Press Releases are a great way to build awareness for your company and products. A well-written press release can get your name in front of hundreds of potential customers and help build a reputation for your company in the business community. Here are the basics on how to write an effective press release for your company.

1. Start With A Newsworthy Event

Before writing a press release you need to make sure you have a truly newsworthy item to write about.

Here are some ideas for issuing a press release:

• Launch of something new: products and services, web site, newsletter, e-book, teleclass
• Forming a new joint venture or partnership
• Events: celebrity chats, fundraisers, contests or sweepstakes
• New facility openings or personnel changes
• Getting or receiving major contracts or grants
• Receiving awards or special honors
• Releasing findings of a special report, survey or poll

2. Write It Right

Start with a newsworthy happening. Use a catchy headline to draw the reader into the meat of the release. Write simply and correctly, checking for proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Write for your target audience, not for your business interests.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• How are you UNIQUE?
• Will your audience CARE about what you are telling them?
• How will it BENEFIT them?

Avoid Hype - Stick to the facts. If you write your press release like an advertisement it won't be taken seriously. Consider including a quote or testimonial from the company president or important clients to add credibility and interest. And finally, proof, proof, and proof again!

Here's the basic format of a press release:

• For immediate release
• Contact Info
• Headline
• Dateline
• Strong leading paragraph
• Text in inverted pyramid format: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How about news item
• Concluding paragraph

Other formatting basics:

• 1-2 pages maximum (400-500 words)
• Typewritten, double spaced, one side of sheet
• Include -more- at bottom of pages
• Use an identifier (slug) on subsequent pages
• Place -30- or ### at end of the release

3. Send It Out

With changing technologies come a whole array of methods for distributing press releases such as: wire, broadcast fax, and email. Be sure to pick the method best suited to the potential audience. And be sure to post your press release on your web site and on a NEWS page.

Sending out a press release can cost anywhere from $99 to $700 for a national release depending on the number of media outlets it reaches.

Paid Press Release Services:

- PR Newswire http://www.prnewswire.com
- Web Promote http://www.webpromote.com/products/prelease.asp
- Business Wire http://www.businesswire.com

Free Press Release Services:

- PR Web http://www.prweb.com
- Web Wire http://www.webwire.com
- Corporate NewsNet http://clickit.com/touch/presform.htm#SUBMIT
- Internet News http://www.internetnews.com
- Internet Wire http://www.internetwire.com
- News Bytes http://www.newsbytes.com

Remember that press releases aren't just for brick and mortar corporations, they are a great way to publicize your online business too!

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Article by Kristie Tamsevicius, president of Kristie's Custom Design. KCD offers affordable, friendly design, writing, hosting, and promotion services. We've got over 200 FREE Marketing Resources http://www.kcustom.com/freemarketingresources.htm to build your business!