How to Make a Good Press Release

One of the best ways to get your name out, whether you're a new musician or beginning entrepreneur, is to get the media's attention. Publicity is free and credible advertising you can use to get your name out and get talked about!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bright Folders
• A computer & printer
• 2-3 sheets fine paper
• CD/DVD of you (optional)

1. The first step to making a good press release is, of course, the writing! You'll want to begin by writing a biography on a single sheet of paper, including a box with your contact information.
   
   Business owners: Write how long you've been in business, what you specialize in, and any promotions or special offers you may have going on right now.
   
   If you're a musician: write how long you've been in music, any bands you've worked with and/or projects you've done or are doing.
   
   The key here is to differentiate yourself--whether it's in your specialization, certain products you may carry, specific music you make, or even background. Use your past experience (or innovation) to an advantage.

2. Next, you'll want to write about what you're doing now--why would the media want to know about you AND share you with the public? Here you need to make yourself useful. What can you do for people? What makes you unique? Be specific here--people don't remember vagueness. Let something personal out, i.e. your favorite product, a great new hit, or the passion you may have for what you're doing. This should be on a separate sheet from your biography.

3. It is also a great idea to include a sample of your work. If your a service company, include testimonies (have the people you interview for the testimony sign a release), include a sample product, or if you're a musician include a CD with your top two songs. You never want to overdo it here. Be simple and include your best stuff. Also include your contact information.

4. Preparing the folder for submission: Place your biography on the left side of the folder and everything else on the right side. This gives the looker an easy view of you--without having to sift through pages. Now, close the folder. You're not done yet.

5. Stapled on top of the folder, you'll need a cover letter. Briefly explain who you are, why they need to know about you and what is included in the folder. Thank them for looking over your material and assure them it contains a good story for them. Include your contact information here too.

6. Submit your press release to as many related newspapers, magazines or media companies as you can. Also submit to www.PRnewswire.com--an online site that makes it easy to submit your press release. Don't sit back and wait. Continue to focus on building a good reputation and you'll get acknowledged soon enough!

Tips & Warnings

• Submission guidelines (if any) will be posted on the companies' websites. Follow the individual guidelines!
• You'll want to make it as easy as possible for them to get in touch with you so make sure your contact information is good!
• Send a follow-up thank you for looking over your submission.
• Don't be discouraged if you don't get a call back asap. Understand that they could use you even if it's for a story or interview in the future!
• Use a bright colored folder but not a neon-colored folder, these could hurt some people's eyes, and you want to make friends not blind them!
• Spelling and grammar should be perfect!

[showpup]

on 11/17/2008 Great ideas. I'm trying to plan my press release for the current book I'm working on writing. 5 stars