Hey $#% Copywriter,
How the hell do I write a press release?
-Fred K., Boise
Hey there, Fred. Writing a press release totally isn’t hard. Feel better? I do! Now that we’ve taken press releases down a notch’er two, let’s get down to it. Press releases are free ad space, free exposure, and often, free SEO. Make the media do your marketing for you! Just do it right. Writing a press release is about two things: 1) facts and 2) making the life of the publisher as easy as possible. We’re talking mints on the pillow. After all, a journalist who receives a well-written press release just had their job done for them. They get your press release and, bam! Time for a smoke. Yes, they should actually want to take up smoking after reading your press release, it should be that meaty and satisfying.
OK, first, facts: the cold, hard ones. A good rule of thumb is to stick to cause and effect, action and reaction. Let’s say your company, Screwmasters General, is making a new screwdriver with an ergonomic grip. To spread the word, use short, brisk sentences that tell the truth, the whole truth—and maybe just a few additional things. But overall, be ruthless. (more…)
