Getting Your Articles Noticed - Writing a Simple Press Release

Are you one of the many aspiring writers for websites like Bukisa, Associated Content, and eHow? You have probably already created a profile, posted some articles, and posted links to all your social networks, as well as Digg and Stumble. Is there anything else you can do to promote yourself and your content and get your articles noticed? YES! Send out a press release!

A press release is an announcement to your local media about you and your articles. I have published a web site and print magazine and worked for several other publications. I have also promoted books and events by sending out my own press releases, so I have looked at press releases both as a writer, and as a publisher of information. I have also written a book about promoting self-published books with a chapter dedicated to writing press releases. (The book is called How to Promote Your Book on a Shoestring Budget and has many other helpful tips!)

If you have never written a press release before, these tips should help you write a good, basic press release.

Before You Write Your Press Release

Before you start writing your press release, identify the who, what, where, when and why. You will want to include those important details!

Formatting Contact Information for Your Press Release

At the very top of your press release, in the upper left or upper right hand corner, include the bold words "Contact" and your name, and "Phone" with your phone number. This is a resource for any media representatives who might want to contact you. If you are sending a release to a web site, include "Email" as well. An example:

Contact: Your Name
Phone: Your phone number
Email: Your email address

Formatting a Dateline for Your Press Release

The dateline is often left off press release these days, especially if you are sending a blurb out to your local media contacts. If you are sending a national press release, it is good to include your city, state and the date.

Writing a Headline for Your Press Release

Start your press release with a clear headline. Your headline should be in bold type, and should clearly announce the who, what and where. An example: Local Author Published on Bukisa. Who = local author/you, What = published, Where = AC. A little creativity can be good in a headline - you do want to grab attention, but it is more important to be clear.

Writing the Body of Your Press Release

Your first paragraph should briefly tell the reader the important news about you and your articles: who you are, what you write about, why your articles or you as a writer are interesting, if you have won any honors or scored high page views, etc. If you have a lot of interesting things to say, write two paragraphs for the body of your press release. Providing interesting, pertinent information is good; providing a lot of tedious details and a list of all your articles is not.

Writing a Close for Your Press Release

The final paragraph should include a brief author bio and information about the site or sites you write for, as well as contact information or one short URL. Long URLs don't translate well in print or on the air. While it is fine to list your personal phone number in the "Contact" info at the very top of your press release, be very cautious about publishing it in the body of your press release for all to see.

Adding an "About" Section to Your Press Release

If you write for several organizations, you might want to break your close up into brief sections: "About Bukisa," "About eHow," About Associated Content," etc.

Ending Your Press Release

It used to be the norm to end a press release with - 30 - or - end - but now a press release usually just wraps up with a good summary statement. An example: "To find out more about Your Name, visit http://www.yourwesite.com." This can be your blog, your personal web site, or your favorite profile.

Proof Reading Your Press Release

Before you send out your press release, spell check it. Look at your punctuation. Double check all your details and dates. Make sure your release is clear, accurate and correct. Now you are ready to send it out!

SOURCE

How to Promote Your Book on a Shoestring Budget

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