Top tips on writing a press release from Angela Kelly!

15th April 2015

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Are you wanting to put together a press release for your business? Here are some top tips from Angela Kelly – Freelance Journalist and Media Consultant to help you.

ASSEMBLE the information you want to give – don’t just ramble, have an information plan
GIVE your press release a title which crystallises the content and makes the subject easy to understand at a glance
MAKE your opening sentence – your introduction – interesting and attention- grabbing. You need people to want to read beyond it
WRITE your information in short, well-constructed sentences, put into short paragraphs that are easy to read. Go for a maximum of five paragraphs
DON’T use initials without explaining what they are unless they’re household names, and give people’s full names (spelt out in capital letters) and title (Mr, Mrs, Detective Superintendent etc)
ENSURE you answer the basic questions: Who? What? Why? When? Where? How?
USE real information – waffle is no substitute for facts
DON’T make your press release too long. If a journalist wants to know more, he or she will get in touch.
DO make sure you include the full name of a contact (and title), the name of the organisation you represent with a short explanation of what it is, and full day and evening contact tel nos as well as an email address and, if possible, a website for further information
LET someone else you trust check over your press release before sending it to ensure that it covers the ABC of good communication – Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity
GIVE your chosen media enough time to react, especially if an event is timed. Don’t leave it until the last minute to be included for publication, airing or going on a website so allow at least a week to a fortnight beforehand
AFTER you have sent in your press release or made a photographic request, leave it for a few days and then re-contact the individual, preferably by phone, to check they received it and if they want any more information

If you’d like any more help or guidance, give Angela Kelly a call on 01204 689912.

About the Author

Angela Kelly – Freelance Journalist and Media Consultant

Why not check out this Public Relations Consultants business in Bolton. Angela Kelly – Freelance Journalist and Media Consultant is a 'thebestof' business member.