, cyberspace has continued to accommodate more users. People are starting to appreciate the convenience of getting everything that they need with just a click of the mouse. You don’t go to the newspaper to find out what is new about a company but to blogs and other resources. Under Web 2.0, everyone can have their say about a product or service, not just journalists. Going online is your first port of call nowadays and you start by searching for what you are looking for. And how convenient if the first thing you read is a nicely constructed press release leading back to the organizations website!

This is a practice that is common to many internet users. The medium is an information resource so a person in Hongkong looking for information on X Company may end up looking at the same page as somebody else located in Paris. Unlike its traditional counterpart, the online press release is capable of disseminating information beyond the boundaries of the company’s geographical location.

Online press releases have greatly benefited from the wider reach of the Internet. They are not anymore limited to providing information for people within the organization’s locality. They are now designed to cater to mass audiences located in any part of the world. So long as these people share the same interest, the online press release is accessible regardless of where they are in the world. This makes it easier for various companies to offer their products and services to a wider clientele as well. You don’t need to be based in the United States to tap into that market. All you need to do is start on your press release marketing campaign.

Submit your unique press release on sites such as Fast Press Releaser or Press Release Home. An informative and unique press release placed on a reputable site will enhance your reputation in your area of expertise.

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Tags: pr, online, press, release, service, publicity

The goal of engaging the media is to get “good PR,” and a well-placed article is a great way to raise awareness and create good will for your organization. Yet too often corporate spokespeople, officials and talking heads adopt a bunker mentality when talking to a reporter.

While it’s natural to be a little skeptical when you’re on the record, you don’t want to come across as standoffish and defensive. Reporters are hard-working professionals that have a beat to cover and a deadline to meet. An open, pleasant discussion will help you tell your story and build relationships – the key to effective media relations.

The following tips will help you be articulate, informative and successful when talking to reporters.

Be prepared.

Spend at least 15 minutes before your interview thinking about what you want to say. Whether the interview is scheduled to last three minutes or 30, I advise interviewees to write down their top three or four points beforehand. It’s easy to get caught up in the ask-and-answer rhythm during an interview and never get around to getting your message across. But if you’re prepared, you’ll be relaxed and able to state your points succinctly.

Talk openly and expertly about your subject matter.

Don’t be afraid to answer questions. Reporters have a job to do. If you make their job easier by offering relevant information about your area of expertise, you’ll make a good impression and will likely be able to cultivate the relationship.

Don’t get bogged down in details or insider-speak.

Deliver your message without droning on about “research and development” or using arcane company lingo. If you stick to your key points you’ll keep the conversation flowing and the reporter interested. Are you launching a new product? Talk about what the product offers your target customer, not about how the product was made.

Don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know the answer but I’ll get back to you.”

Be honest if a reporter asks you a question that’s beyond your purview. The only caveat is that if you say you’ll follow up, do it! The goal is to be a credible resource and subject matter expert.

During my 20-plus years of media relations, I’ve been involved in hundreds of interviews. The overwhelming majority of reporters just want a few good quotes to add spice to their story. If you’re prepared and forthcoming, you’ll build bridges while helping to promote your organization.

Karen Preiss Miller is a partner in JKP Group, a marketing communications consulting company. For more tips, visit this site

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Tags: media, reporters, press, press release, strategy

If you have a great product and you want to get the word out fast to get traffic to your website then you need to write press releases.

So what is a press release you ask? It’s condensed article that is written in the style of a journalist not and sales letter or an advertisement.

The purpose of writing press releases is to inform the public of a new product or service that is going public. Make your press release newsworthy and exciting so editors will publish it. The idea is to get people excited about your new product and want to learn more.

I’m sure you would probably want to know how to write a press release sense you never wrote one before. So here are ten tips of the critical things you need before you submit press releases to the public.

1. Have a powerful and eye shocking headline.

Your headline should get the attention of the media and the journalist. Make then want to read more and not toss it aside.

2. Is it worth writing about?

Put yourself in your audience’s shoes for one moment. Decide what is newsworthy about your business. Will this interest anybody who sees it. Does it answer all the “5 Ws” that your potential customers are going to be looking for.

3. Focus on your target Audience.

You want your press release to go to the people who are interested in what your provide. It’s not good enough to just tell people in general if they have no reason to use your product.

4. Give only the facts.

Avoid hype and jargon in your press release. You are not selling here, you job is to inform the public only. Saying things like “The best you will see” or “Greatest in the world” will make you lose credibility. Also avoid using words like “you, he, she” in your release. Don’t say “You can learn more” say “One can learn more”.

5. Don’t write your life story.

Press releases are for informing the public of your new product. Don’t bore the media with who you are and where you came from ect.

6. Keep it short and sweet.

Keep you release at around 500 words or less. Avoid to many adjectives, redundant language, and flowery expressions. Make it to the point.

7. Give examples.

Use real life examples of how your business solves a problem or answer a question. Explain what benefits your business or product offers to the public. You will seem more credible.

8. Find an angle.

Try to make your release related to a newsworthy development or event. If you can link your release with a current event or a social issue you are bound to get your release published.

9. Provide contact information.

Provide more than one way to be contacted. Give your name and address, website url, email, and phone number so the media can get a hold of you in case they want to interview you.

10. Decide how and where to send your press release.

Is your business local or world wide? Can your business deal with the traffic that you will gain. Generate a list of the media in your area to determine which one is best for you.

In summary.

Well there you have it. Use these tips to generate a huge amount of traffic to your business or website. The best thing about using press releases is that they are low cost, some free, and they ad credibility to your business. So start writing now and good luck.

Ellis Jackson jr is a website owner who has been helping others to get started in the niche website business. If you would like to learn more then please go to this site – If you would like more tips then pleasure check our page here at: Tips and Tricks

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Tags: write, media, press, release, job

Getting Started with Your Press Release through Online Templates

Because of the increased accessibility of the Internet, press releases have now taken on a new purpose beyond being informational materials for the media. News release sites and submission portals have made press releases directly available to millions of Internet users and potential consumers. This additional purpose has also created a tougher challenge of crafting the each piece in such a way that it is suitable for both the media and the company’s targeted market.

So how do you go about writing a press release?

You have a wealth of information available for you on the Internet. You only need to search for it properly. Sample press releases along with tips on how to write your own material are available on many websites. Just try searching using the strings, ‘sample press release’ and your search engine will come up with thousands, even millions, of possibilities where you can get ideas.

A typical news release site will provide you with a template from which you can pattern your material. All you have to do is fill in the blanks with your content and you’re good to go. To supplement this information, the site will also provide you with guidelines on how to craft effective releases.

It’s also a good idea to go through submission sites. The press release follows a certain format and a specific pattern of presenting information. You will want to read through published releases and get a few tips from them. You will also want to tag and categorize your release so that it can be easily found by those searching on those terms.

Alternatively, you can also find books that offer the same information. If you intend to pursue such marketing as a major component in your promotional strategy, it pays to read up more about the subject so you know how you’re supposed to go about doing this.

Don’t forget in writing your press release that it should be both interesting and impartial. This is not just an ad for your organization. It needs to contain useful content as well.

Press Release Pad and Press Release Studio offer helpful tips and information on how to create your releases so that they attract the interest of your targeted audience. These sites do not accept duplicate content.

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Tags: media relations, press, release, publicity, interveiws

Believe it or not, reporters would probably find it as scary to be in your mind as you would to be in theirs. The catch is that they’re paid to be in yours and will do their best to get there.

Reporters may, in fact, come into interviews with a bias — personal, based on their own experiences and belief system, or employer-based, reflecting their media outlet’s political leanings, attitude towards certain types of organizations, etc.. However, with rare exception, they are not usually out to “get you.” They’re merely doing their job and trying to receive as much recognition for it as possible. Just like you, right?

A reporter wants a story that’s newsworthy, that appeals to his/her editor and audience. There is a journalistic code of ethics, but it allows for behaviors you may or may not deem acceptable while in pursuit of a story.

Your job is to tell your side of the story. You are in conversation; you have to know to whom you’re talking. The reporter is asking you tough questions he/she thinks the audience will want answered. That means you must speak through him/her to that audience, giving them what you want them to know in terms that will be meaningful to them.

Through Media Training, you will improve your ability to balance a story — but remember that “balanced” does not equate to “the story came out the way it would have come out if you had written it.” It means you got a fair shake, even if people who completely disagreed with you also were treated fairly. By definition, a totally balanced article is still only 50% “your side” of the story. And true balance is as rare as honest politicians.

That’s why, ultimately, I also advise clients that the traditional media is not your most important audience, because it is the least reliable means of accurately communicating information. However, media outlets are an important audience and one gateway to those who matter most to you – typically your employees, customers, investors, community leaders, the general public, etc. In some specific situations, such as natural disasters, the media may be the quickest way to get your messages out. And it’s true that whether you cooperate or not, reporters will write their stories – so why not do your best to help them communicate for you?

Jonathan Bernstein is president of Bernstein Crisis Management, Inc. (BCM), here, a website at which you can access, for no charge, more than 500 articles on crisis management-related topics.

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Tags: journalist, functions, public relations, reporters, press

Press releases are great tools for getting free publicity for your — or your client’s — business. In this article I will explain how exactly a press release should be structured to maximize its chances of success.

1. On the top of your headed notepaper, write the date and the heading PRESS RELEASE in block capitals.

2. Below this, write an attention-grabbing headline for the release. This should explain in a nutshell what the release is about — for example, MIDDLETON TOY-MAKER GETS CONTRACT WITH TOYS’R'US! or LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER WINS KODAK NATIONAL AWARD.

3. Below this, write the text of your press release. This should be in a plain, factual style, avoiding any hint of advertising ‘hype’. Aim to answer as concisely as possible the five W’s: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY (that is, WHO you are, WHAT you have done, WHEN you did it, WHERE you did it, and WHY you did it). Try to cover all the main points in the first paragraph or two, as the lower half of the release may be cut if the editor is short of space. Use double-spacing, i.e. alternating ‘empty’ lines.

4. If possible, include a quote from yourself or someone else in your business. This can lighten the tone of the release and make it look more like a ‘proper’ news story (which nearly always include quotes). It will also help greatly if you can include a photograph to accompany the release, or let the editor know that photographs are available on request.

5. At the end of the release, include contact details where a reporter can contact you or your client to get more information. At the very least put a phone number. Ideally, include an email address, fax number and postal address as well.

Try to keep your press release to a single page, or two pages at most. If you want to provide additional details — facts and figures, background information, extra quotes, and so on — you can enclose a supplementary info sheet. Don’t expect most recipients to read this, however. The actual press release MUST stand on its own.

You can send your press release to the editor, or to the reporter who covers business matters for the paper or magazine concerned. Don’t expect to get your story published every time — your release may be competing with hundreds of others — but when you do manage to get media coverage, the amount of interest it generates can more than justify the effort you put in.

You can make very good money as a self-employed public relations consultant. The Successful Public Relations Course is a leading correspondence course in this field run by Maple Academy (UK). For full details see this site.

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Tags: media, write, press release, press, media relations

An interview with the media is an opportunity to present yourself and your ideas to the public. Preparing in advance for an interview is crucial to ensure a positive press review and cordial media relations. Review these tips before meeting with a journalist.

• Be on the Ball: Return calls promptly and show up for appointments with the press on time, every time.

• Cover Your Bases: Be prepared to protect yourself and your company from an interview gone sour. Research related topics beforehand to avoid a reporter’s question catching you off guard. Find a way to put a positive spin on just about any issue to help you paint your business in a positive light and avoid bad press.

• Know the Readers: Research the publication’s target audience in advance. If soccer moms or Wall Street professionals read the magazine, the reporter’s approach will differ, and so will the answers you provide.

• Be Prepared: Keep your press folder handy with your picture, website information, company history and positive highlights. Write out a few quotable sentences and keep them with you for reference. This allows you to prepare for an interview ahead of time and keeps ambiguous words out of your key points.

• Draw Clear Boundaries: Know beforehand what topics you want to avoid during the interview.

• Get It Straight: Double- check all of your facts and fingers before the interview.

During the Interview

• Be Friendly: You do not have to suck up to reporters, but being a nice person helps leave a good impression. Keep their deadline-driven schedule in mind. Arrange your information in a way that makes it easy for reporters to draw out the facts. Keep small talk to a minimum and get to the point when answering questions. Call the reporter by name and always be sincere.

• Get to the Point: Do not draw out your answers. Eliminate unnecessary tangents. Journalists love it when you tell them, “The most important point is…” This helps them order your statements and dig out the most important facts more easily.

• Keep Control: Counteract any aggressive or unfriendly behavior with calm, neutral statements. Never allow an interview to escalate into an argument.

• Be Honest: Never lie during an interview; a good reporter will call you out. Expect to have your facts researched for validity.

• Be Patient: Never ask to read the article or question the reporter’s angle. You must wait to read about yourself just like the rest of the public does.

• Sell Your Ideas: Always tell a reporter why your press release or cause is important to readers.

• Keep It Simple: Avoid using industry jargon. The journalists will not publish a user’s dictionary along with the article for the readers to interpret your statements; instead, they will alter your wording.

• Use It If You Got It: If you can effectively utilize humour and anecdotes during the interview, do so. If your company speeches and office jokes always bomb, avoid humor and storytelling all together until you learn how to use them effectively.

These tips for dealing with the media will help you and the journalist reach your respective professional goals. The reporter wants to present the facts to the people, and you want to provide a favourable review of your company and its efforts.

Online business is growing rapidly but there is still such a large number of businesses missing out on this opportunity. Kaplang is a unique design firm that provides quality services for web design, web development, search engine optimization and all other web solutions. Make sure your business stands out from the crowd when adding an online presence to your new or existing business.Visit this site
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Tags: media relations, experience, deal, journalist, press

The press is a great resource for any company. Media exposure can greatly enhance any branding effort. Today’s technology allows for a confusing array of possibilities relating to your company’s press kit. Many business owners make common mistakes when assembling these kits. The following are some easy tips towards creating the press kit best suited to your company’s needs while avoiding common missteps.

The first components are obviously the basics. Essentials include company overview, description and history. All contact information is required. Testimonials for your product are very helpful as are independent and objective reviews from trusted sources. Any previous press coverage should also be included. This could include reference within trade or industry publications. Business card printing might be necessary in that the cards included must be of the highest quality. If yours are not it is time for a new batch.

Your press kit should reflect the industry in which you reside. For example, if your product is sold to young snow boarders, then you’d have a fun and edgy theme. Conversely, if you resided in a more conservative field like selling software to attorneys then you would desire a more professional and staid motif. You should keep this theme consistent and not vary it between recipients. This rule parallels the same concept relating to consistency within brochure printing and catalog printing.

Today, technology makes it possible to submit your kit electronically using no paper at all. The ability for media devices today to hold reams of data encourage some marketers to cram as much as will fit into the presentation. This often proves to be a fatal mistake. Information overload can turn off the reader. Keep your information concise. This can prove beneficial if it prompts a follow up phone call from the recipient for further information. Much better to have that opportunity for a personal pitch which wouldn’t exist had you conveyed the additional information within your media kit.

Keep the content in your kit current. If you are including old news that reflects poorly upon your organization. Review the materials in your kit on a continuous basis. Update it with the newest references and testimonials received by your product or service. Make sure your content conforms to the current reality taking into consideration any applicable recent events.

The fourth estate is a powerful weapon within your branding arsenal. Experienced marketers know that relationships developed with the press are worth their weight in gold. A good press kit is the way to initially get your foot in the door. The first ones sent out are the most critical. Create yours with care and thought.

Janice Jenkins is a writer for a marketing company in Chicago, IL. Mostly into marketing research, Janice started writing articles early 2007 to impart her knowledge to individuals new to the marketing industry.

For comments and inquiries about the article visit: Brochure Printing, Catalog Printing, Business Card Printing

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Tags: pr, press, release, prepare, news

There is always lots of talk in small business and entrepreneur groups about getting Free press. Most want to know how to get plugged into this opportunity, some never jump in and risk rejection and others are rejected again and again and keep on trying without success. A few of the intrepid have earned their success by learning how to whip up media frenzy and reap the rewards.

Let’s be clear on this. There is no magic way to get press.

Even PR professionals cannot guarantee that their client’s stories will be picked up by the media.

If you hit the right topic with the right perspective on the right day with the right person you will be bowled over by the prompt response and the peppering of questions that will ensue in the phone calls you receive.

It’s quite a rush to realize that someone is so interested in what you sent them that they want to make sure they are the first person to do an interview/story on the topic of your Press Release.

Doing business is about making things happen. These are some of the “happening” ways have the media dancing at your door.

1. Don’t wear yourself out sending releases to every publication & media outlet you can think of again and again with no result.

2. Choose a targeted list of media and research the stories they run on subjects such as yours. Identify which writers pen stories on topics and in a style you think appeals to your niche market.

3. Don’t see a story on a business like yours, write a release on the same topic and send it in thinking they will run yours because they ran the earlier story. It’s already been done. Provide a new perspective and it just might work.

4. If you are going to write your own releases get a friend to read/edit it before you send it. Make sure it’s someone who cares enough to tell you if they think you need to start over again, take a different tact or even suggest that you get someone else who has a different perspective to write the release.

5. Yes a press release should tell a story but if it’s too much story and not enough fact it’s not a release. Every release needs to have a news core that the story is fleshed out around. If you are telling a customer’s story get their permission and include a relevant short information piece about them to give credence to the story. Even the reputable no-charge web press release distribution companies won’t distribute it if the content doesn’t meet certain criteria.

6. Skew the odds in your favour by calling up your favourite reporter and asking if you can have a few moments of their time or take them for coffee. Interview them about their work instead of talking about what you want. Find out which topics and issues get them excited. Ask them for help on focusing your information. Be respectful of their time and show your appreciation for any time they can give you.

7. If the first person doesn’t respond, send it to someone else. Not all news people are created equal some are friendlier & more helpful than others. Some, quite rightly, stick to writing on their specialty or special areas of interest only.

Whatever you do, don’t take any rejection of your release personally.

Nancy Fraser, of Nota Bene Consulting provides marketing know-how to entrepreneurs, small businesses & independent professionals. Nancy works with clients Internationally to ramp up the results they get with their advertising and marketing. Get the FREE report 10 Biggest Marketing Mistakes Business People Make when you sign up to receive Free MarketingTips in her ezine Notable News

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Tags: media, professional, media relations, press, topic

If you can’t afford a public relations agency, you can take on the role of spokesperson on behalf of your company. Though working with the media can seem intimidating, journalists need you as much as you need them. Reporters want to be the first to profile new products, trends or report news, and are continually looking for new ways in which to cover their “beat,” or area of expertise.

Following are some helpful things you can do to ensure a positive interaction:

-Keep it simple: You may only get ten seconds to explain why you’re calling – learn to make the most of each second by delivering a concise, newsworthy pitch.

-Have credibility: Provide accurate information. It’s best to say you don’t know the answer to something, but will find out for them – then do so in a timely manner.

-Know your journalist and outlet: Read the publications and watch the shows you pitch so that you can offer appropriate stories. And if you learn personal information about a journalist, make a note for the future – many will appreciate you asking how their vacation was or how their son is enjoying college.

-Embrace the offbeat: Journalists are always looking for new ways in which to cover an old topic – use creativity to make your company or product worthy of the spotlight.

Once you engage the reporter’s interest, flexibility and responsiveness to their requests will help your cause. The nature of the news business often means that interviews may occur at an inconvenient time – you may have other meetings or the broadcast producer may ask you to go out to a location at a moment’s notice. Though you may feel that the media should play to your schedule, ultimately you will get the best possible coverage if you are able to work with the reporter and his/her timeline. While it may be an inconvenience in the moment, the long-term benefits are immeasurable.

The important thing to remember is that a successful news story pitch may not always happen overnight. But sometimes it does! Developing strong relationships with reporters that are critical to your business is key.

Visit here for more resources on how to handle your do-it-yourself publicity campaigns. Regina Novickis is co-founder of Media Tonic and Publicity411.com. A seasoned public relations executive with more than twelve years of experience managing brand positioning, public relations and media relations efforts on behalf of consumer/entertainment clients, she has secured coverage for clients in every genre of national press ranging from USA Today, Wall Street Journal, Time and Newsweek, to Self, Marie Claire, GQ and Maxim, to “Entertainment Tonight,” “The View” and NBC’s “Today” show.

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Tags: publicity, media, bugdet, public relations, press

When marketing your business any type of media presence can serve as a marketing tool you can use to position yourself as an expert, promote your products and services and ultimately get more sales.

While many business owners tend to ignore broadcast interviews as a marketing tool, those who choose to utilize it can really be ahead of the game. If you decide to use this wonderful, free marketing tool be sure to follow the following three steps:

1. Know your Media Market- When you decide to create a buzz for yourself by turning to the media, make sure you determine the right “media market” just as you would conduct market research to determine your prospective customer base. Knowing this will allow you to appear on broadcasts with a target audience interested in your business service or product. With more than 75 thousand media outlets in the U.S. and over 1 million reporters and producers to contact, you want to know which ones best serve you.

2. Write your Press Releases- Once you have picked your media outlets, write and edit your press releases so that they are attractive to these. A well written press release is key to attract attention to yourself. If this is not your forte, consider hiring someone to write it for you. Once these are written and properly formatted, send them out.

3. Follow up- Reporters, Editors and Producers are bombarded with press releases and story pitches all the time. So in addition to sending out consistent, effective press releases you should go the extra mile. That extra mile may mean picking up the phone and introducing yourself to a producer, sending a sample product to a reporter or having lunch with an editor. But do so in a way that isn’t overbearing or aggressive. Consistent yet subtle follow up is the secret to landing on that sought after media spot.

Remember you are trying to get time On-Air and time is money. Landing an interview on T.V. to promote your business is an incredible accomplishment but there is a process to it. So follow the steps and see you on T.V.!

© 2008 Julissa M. Fernandez

Entrepreneur Julissa Fernandez a.k.a “The Sassy Media Guru” is a Media Coach and Media Consultant helping other women entrepreneurs become Media Darlings. To learn more visit this site

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Tags: pr, business, tv, press, press release

Each day, thousands of radio and TV producers have to find someone to fill the 14,329 interview segments of their shows… and countless reporters have to meet a deadline and turn in a story.

No doubt the media is looking for your interesting information.

Still, MOST press releases are ignored. When I worked in broadcasting, even at a music station, I say a trash can fill daily with unopened envelopes contained boring press releases. The news guy knew there were a waste of his time.

When I worked at a newspaper.. it was a dumpster each day.

Today, the Internet has made it cheaper to send bad press releases, and the volume has expanded exponentially.

So, why bother with a press release?

The answer is simple.. those reporters and producers are STILL TRYING TO FIND YOU.

According to a surveys by Middleberg/Ross and the Pew Internet Project, 98 percent of working journalists go online daily. They use the internet for article research most.. but 76 says they use the internet to FIND SOURCES AND EXPERTS.

You are the expert. You wrote the book, right?

Nearly as many (73%) say they use the net to “search for press releases”.

One of the authors I work with submitted a press release recently. Over 100,000 hits, almost all of them didn’t amount to anything. However, one radio show called him, and then one network reality show offered him a chance to appear as an expert in an upcoming production.

Does this mean you should flood the media with press releases? No, you can still wear out your welcome. But if you have a comment on a news story, announce results of your research, achieve a milestone, or start a new project, it’s appropriate to write a release.

Warren Whitlock is the Marketing Results Coach. His mission is to help authors and businesses improve the results of their marketing programs. Warren is a #1 best selling author, publisher, and editor of dailywarren.com, an online web log (blog) focused on book marketing. Warren is an entrepreneur in the computer and imaging industries, several offline businesses and Internet properties. He started his career in broadcast advertising, developing cross promotions between two or more businesses, and has used the same strategies in direct mail and other media. Visit his website

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Tags: press, releases, jobs, public, relations

A conventional ‘hard copy’ press release is a brief document generally one to three double-spaced type written pages announcing news about your company, product or service to media professionals.

E-mail press releases are usually shorter in length than their print counterparts. The majority of electronic news releases sent between 400 to 500 words of text organized into short two to three sentence paragraphs.

E-mail software allows recipients to set limits on the size of messages it will download. Since many individuals do not change the default limit on their e-mail software, long messages can be truncated. For this reason we discourage clients from sending extremely lengthy electronic news releases.

Information such as photographs, bios of company executives, white papers and other supporting documents usually included in a printed media kit may be published online where reporters may access them easily at their convenience. Include a link to these files in your release. Do not send attachments.

If your company, for example, has completed an online survey of Internet shoppers, include a brief overview of the results in the electronic press release then follow that paragraph with the URL or home page address where complete survey results are published. The URLs for screen shots of your Web site and products may also be included in the news release.

Some reporters have limited online access. As a courtesy, always include a contact method for reporters who prefer to have materials mailed to them by conventional means.

Sending photographs and supplemental information files through e-mail attachments is not acceptable when contacting a reporter.

Information to Include in a News Release

– A compelling e-mail subject header and headline.

– A first paragraph that covers the five W’s: who, what, where, when and why.

–Electronic contact information including an e-mail address for the press contact and Web site address of the company. Reporters working on deadline will often choose to call a company representative rather than wait for a reply by e-mail. Be sure that in addition to e-mail contact information a phone number for the press contact is listed.

–The mention of key clients or endorsement from a ‘non-biased’ source like university professor or software reviewer. You should have permission from those sources to use their remarks in your press release.

–A short paragraph at the end of the release containing background information about the company, sometimes called a “boilerplate.” This might include a synopsis of the activities of the company, how long they have been in business, and any area of expertise. If the press release is about a book or entertainer then cover career high-points.

Story Tips

Electronic PR does not differ from conventional PR in that one’s ability to write and organize information well is rewarded with press coverage. However, the one-two punch of a creative subject header for your message and a clever “spin” to your news rings extra loud in a crowded inbox.

Many journalists respond to clever writing and news releases that describe how a new product or service is a solution to a business or consumer problem.

Pointing to a new business, consumer or health trend is another way to position a story.

Another popular method for obtaining press coverage is to ride piggy-back on a breaking news story by alerting the media to your client’s expertise on that particular subject.

Like the Rolling Stones say, “Time is on your side.” Be prepared to act fast if you sense a PR opportunity. Time the sending of your news release right and you can receive a windfall of publicity.

How to Format a Release

1) The first line of the e-mail body should read: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE in all caps. This lets the reporter know the news is authorized for publication on the date they receive it.

2) Allow one spacer line then write a headline using a combination of lower case and capital letters. Keep your headline to ten words or less. Do not write the headline in all capital letters because it is too difficult to scan.

3) Allow another empty line for spacing, then begin the text of the release as we show with the city and state followed by a dash. All releases must include a date since reporters do not always use releases immediately.

4) There are a number of conventions for line length of electronic press releases. Xpress Press formats press release to the style most universal among e-mail readers.

5) Include press contact information below the text of the news release. A reporter reading your release should be able to make a decision about your story in the first screen of the e-mail message. Don’t waste that space with contact information. They will scroll down to find out who to contact if they want to follow-up with you.

6) Finally, close the document with the characters -30- or ### which are style conventions that let the report know they have reached the end of the story.

REMINDERS

Don’t trust your word processing program to catch errors in grammar and spelling. Have a few individuals read the release before sending it to a reporter or news agency. Although an Xpress Press staffer reads through each release, we are reading a number of stories each day looking for obvious errors like the omission of an e-mail address for the press contact.

Additionally, remember that press releases are sent by e-mail and not everyone uses the same software. For that reason we do not use HTML tags, bold type or color text which may not transmit consistently across all computer platforms.

Sample Press Releases

Below is a sample press release that generated quite a buzz for its company several years ago. Notice that the release does not follow the usual rules of including the five W’s up front. However, the headline is a unique twist on words and grabs the reader’s interest quickly.

When to Send Your News

Daily Newspapers

Business and general assignment reporters working for newspapers and online dailies turn around stories within 24 and 48 hours. However, feature writers are working on stories weeks in advance of publication date. Press Releases about special events or with holiday tie-ins should be sent a minimum of three weeks in advance so the reporter has ample time to research and write the story. The same is true for promoting online webcasts and events. Three weeks is often needed to obtain coverage in Internet newsletters and online calendars.

Monthly Magazines

Monthly publications close editorial content two months in advance of the issue date. It is not unusual for writers to be deciding on story content for a December issue in September. Stories with a holiday theme should be sent to allow the reporter ample time for research and coverage.

Radio and Television

Radio or television stations may plug your Web site or product and perhaps be interested in having a representative from your company appear on one of their programs. Because interviews can be held over the telephone you might receive a call in the afternoon for a show airing that evening. Be prepared. Designate someone from your company as the spokesperson and have them prep for the show. In some cases you can ask the show’s producer for a list of questions you will be asked. Plan how you will reply to the questions. Also plan how you will respond to the interviewer if they ask questions you do not wish to answer.

Blogs and Online (Immediate)

Tina Koenig is founder of the Xpress Press News Service, the first company to distribute press releases online, and via email, to the media. The company provides writing, editing, and press release distribution services to companies worldwide. Visit the websiteHere.

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Tags: strategy, relation, press, distribution

Reporters are always looking for compelling stories. You can help them and, at the same time, win press coverage for your products, services, organization or cause. Every organization, including yours, has newsworthy information. Sometimes you just have to dig a bit to get to it. Here are seven suggestions that will help you find the stories within your organization that you can pitch to get positive press attention and boost your public relations:

1) Identify trends in your industry – use your organization/product/issue as an example of a trend — and pitch them as story ideas to the magazines, newsletters and Web sites your customers and prospects read.

2) A milestone: does your organization have an accomplishment or anniversary to brag about that is of public interest – a new product, service, partnership, event, contract win or hire? Find a news hook for it. Here, for example, are some commemorations that might be good news hooks for your products or services: National School Success Month, National Preparedness Month, Self Improvement Month, and Hispanic Heritage Month.

3) Take note of a “First in a Series” article. If you and your company would fit into the series as good sources, contact the reporter with reasons you might be included in the next article in the series.

4) Commission a study or survey, the results of which need to appeal to news outlets you most want to reach. Co-sponsor the survey with a well-known industry organization to boost visibility. Online companies let you create, send, and analyze surveys via the Web at very small cost. For inexpensive online polling, try www.surveymonkey.com, www.questionpro.com or www.constantcontact.com.

5) Spotlight newsworthy people in your organization. For example, if a staffer is a gifted writer, musician or athlete, pitch the story to the appropriate editors of the newspaper. That way you’ll also have a chance of getting your organization mentioned in the Arts, Sports and Local sections as well as Business.

6) Write a column yourself. Somewhere in your organization is a white paper or speech that you can cut to 800 words and submit as an Op-Ed or “expert” column to a trade publication or local business journal. Buy reprints and add them to your sales and marketing materials.

7) Send news releases. They do work if concise, newsworthy, and timely. Keep out the fluff and spin. Put the real news in the headline and first paragraph. Before you send a release, put yourself in a reporter’s place. “Could I write a story using this information?” A regular “drumbeat” of releases (one or two a month) keeps your visibility high and helps keep you current when reporters do Internet searches to look for information. About 400-500 words is
the optimum length.

Robert Deigh is principal of RDC Communication/PR and author of “How Come No One Knows About Us?” (W Business Books), the PR guide for organizations large and small that want to win big visibility. Deigh helps organizations increase their visibility and build their brands by creating strong and positive relationships with the press and other audiences. He is also a frequent speaker and trainer on media and PR topics. He can be reached at his website

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Are your story pitches to reporters working? If you succeed in landing an interview, congratulations! Now, you need to follow a few easy steps before and during the interview to make it a great public relations win:

Before the Interview

·Never do an interview cold. Prepare yourself.

·Learn what you can about the publication, audience, interviewer and story. Read the reporter’s last couple of stories.

·Start with a goal. Visualize the “headline.” What would you like the story to say?

·Review your 5-6 “must-say” message points that make your case.

·Practice answers to all potential questions. Have your staff grill you. They will enjoy it. You probably won’t, but it will make your answers more potent.

During the Interview

·If it is a phone interview, remove distractions. Get into the proper mindset.

·Keep message points in front of you. Repeat your messages 2-3 times during interview to make sure they get into the story.

·Speak through the reporter to your audience (see above).

·Learn to take yes for an answer. Skilled salespeople say that once you make the sale, don’t keep selling! Same goes for interviews. Once you make your point and you are sure the reporter gets it, shut up and move on. There is a temptation to embellish your answer for a few more minutes because you know so much about the topic at hand.

·Be engaging and friendly.

·Speak slowly. Remember, the reporter has to understand you well enough to explain it to others.

·Don’t repeat a negative question; it will end up as part of your quotes in the story. Stay positive.

·Don’t criticize your competitors by name – you’re giving them free PR. If you hammer home what makes your product or service unique, your potential customers will figure out the differences for themselves.

·Never lie. Just say you can’t discuss a particular topic.

·Don’t guess. “I don’t know. I’ll get back to you on it,” is a fine answer. Say you will call back and then DO it.

·Make your points easily understood, e.g., Use clarifying statements to get a reporter’s attention to make sure he/she pays attention when you give your messages:

o “The three most critical issues are…”

o “There are three main points to remember here….”

o “The most important aspect of this whole situation is….”

o “The people who will be most affected by this are…”

o “Let me summarize.”

· Let the reporter use a tape recorder for accuracy. You can use one too for verification. Might come in handy if there is a dispute later on a quote.

· In a confrontational interview, keep to the high road. Don’t be defensive. Avoid emotion.

· Always stay in control of an interview. Even if the reporter is rapid-firing questions at you, it is OK to think before you speak. They can’t quote you on something you didn’t say. In this day of one-minute TV stories that are considered in-depth, pausing to think before answering a difficult question can be perceived as being stymied. Still, go for substance over style.

· Never say flatly, “No comment.” It makes it appear as though you are hiding something negative. Always give a reason, even if it is non-committal, e.g., “We can’t discuss anything in litigation,” “We don’t discuss personnel matters,” “We don’t respond to rumors,” or “Once our new product is ready to announce, we will do so.”

Robert Deigh is principal of RDC Communication/PR and author of “How Come No One Knows About Us?” (coming out in May 2008 from W Business Books), the PR guide for organizations large and small that want to win big visibility. Deigh helps organizations increase their visibility and build their brands by creating strong and positive relationships with the press and other audiences. He is also a frequent speaker and trainer on media and PR topics. He can be reached via email at rdeigh1@aol.com, his website here

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Tags: win, media, interview, news, press, strategy