What Should You Include In Your Press Kit

Every firm and individuals in business including writers, spokesman, soloists, and photographers should have a press kit. This is the package you send to correspondents when they request more information. You should create a hard copy to mail, a digital copy to share online. These will all include basically the same things. The press kit is designed to provide quick information to a reporter, podcaster, radio host, television producer, or anyone else who might interview you. Because it serves an important function, you'll want to put the time into it now before a news editor asks for it. The following items should be in your press kit:

A Snapshot.
Your photo is a professional photograph of you that the media can use. Get a good photographer for this. Some people have color and black-and-white versions at hand. If you are only supplying one, go with color. For your digital kit, a high-quality .JPG will do the trick.

Your Biography.
This should be no more than a page, and should describe who you are and what you are all about. Practically every bio starts with "Dr Anybody received his doctorate from Some University in 1994." As you see this is quite boring, instead focus on real achievements and personality. You should try to be bold and different.

Current and Recent Press Releases.
The media needs to know why you are news. So let them know what your company or you have been doing. So if you've been doing something newsworthy, here's the place to let them know.

A List of Upcoming Events.
Whether it's a public event you have planned or a convention you are speaking at, you should include a calendar of events in case the journalist wants to mention or drop by to the events.

Other things you should include in you media kit, if appropriate, are:

• Product samples


• Product Information


• Copies of Promotional Materials


• A List of Media Appearances


• Customer Testimonials


• A List of Industry or Celebrity Endorsements


• A List of Commonly Asked Questions and Answers

Put your materials in a nice presentation folder. Many companies use customized portfolios that showcase their brand. Your contact information should appear on every item in your media kit. Once you've done this you're done. You are ready to showcase yourself to the media.

This article was written by Wes Upchurch of PressDr.com, a leading press release distribution company. You can visit the PressDr Blog for even more media relations tips.