Press releases are used to develop excellent relationships with the media. When combined with website tracking devices, press releases can be used to monitor and adjust media strategies that incorporate a combination of tools.
For example, after business owners distribute their press releases to media outlets like PRWeb, E-Wire or the Associated Press, they can review website visitor reports to note direct and indirect traffic to their individual or company website as a result of a recently distributed press release.
Journalistic Writing In Press Releases
This helps business owners to know the types of releases that gain them the most traction. This also helps business owners to become aware of the types of news stories different media outlets are seeking. Local media might want to cover stories that cover products or services that help the local community either by making a donation to a shelter, foundation or school with a portion of the proceeds received from product sales.
Most newspaper stories are received by editors from organizations and businesses in the form of distributed press releases. Effective press releases include the company name, street mailing address, website URL, telephone and fax numbers and email address in the top left corner. Next comes the body of the press release.
Business owners and entrepreneurs should steer clear of creating the press release as if they are writing an ad. To become familiar with the feel and style of an effective press release, business owners would benefit from reading several articles in their local newspaper. Then they can sit down and draft a press release that reads like a journalistic article.
Press Release Distribution
Distribution companies like PR Web and E-Releases will review and edit press releases for a fee. Professional writers also offer their press release writing services. Business owners can negotiate the price that it will cost a professional writer to craft their press releases directly with the writer.
Businesses looking to hire professional freelance writers to craft their releases for them are encouraged to check their local yellow pages or search online for authors who specialize in writing press releases. As with any business venture, entrepreneurs should requests the names and contact information of previous companies the writer has written press releases for and note how successful those press releases were.
Finished press releases can be faxed or emailed to media outlets. Business owners can also mail press releases to regional Associated Press and other major media outlets. Events, products and services limited to a city or region should be addressed to media in those areas.
Entrepreneurs and Media Exposure
Entrepreneurs can use directories like Gebbie Press and News Link to locate local, state, regional and national media outlets. Emails, faxes and snail mail envelopes that include the press release should be addressed by first and last name to a specific editor at the newspaper, magazine, radio or television station.
Press releases can increase product sales and extend a business’ exposure. The tool also helps to establish a firm’s credibility with the press and the public. They should be professionally written and structured like newspaper articles and not sales ads. When addressing press releases to editors via email, fax or snail mail, business owners should use the editor’s first and last name. Press releases should also be sent to the local, state, regional and national media outlets that their events, products or services pertain to.
 |
