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.

Things You'll Need

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

Instructions

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.