ITVibes addresses two questions about PR Releases: Are they still useful and how do I write one?
A well written press release is an effective way to tell a story about your business and generate more leads. It is a great way to top off your overall online marketing strategy. But, how do we know that?
Some in the marketing world think that press releases are no longer beneficial and on the decline. But, according to research, their use is actually growing. “The number of press releases PR Newswire, a major press release service, has distributed over the last four years has risen,” said Wendy Marx with FastCompany.com.
Another interesting fact, according to PRNewsWire.com, “Mobile readership of news releases is keeping pace with this growth – PR Newswire’s mobile site, m.prnewswire.com, has logged an increase of almost 100% over the prior year.”
Evidently businesses are still using them in their marketing plan, and people in the community and online users are still reading them.
But, before we discuss writing a press release, let’s tackle why they are still useful.
They are an effective way to announce news about your company in the media, for example: building a new warehouse, buying additional office space, or expanding your workforce.
Why? They showcase your success in the local newspapers, radio stations, and television stations, and give your small to medium sized business a more corporate, professional look.
However, you should not depend on press releases alone to get out your company news and information. It should be just one tool of many in your online marketing toolbox.
You should be blogging weekly, posting on social media platforms several times a week, and have a well-designed, user friendly, and dynamic business website. Press releases should be the icing on the top of the marketing cake.
Now that you know businesses and marketing firms are still using press releases and why, let’s discuss writing one.
Here are tips to writing an effective press release:
- Use the press release to tell your company’s story. What sets you apart from other businesses in your city? Has your company done something news worthy recently?
- Use the press release to answer the question “why should anyone care?” Don’t use it to sell your services or products, but instead use it to announce something that the local community should care or know about.
- Use quotes from involved parties. It gives validity to the story and shows how others support your news story or announcement.
- Use plain English, flawless grammar, and follow journalistic standards – answering who, what, where, and when in the first paragraph. You have to get to the point right away.
- Write a strong headline to grab the reader’s attention. The beginning of your press release is important. It should be engaging and interesting.
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Use hard numbers, facts, and data that back your announcement.- Include your company’s contact information at the bottom of the press release – email address, phone number, and website address.
- One page is enough. Two is okay but one is better. If it’s too lengthy, you lose the reader.
- Discuss and post your PR release on your social media sites. And include them on the blog/news page of your website.
Press releases are an awesome addition to your marketing plan. It’s another way to introduce your business to the local community, showcase your success, help build your brand, drive traffic to your site, and generate leads.
If you need more information on press releases and how they can help your business, please contact ITVibes today. We have a content writing team that is well trained on writing effective press releases and successful on getting them picked up by local media outlets.
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