How to Create a Press Kit

Even if you are a startup company or a sole proprietorship, your company is never too small to have a press kit. This handy kit contains everything a reporter needs to write a bang-up story about you and your company. Will it cost a fortune to put together? Not if you do it yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bonded Paper
• Pocket Folders
• Laser Or Inkjet Printers
• Computers
• Flatbed Or Page Scanners
• Business Cards
• Word-processing Software

1. Choose a pocket folder to hold all your information. If your company brochure already happens to have a pocket, you're in luck. If not, you can purchase pocket folders of almost any color at any office supply store.

2. Write short, one-page bios of each company officer or upper-level manager, and print them on a laser or inkjet printer on company letterhead. Include the officer's title, history with the company, quotable statements, basic personal information, theories or ideas about your company and a picture, if possible.

3. Compile all recent press releases, positive press coverage and sell sheets. Print the press releases on company letterhead, and color copy or professionally photocopy recent articles for inclusion. Presentation is everything; standard copy paper doesn't make the best first impression.

4. Include your company newsletter. If you don't have one, work on releasing your first issue, which can be done inexpensively on a laser printer. Just include some basic clip art and photos, articles of importance to your company or industry, and upcoming company events.

5. Assemble all the information in a logical order. Typically, start with the bios on top, followed by your company sell sheets, newsletter, and any press releases or recent clippings near the back of the packet.

6. Top it all off with an informative letter that briefly explains what's inside and offers to provide any additional information needed. If there are business card slits in your pocket folder, include your card there. If not, it's appropriate to paper clip it to your letter.

7. Find some way to identify your press kit. If you're using your company brochure, your company name and logo will already appear on it. Otherwise, choose a pocket folder with a window in the front panel so that your company letterhead will be immediately visible.

Tips & Warnings

• Include small promotional items, such as a personalized paper clip or a magnet, if you have them. These items often make it to the reporter's desk, and therefore, they keep your company name right in front of them.
• Include only the most interesting details in your bios. For example, if your company president is the fourth generation of his family to run the business or if your general manager was a congressman, this is noteworthy information.
• Keep your press kits on hand at the office, at trade shows, at community events you may attend, or at company events you may hold. Make your information readily available to every news outlet you encounter.
• Don't cheap out. If the linen pocket folder looks the best, but costs a dollar more than the obviously cheaper version, go for it anyway. Remember, first impressions are important.

[davidavis]

on 9/19/2009 I have to say, it was nice to find your website. People like me who've never done their own press kit don't really know where to start. You spelled out the process very succinctly. At the end, I didn't have the time to do it all myself but it was nice to understand the overall process. Thank you also millerworks. I contacted inkrockit.com as you suggested, only I worked with a guy named Grant and they were WONDERFUL! I wouldn't normally even post to something like this but they really helped me out and I want everyone to know that even though heir web site doesn't really say that they help with developing press kits, they do. It was an unusually great service for an online company. Once again thank you eHow. Your site really hooked me up!

[trevorm1]

on 4/26/2009 From a music business perspective it's always great to have some press kits in the car. You never know when you're going to be somewhere that you would just 'die' to play. Great Article. Easy to understand and pretty much universal. Thanks

[millerworks]

on 3/30/2009 I agree that a press kit has to be right. I think a person can conceptualize their look to start with, but it always helps to consult a reputable professional who can give you high quality at an affordable price. There are many on the net worth looking at. I've had amazing results with http://www.inkrockit.com where I worked with a guy named Don on my project. What I had was great. Where he took it was better. Much better. Good luck.

[ciatara]

on 7/23/2008 sorry for the double post! I had a computer issue!

[ciatara]

on 7/23/2008 Press kits are vital to new businesses but they have to done right or they will hurt your company's image and your chances of getting off the ground. I'm in the middle of creating mine for my new online retail store at www.ciatara.com.