1. WHY, WHEN and HOW To Write a Media Release
By Elaine Regus
ERPR

2. WHY Promote yourself and/or your business
Attract new customers, clients, students
Help people find solutions
Build relationships
Plant a seed

3. WHEN New business New products, services, employees, classes
Changes to existing business: location, new website
Awards and recognition
Timely reminder of existing products/services
Hosting an event
Whenever

4. 6 W’S AND 2 H’s PLUS 1 Who? You or your business What? The news
When? Date, day, time
Where? Complete address
Why? Reason you did what you did
How? Nuts and bolts of process
How much? Cost
Why should I care?

5. HOW Header: Company information including release date
Title: Topic of release/think headline
First paragraph: Key facts (who, what, why)
Middle graphs: String together remaining pertinent facts in paragraph form
Footer: For more information…

6. DOs Do use Letterhead if available
Do use simple 12-point font on white paper
Do keep it short: one page single- or double- spaced
Do include photos, especially action photos

7. DON’Ts
Don’t rely on Spell-check. It is not your friend. Consider there/their/they’re
Don’t play hard to get. Include all contact information including: name, address, office phone, cell phone, and address
Don’t be salesy be newsy

8. MEDIA OUTLETS Your own website, newsletter or blog Facebook, LinkedIn
Free online press release outlets
Local newspapers
Trade publications
Magazines
Association newsletters

9. PICK YOUR TARGET Think small Review the publication
Check submission guidelines
Make contact

10. NOW WHAT? Wait Watch the publication Google Alerts
Keep you fingers crossed
Should I call the editor?
If the editor or a reporter calls you for more information:
JACKPOT!