The 7 Deadly Sins of Press Release Writing and Distribution

For the Public Relations professional, the press release is usually where you make your first impression with journalists in your field. Depending upon the quality of your press release, this impression could be a great one or a terrible one.

Keep in mind that the top media professionals receive thousands of press releases every single day. Even your small town newspapers, magazines and specialized trade publications receive more of them that can possibly use. So if you want to avoid having yours filed in the wastebasket, you should avoid these press release writing mistakes.

1.Providing incomplete, insufficient, or incorrect information. This is especially important for contact information, such as phone numbers and email addresses.

2.Marketing and selling. You should avoid promotional words such as one-of-a-kind, cutting-edge, unique, excellent, and best. News releases are for sharing news and generating interest or awareness, not for selling.

3.Sending a release that isn't newsworthy. Keep in mind the needs of the readers no the needs of your organization. By it's very nature, news means something happens that is new or different, that people are likely to care about.

4.Waiting to long to send it. Even local media outlets need about three weeks and major publications, like magazines, probably need about 4 months. Get your news to them as early as possible.

5.Submitting press releases that read like novels. You should condense your news and try to keep your release less than a page in length.

6.Following up with them. Reporters are busy and don't like to be bothered. You should never call the reporter to ask, Did you get my press release?" It is ok to call and ask about particular angles if you have a prior relationship with the reporter however.

7.Being difficult to reach. You should provide day, evening, and cell phone numbers if possible and provide as many ways as possible for editors to contact you if they have any questions.

By avoid these 7 deadly sins of press releases, you can be sure that your press release is given fair consideration and leaves a favorable impression on the news editor. In fact, you'll stand a fair chance of gaining positive exposure for your brand

Written By Wes Upchurch for PressDr Public Relations, a provider of statewide press release distribution services.
I recommend visiting this site for info regarding local press release distribution