How to write and submit press releases

[John Hillage]

Hi - Can anyone steer me to an online resource or WSO that shows me how to write press releases and submit them for maximum exposure.

Thanks

John

[Eric Reed]

Try googling press release templates.

I found quite a few good ones out there and thy were free,,,

Hope that helps,

Eric

[yonaswedo]

10 Essential Tips for Writing Press Releases

I hope it will help you. Just remembering that you can use a software to automate your press release submission. Say something like Press Equalizer.

[Justin Mandel]

Hi John,

Feel free to take look at my WSO in my sig

[fypnlp]

great product. I've just launched my site this will be a life saver

[dsmpublishing]

Hi john

I wrote a new press release tutorial a couple of days ago and you can download it for free without optin at:

www.dsm-publishing.co.uk/freegifts/pressreleaseexpert.html

Good luck with your press releases


sam
X

[John Hillage]

Thanks guys so far. Justin does your software do anything about where and how to actually submit them?

Thanks
John

[Expert-World]

Hi John,
You should get that free tute from Sam

I just downloaded it and scanned it.

Looks pretty good , it has a list of places to send your
press relaese to.

You don't need any fancy software (except notepad ).

You can write your PR today

DO it !

[Andyhenry]

Check out Press Release Tips

[AndrewCavanagh]

If you want to write an offline press release this is real information that has repeatedly got me amazing coverage in the media (40 commercial radio stations across Australia for 2 years, front page of newspaper repeatedly, TV coverage etc etc)...

And it's completely free...
Copywriting: 6 Press Release Copywriting Secrets
Copywriting: 6 Rules To Creating A Killer Press Release
Copywriting: Press Release Template

Kindest regards,
Andrew Cavanagh

P.S. ONLINE press releases are very different to OFFLINE press releases.

With an offline press release you're trying to get the media to cover you in a story of some kind or interview you.

With an online press release you're usually trying to generate traffic and improve search engine rankings.

The principles and methods are very different.

[Brad Gosse]

I have an offline press release WSO in my sig. Great for getting radio, TV and newspaper coverage

[DeePower]

You have to opt in but the report is free Power of Publicity, press release writing and distribution
It includes a number of free press release distribution sites as well as paid ones plus how to write and format the release, what should be in your media kit and more.

Dee

[John Hillage]

Thanks for all your help guys - much appreciated.

John

[ildarius]

Great thread,

I'm also looking for information on how to write press releases, but in my case it's for a simple review site

Btw here is a list of places you mind find useful

Press Release places

List one 1 (free?)


www.free-press-release.com
http://www.clickpress.com/
http://www.prlog.org/
http://www.afly.com/
http://www.pressmethod.com/
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/
http://www.pr9.net/
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/
http://www.pressexposure.com/
http://www.sanepr.com/
http://www.prurgent.com/
http://www.prfree.com/
http://www.freepressindex.com/
http://www.transworldnews.com/
http://www.prbuzz.com/
www.i-newswire.com
www.press-base.com

List one 2 (not free)

WEBSITE Page Rank Comments

http://www.prnewswire.com/ 8
http://www.marketwire.com/ 8 Include Video for $100
http://www.prweb.com/ 7 140$
http://www.webwire.com/ 7 5
http://www.prwebdirect.com/ 7
http://www.eworldwire.com/ 7
http://www.pr.com/promote-your-business 6
http://www.prleap.com/ 6 (49$)
http://www.pr-inside.com/ 6
http://www.pressbox.co.uk/ 6
http://www.free-news-release.com/ 6
http://www.clickpress.com/releases/ 6
http://www.free-press-release-center.info/ 6
http://www.gebbieinc.com/index.html 6
http://www.newsforce.com/ 6 $200
http://www.readmedia.com/ 6 Fee
http://www.free-press-release.com/ 5
http://www.1888pressrelease.com/ 5
http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/index.php 5
http://www.newswiretoday.com/index.php 5
http://www.theopenpress.com/ 5
http://press.arrivenet.com/ 5
http://www.expertclick.com/NewsReleaseWire/ 5 Directory of Experts
http://www.przoom.com/index.php 5
http://www.send2press.com/ 5 Fee
http://www.prfree.com/ 5
http://www.freepressreleases.co.uk/ 5
http://www.sbwire.com/ 5
http://ecommwire.com/ 5 eCommerce Related Releases
http://addpr.com/ 5
http://www.ukprwire.com/ 5
http://www.usprwire.com/ 5
http://www.pressreleasenetwork.com/index.html 5 Fee
http://www.bookcatcher.com/ 5 Serves Authors and Publishers
http://www.fastpitchnetworking.com/ 4
http://www.prlog.org/ 4
http://www.i-newswire.com/submit_free.php 4
http://www.express-press-release.com/ 4 (29$)
http://www.pressreleasespider.com/ 4 (4.95$)
http://www.malebits.com/ 4 (1$)
http://www.sanepr.com/ 4
http://www.pr9.net/ 4
http://www.prbuzz.com/ 4
http://press.xtvworld.com/ 4
http://www.pressmethod.com/ 4
http://prurgent.com/ 4
http://www.pressrelease365.com/ 4
http://www.mediasyndicate.com/index.php 4
http://www.onlinepressreleases.com/onlinepr/index.shtml 4
http://www.epressreleases.org/ 4
http://www.usanews.net/ 4
http://www.publicrelations.uk.com/ 4
http://news.eboomwebsolutions.com/addnews.php 4
http://www.targetwire.com/ 4
http://www.exactrelease.com/ 3
http://www.pressexposure.com/ 3
http://www.prnuke.com/ 3
http://www.seenation.com/ 3
http://www.newsblaster.com/ 3
http://www.myfreepr.com/ 2
http://www.thepublish.com/ 1
http://www.businessportal24.com/en 0 Languages and 22 Countries
http://pr-gb.com/ 0 Successful with Google Alerts
http://us.cision.com/ 0 Media Contact Database
http://www.press-base.com/ 0
http://www.press-world.com/ 0
http://www.pressabout.com/ 0
http://www.prwindow.com/ 0
http://www.webnewswire.com/ 0

[newbie99]

Nice thread . I didn't know you could do a press release for review blogs?

[ildarius]

Originally Posted by newbie99

Nice thread . I didn't know you could do a press release for review blogs?

lol I don't know either, hopefully someone will be able to clarify that

[newbie99]

If someone has a guide for a press release on review sites then please let us know how to do it.
Thanks

[John Hillage]

Can anyone confirm - Is it worthwhile submitting to all the free sites? Or are several much better than others - if so which ones?

Thanks
John

[rapidscc]

Wow this is turning into a great resource...

Here's my share: (similar post here in WF)

Free Press Release directories?

oMar

[Emailrevealer]

Can I recommend a fellow warrior? rob.ferrall@gmail.com
He just wrote and submitted a PR for me and it went great!

[ildarius]

still no word on review web-site press releases?

[Nightengale]

I think Dana_W offers a free directory of press release submission services, including some free ones. Do a search for her posts. She said something about it in the last couple of days.

Calling Dana! Are you out there?

Michelle

[braver55b]

Originally Posted by dsmpublishing

Hi john

I wrote a new press release tutorial a couple of days ago and you can download it for free without optin at:

www.dsm-publishing.co.uk/freegifts/pressreleaseexpert.html

Good luck with your press releases


sam
X

You consistently give away the best stuff, I love your twitter ebooks and I just grabbed this one as well.

[michellegreen]

This is just fabulous! I've just picked up a writing job and a client needs a PR done as well, so this will definitely help.

Thank you all so much.

[MichaelI]

This post is mainly for those that are still looking for press release writing tips and information on press release distribution (helpful for those starting their fall promotions and those new to press releases):

The following link will offer information on proper press release format, targeting the media, content is key, quote permissions and attribution, images in your press release along with a few more tips.

Press Release Writing Tips and Press Release Distribution - 24-7PressRelease.com

[Justin Mandel]

It's right around the corner ildarious, it looks like we are just a couple weeks away or so from updating and coming out with V1.3

Originally Posted by ildarius

still no word on review web-site press releases?

[dandimit]

How NOT to write a press release
Here are some things to watch for when writing your press release
Don't use non-ASCII characters
Watch for non-ASCII characters like the trademark, copyright and registration mark symbols as well as open and close quotes. Be sure to review your release before submission and replace these special characters with plain text equivalents e.g. (TM), (R), (C) and "
Don't use manual line breaks
Make sure that your press release hasn't been preformatted for 80 characters (or similar). Only use line breaks at the end of a paragraph.
Limit the jargon
The best way to communicate your news is to speak plainly. You may need to use some jargon or industry specific lingo, but limit it to the minimum. Industry specific terms are only understood by people in the same industry where as your press release is aimed at a general readership.
Include correct contact information
If your press release includes incorrect or incomplete contact information it will discourage the media. Be sure to include the correct information for at least one person designated to answer inquiries from journalists who have received your release.
Mixed case
Never write your press release in all UPPER CASE LETTERS. Your release will not be approved my the FPRC editors and it if did, it would be ignored by journalists.
Check your spelling
Errors in spelling and grammar will lower the credibility of your press release
No HTML
Never include HTML or other markup languages (like XHTML or XML) in your press release.

You can submit your press release for free through www.pr.com
And http://www.free-press-release-center.info
www.prlog.org
www.i-newswire.com
www.clickpress.com
www.free-press-release.com
www.express-press-release.com
www.1888pressrelease.com
www.pr9.net
www.pressbox.co.uk
www.pressmethod.com
www.pressreleasespider.com
www.malebits.com
www.prnuke.com
www.prlog.org
www.afly.com
www.press-base.com
www.pressexposure.com
www.sanepr.com
www.prurgent.com
www.prbuzz.com
www.prfree.com
www.freepressindex.com
www.transworldnews.com

[dandimit]

Some example reasons to put out a Press Releases:

1. New Team Member

2. Company Announcements

3. Team Co-Op

4. New blog
5. New product
6. When your product ties in with the news
7. New tutorial video for people to learn from.

[dandimit]

Press Release Example and Template

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

CONTACT:
Contact Person
Company Name
Voice Phone Number
FAX Number
Email Address
Website URL
XYZ, Inc. Announces Widget to Maximize Customer Response Rate

This headline is one of the most important components of the press release as this needs to "grab the attention" of the editor. (Just like any other article or blog post or video)
It should be in bold type and a font that is larger than the body text. Preferred type fonts are Arial, Times New Roman, or Verdana. Keep the headline to 80-125 characters maximum. Capitalize every word with the exception of "a", "the" "an" or any word that is three characters or less.
City, State,Date - Your first paragraph of the release should be written in a clear and concise manner. The opening sentence contains the most important information; keep it to 25 words or less. Never take for granted that the reader has read your headline. It needs contain information that will "entice" the reader. Remember, your story must be newsworthy and factual; don't make it a sales pitch or it will end up in the trash. Pretend like you are the reporter. What would an objective reporter write?
Answer the questions "who", "what", "when", "where", "why" and "how". Your text should include pertinent information about your product, service or event. If writing about a product, make sure to include details on when the product is available, where it can be purchased and the cost. If you're writing about an event, include the date, location of the event and any other pertinent information. You should include a quote from someone that is a credible source of information; include their title or position with the company, and why they are considered a credible source. Always include information on any awards they have won, articles they've published or interviews they have given.
Keep your sentences and paragraphs short; a paragraph should be no more than 3-4 sentences. Your release should be between 500 to 800 words, written in a word processing program, and spell checked for errors. Don't forget to proofread for grammatical errors. The mood of the release should be factual, not hyped; don't use a sales pitch as it will ruin your credibility with the reader.
The last paragraph before the company information should read: For additional information on (put in the subject of this release), contact "name" or visit now loading. If you offer a sample, copy or demo, put the information in here. You can also include details on product availability, trademark acknowledgment, etc. in this area of the release.
ABOUT (COMPANY) - Include a brief description of your company along with the products and services it provides.
- END -
At the end of the release, you need to indicate that the release is ended. This lets the journalists know they have received the entire release. Type "End" on the first line after your text is completed. If your release goes over one page, type "MORE" at the bottom of the first page

[katiec]

Googling helps everything. I did find a good template here:

Press Release -- How to Write a Press Release, Press Releases, Sample Press Release Template