Freelance Writing Kansas City Area

You Don’t Have To Be A PR Expert to Write A Good Press Release

In a nut shell – if you have the capability to write and follow a few simple rules of style and formatting you can capture the attention of your audience with a single press release distribution.

Typically, press releases are a one to two page article containing up-to-date news and information about a company that is distributed to the media for distribution. Many times these articles are published verbatim; however, other press releases are used solely for background purposes – either way one must keep in mind that the content should be interesting, timely and catch the attention of the reader.

A properly formatted press release is separated into sections, each extremely important to the process. The first section is the Contact Information, which will provide the editor the information he or she needs to contact you directly. This particular area of the press release should contain the company name and the contact person as well as his or her phone number and email address.

The second section is the Release Date, or the date in which you wish the information to be released to the public. If your information is not date specific, you simply put "For Immediate Release" so that the editor knows that your press release is ready to be published. If by chance your information is date specific, you want to make sure that you include the specific date the information can distributed to the public – for example, "For Release: April 1, 2008."

The next section is KEY to your press release – the Headline, as this particular item is the text that ultimately attracts the attention of the editor. Keep in mind that media outlets receive numerous press releases on a daily basis, so you are in essence competing against several companies for the editor’s attention. The best headlines provide a very brief summary of the uniqueness of your press release – in other words the headline answers the question of "Why" the information is newsworthy.

The Body of the press release is the next section and this section delivers the information to the public. The first paragraph should begin with the dateline, for example "Kansas City, MO, April 2008 -" followed by the first sentence immediately after the dash. The city and state are most generally the geographical location of your company; however, if your press release contains news and information that warrants a different location then provide the appropriate information.

The First Paragraph of your press release is just as important as the Headline and it is imperative that you pack this area with information in such a fashion that if no other aspect of the article is published you have still managed to tell your story. Many times press releases are printed in their entirety; however, not always. As a rule of thumb, news editors shorten from the back forward so make sure that you have told your story in the first paragraph of your press release.

Finally, the last section of your press release is the Response Information. This tells the reader how they can get in touch with you for more information about your products and services. Including this information in your press release is VERY critical, as if you leave it out of your article chances are the editors will not put it in the copy for you. In order for your press release campaign to be successful you must receive inquiries, so make sure you include any pertinent contact information – including your name, address, telephone number and email.

You can hire a freelance writer to write a press release if you would prefer; however, if you choose to write your own press releases remember – when it comes to your business you are the expert. Tell your story by keeping it news worthy, keep the information timely and create headlines that catch the editor’s eye!

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