The Importance of Press Releases
The second sentence of this module stated, you don't need to be a great writer to write a press release? I completely disagree. You must be an excellent writer! You must know how to communicate not just facts but why that press release is newsworthy to whoever you are sending it to. If it's just another copy paste or mundane press release - trust me, no one will want to publish it. TV producers, editors, bloggers, and trade professionals will ask for press releases and they will have to make an impact, if they don't..then why would your community be interested? Remember these media contacts are being pitched by thousands of PR firms and every day news - so make it relevant! And don't forget to follow-up via phone.
Alicia,
Good points. Yes, it is important to know how to be clear and concise and get the attention of the editors. And yes, the news has to be newsworthy. If not, editors simply toss the press release in the trash or press delete. A local newspaper or blog is likely to take anything reasonable to fill their pages. The more sophisticated media is certainly more selective. You make an excellent point and that will be changed in the updates. Thanks, Susan
Dr. Susan Schulz
