Press releases and how to write them

A press release can be a powerful tool for your business, organization or event. It can catch your customers’ interest, and garner more notice from journalists and others in the media. The key is to keep it simple and attention grabbing. 

Focus on these key points when you craft your press release:

• 1.     Power words and accuracy in your headline or title help grab attention. In simple terms this means make it catchy and make it about what's happening. Use persuasive language and adjectives. For example, if you were writing a headline about a carwash for your junior sports organisation, you could go for something like 'Keen car cleaning teens to raise basketball funds'  
• 2.     To keep attention, ensure your first paragraph is interesting and holds the key information. Use an active voice when you write and make it short and sweet.
• 3.     Back up your argument, interesting angle or focus with statistics, hard facts and evidence. Make it compelling. For example, 'Last year the group raised over $400 and used these funds for new uniforms. They plan to use money raised this year for state of the art fitness equipment, and their aim is to raise $600.'
• 4.     Use quotes. Authentic information from someone close to the action can help give your press release life. For example, 'Teen basketballer Joe Bloggs said, 'We love doing the carwash each year and the local community has been fantastic at supporting us.'
• 5.     Keep it short. One page maximum.
• 6.     Ensure that your readers can find more information – include your contact details, a website, and other relevant items.

For more help and information on crafting a great press release, contact belynda.smith@gmail.com at Shine Writing, we’d love to help!