BBS Archives: Business press releases

business press release info.

Written by HR on Fri Mar 20 20:41:57 1998 GMT

I'm looking for examples/contents and any information on preparing a business press pelease for the newspaper and tv, need this in a HURRY. Can anyone help me out?

Re: business press release info.

Written by Tammy on Sun Mar 22 17:55:05 1998 GMT

You don't say what kind of business you are trying to write a press release for, but in general, you want to write a press release that is 95% useful information, and 5% advertising.

As a news editor for a daily newspaper, I wade through dozens of press releases every day. Those that are a blatant attempt at free advertising get trashed.

I suggest that you write in a style that is similar to a news story. Write a good lead. For instance, if you have a new business that creates a new market, ask an attention-grabbing question in the first paragraph. Readers will usually continue reading to find the answer. "Have you thought about your sewers today?" would be a good attention-grabber for a septic pumping business, for people don't usually think about such things until these is a problem. Readers will keep reading to discover why they should be thinking about their sewer. You could go on to tell them about the hideous perils of septic neglect, and give them the solution, (by calling your business of couse) at the end.

The more interesting that an editor finds the information, and less editing that they have to do, as well as interest to readers in general, the more likely you are to get your piece published.

I hope that this helps you out. If you would like more detailed info concerning your subject matter, I'd be glad to help you out. Good luck!

Re: Re: business press release info.

Written by desktoppub (Guide) on Sun Mar 22 19:21:48 1998 GMT

Brain-picking time Tammy!

Since you've worked as a news editor AND you're now starting your own DTP business... would you share some of your thoughts on what would make a good press release for a desktop publishing business.

1. What could a brand new desktop publishing business write about that has a chance of being "newsworthy"?
2. What kind of on-going approach might an established desktop publishing business use to try to get 'free' publicity on a (hopefully) recurring basis?
3. Which sections of a typical newsletter are most likely to use any kind of news items that a DTP business might be able to generate? Just the business section, or perhaps others?

Desktop publishing is a fairly "common" business so I'm wondering what a DTP business owner can do to make their business interesting to a newspaper or magazine editor.

Thanks in advance for any tips you can offer.

jacci

Re: Re: Re: business press release info.

Written by coblanche on Thu Apr 9 19:26:59 1998 GMT

It depends on what type of subject matter you handle.. i.e., do you handle all and anything..or do you just do medical related items..see what i mean? if you are focused on a certain subject then contact that editor of your local newspaper,magazine and dont be afraid to submit your release on a national scale..if you take anything.. do you have special fonts or graphics that are not common that you can focus on..do you have late eve hours to focus on..anything unusual that you do????Good luck,Sandra,email me if you wish..

Re: Re: Re: Re: business press release info.

Written by candice on Sat Apr 11 03:15:21 1998 GMT

--->dont be afraid to submit your release on a national scale..

Any ideas on how to easily find lists of names or addresses for papers around the country (US for me)? Would a paper in another city really be interested in a tiny little DTP business in noplace town USA? Thanks for any info.

Re: business press release info.

Written by desktoppub (Guide) on Sat Mar 21 18:40:07 1998 GMT

Kyle gave you some good links to check out. Most focus on the content and writing -- which is the most important part of the release. As to the appearance, here's a few random thoughts...

For printed (as opposed to email) releases I think plain white paper or simple letterhead with a plain jane font still dominate but I have seen some fancier presentations -- fancy fonts, fancy paper, etc. I think it may really depend on the subject of the release and the recipient. Press releases on 'serious topics' to a 'serious news outlet' probably shouldn't be set in 2 columns on hot pink paper with cute graphic accents! However, there may be circumstances where that (or something a bit different than the traditional double-spaced courier font on white paper) is more appropriate -- in order to grab attention or because the recipient expects something with a bit of flair or flambouncy.

Just a few thoughts on the subject...
Also check out features and links from our marketing guide at http://marketing.about.com/ for more input.

jacci

Re: business press release info.

Written by kyle on Fri Mar 20 21:53:50 1998 GMT

some of these pages may help you. (some links deleted 3/25/99, pages moved)

http://www.azstarnet.com/~poewar/writer/press.htm l Tips

http://www.sideroad.com/writing/column4.html writing tips for press releases

http://www.stetson.edu/~rhansen/press.html sample press releases

http://www.wgsc.com/free/publicity.htm
Tips on what a release should contain

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