TEN TIPS TO POLISH YOUR PRESS RELEASE
Don�t cringe and panic at the thought of writing a Press Release. With the tips that we give you, you will be able to draft masterpieces! Some people can write such wonderful Press Releases that they are taken as they are, by the publication houses, and carried in newspapers / magazines � word for word. Would you like to be able to write a Press Release like that? Here are ten valuable tips.
One - Understand that the whole purpose of a Press Release is to be simple and accurate � it should act as a tool of understanding, for the journalist. So stick to the facts, maintain the basic format of a Press Release, and you�ll eventually get the hang of it.
Two - Always, always print the Release on the company letterhead. Press Releases printed on blank sheets look unsophisticated and crude. If procuring a letterhead isn�t possible, ensure that you can at least add the company logo, along with the company address, phone number, and email address.
Three- Ensure that the words �Press Release� are spelled out in uppercase, right at the top of the document. Also, don�t forget to put �For Favor Of Immediate Release� or �Date Of Release� at the top right.
Four � Avoid using flowery language and too many adjectives. These make the Press Release difficult to read, and for a journalist, finding the bare facts through all the layers of fancy language can get quite tiring.
Five - Make sure your headline is catchy and informative, and format it in bold. Don�t ramble on in the headline, ideally � it should just be of 10 or 15 words, making an impression on the journalist.
Six � When it comes to the body of the Press Release, it should begin with the date and the city, from where the Release is being issued. Stick to the basics in the first paragraph � who does it concern? What has he/she done, and why? If it�s about a company, what�s the information about? When? Where? In the second paragraph, you can go into more detail � include more information, put it in a quote of the person concerned. In the final paragraph, sum up the information.
Seven � Use a suitable corporate font for the Press Release � Arial, Times New Roman, and Courier are quite good. Ideally, the Release should be double spaced.
Eight � One of the basic conditions of a Press Release is that there should be �###� at the end of it, to signify its finish.
Nine - Ensure that there is a contact person given, in case the journalist has further clarification. The name of the person, designation, company, phone number and email address should be given.
Ten � If required, you could add a short �About� section, about the person/company involved. This gives the journalist more information, and it is easier for him to do his job.