2. HOW TO WRITE PRESS RELEASES & PITCH TO JOURNALISTS Carolyn Garman

3. The truth about PR…. Time consuming, yes, but….

4. Your business…. What’s your news? - real or created or both?

5. How to write a press release What do we need to consider? Ideas please….

6. Why write a press release? What is the story? What’s in the news? Why is it relevant? Who will be interested? Can you offer up something new?

7. It’s not always good news….

8. Presentation is critical…. Font size, font choice, line spacing, USE OF CAPITALS, and !!!!!!! length

9. Press release basics Your logo Date Headline Subhead Body copy – third person Quote “Ends” Contact details / accounts etc Notes to editors – non news!

10. Press release basics CATCHY HEADLINE…. Needs to summarise your story Remember the who, what, where, when, why, how Why is key! First para is critical… Key element 2 nd and 3 rd - a bit more detail and facts!

11. Access to added extras -Photos -Recipes -Video footage -Screenshots -Freebies -Follow ups

13. Pitching to journalists What to say and how to say it…. -Know your stuff -Be precise; get to the point -Do your research -Make it “personal”

14. Pitching to journalists… Things to consider to get your message out there…

15. Pitching to journalists… Do you know the journalist? Have you read his/her work? Who does (s)he write for / broadcast to? Is your story relevant? How? Do you really know your subject? Can you summarise it well?

16. Pitching to journalists Which medium is best, when and why? -Email -Telephone -Social media, but not all forms! -Face to face GOAL = Build a relationship, and build it early on Where can they find you? Always be responsive

17. BEWARE

18. Avoid overkill; be patient -Content -Pitching -Overselling

19. BIG NO NOs Acronyms Advertising Jargon / corporate speak

20. And finally…. If you get as far as being interviewed…. Relax, be honest, non-political, stick to the story Listen to the questions and answer them! Read the situation and respond appropriately NOTHING IS OFF RECORD!

21. ANY QUESTIONS?