How To Get Free Media Publicity

The most basic way to getting your business mentioned in the
media is to dispatch a press release. Almost all mass media
(newspapers, magazines, radio and tv) accept press releases.

A significant portion of the news and stories published through
the mass media originates from press releases. You can use press
releases to announce a new website, expansion of existing
business, change in key appointments or the launch of a trade
event.

In this article, I'll reveal to you five most important PR
success tips that every press release should incorporate.

PR Tip #1. Never Pitch

The biggest PR mistake which people make when they write their
press release is to write it like a sales letter. They try to
sell the benefits, the low price, the discounts, rebates, etc.

Editors who receive press releases are not interested in sales
pitches. Their job is to present news worthy stories to their
audience.

Instead of pitching 101 benefits of buying your latest product,
tell the editors in plain English why their audience will be
interested in your story.

We read and hear all kinds of news daily. They don't sound like
product pitches - they are news! That's what editors want - news!

PR Tip #2. Make It News Worthy

Examine your story from all possible angles. Which angle would
make a juicy story that appeals to your targeted media audience?

Here's an example. Your beverage company just launched a new
website and you want to get it mentioned in the media. How do you
make your story news worthy?

Perhaps on your new website you are offering a complete online
guide to the best restaurants in the state. That's your news
angle!

Most people are keen to discover the best places to dine and
wine. When you write your press release, focus on the restaurant
guide and write a juicy story around it.

PR Tip #3. Short and Sweet but Complete

Editors are extremely busy people with deadlines to meet. They
don't have time to read lengthy press releases. Write your press
release in less than ten short paragraphs - preferably under one
page.

But be sure to include basic information such as the What, When,
Where, Why and How of the subject matter.

Provide full contact information such as phone, fax, email,
website address, mailing address and name of person(s) whom the
editors can speak to.

PR Tip #4. Mind Your Language

Write in plain simple English - explaining your story clearly.
Avoid technical jargons and flowery words. Spell check and
grammar-proof your press release.

If you can't write well, get a professional PR writer to do your
press release. It's worth the investment. Poorly written press
releases are rarely read. Don't botch up your business image by
sending out a badly written press release.

PR Tip #5. Spice It Up

Spice up your press release with an exciting headline that grab
the editors' attention. The toughest stage of any media campaign
is getting editors to read the press release - and they get a lot
of press releases daily!

Include interesting quotes from relevant people to liven up your
press release. Just check out the newspapers. Almost every
article has at least one quote.