• By John Cunningham
• Published 07/7/2010
• Writing

Press release, also known as media release, news release or press statement, is a news or events story written in a third person perspective and seeks to announce something that is news worthy or attention grabber. These press releases are sent to reporters and editors of magazines, newspapers, and television and radio stations. It is important that press release should be interesting and accurate. It could be a perfect business tool for promotion if the writing and presentation is proper. Failure to have a successful of press release happens since a lot of people are not aware of the particular requirements of press release. Here are some of the basic guidelines on successful press release: Press release: how to get your target audience – the journalists and editors Remember that a press release is written to grab the attention of the journalist or editor who will decide on the fate of your news story. A journalist or editor is not your customer who will be entertained by knowing the discounts and promos of your products. He wants news to give his website. Make sure that with your story the internet traffic on their website improves because people will take time to read it. So, when sending out a press release to editors and reporters, make sure that your news release answers the question “Why would the audience of your paper or station care?” instead of focusing on the question “What’s in it for our company?” In creating a headline, make sure to highlight the worthiness of the news and not the benefits of your product. Press release: how to choose the right receiver.

Sometimes, even a good a press release is useless if sent to the wrong website, publication or other media outlet. It is important to know the kind of people who visits the sites and read first its contents. You should know the common interests of their audience and visitors and make sure that your news compleme

nts these interests. Expect a better response from your press release by doing it this way. Press release: How to make sure you are noticed A lot of press releases are received everyday by editors and reporters of different media outlets especially those that handle websites since it is the most accessible form of media. Aside from reading through these, journalists have tons of other things to do. It could be irritating to some reporters if they receive calls from press release writers if they have received and already read the news story. Do not expect to get a response when you write them an email. It is also better to resist the urge to call up reporters. They will call you or respond to your email if they found your news release worth reading by their audience. Press release: How to choose strategic locations You may want to search the internet for recommended websites and media outlets to run your press release. People often write reviews and comments on how particular websites or other media outlets handle their press releases and how they helped. Also, make sure to send your news release to the right person. Know the correct reporter who must handle news stories that are related to your business. If a release is sent to the wrong people, it is most likely that your news is ignored and be forgotten. Your press release will never be shown in the website or be printed. Press release: How to KISS (Keep it short silly) A press release should be 400-500 words only. The reporter does not need to know the whole story. He just needs an idea of what important things are going on with your company. Make sure that the criteria of the reporter are satisfied and, if he is interested for more details, he will call or schedule you for an interview. By keeping these things in mind, writing a press release for your company will be a fun and simple task. With a few journalistic guidelines to provide accurate, interesting and useful information, a press release can make its way to any Internet website even publications and TV or radio stations.