What does a press release need to include to be successful? Well, for me, if you can take these five simple points into account, then you will give yourself a better chance of a journalist publishing your story. Make sure it’s a good story – and not a puff piece. Stories which blatantly aim to […]
Writing effective press releases: what’s the story?
What do you do, if you’re doing all the right things to get coverage – targeting the right newspapers and media outlets, coming up with interesting stories, not bombarding editors with press releases – and the journalists are still not interested? That was the dilemma facing a marketing and PR consultant who recently came to me for […]
Tweet tweet: round up of our PR tips
Welcome to our weekly round up of the PR tips we post daily on Twitter. This week, we’re concentrating on how to make a good impression if you want to increase the coverage you get in the media. 1. Some news stories, like big orders and new premises will normally only be interest the trade […]
Press Release Masterclasses: the challenge and the opportunity!
Let me present you with a challenge: To find effective ways to develop and promote stories in the media about the following businesses: a health products website, an outsourcing sales company, a Harley Street fertility clinic, a parenting coach, an organisation setting standards for vocational qualifications, and a support programme aimed at helping young people fulfill their […]
How to lay out a press release
At the press release masterclass I ran last week, we looked a large number of press releases – good and bad. One thing was abundantly clear. It is not just the content that is important in how successful it is. The way a press release is laid out has a real bearing on how likely […]
Focus on Press Release Masterclasses
A few facts for you: a recent survey of 200 journalists, conducted by PWR New Media, found that: 87% of journalists want their press releases by email 79% said they were more likely to cover a story if the press release was sent with high resolution images 91% of journalists said that having easy access to relevant background, biographies, […]
The problems of gaining media coverage
Just how difficult is it for a new company to get coverage in the media? We’re delighted that Anna Mason, who set up Distance Dieters three years ago, has agreed to share her experiences of trying to interest newspapers in stories about her new business – and to provide some handy tips and hints! Just over […]
An essential check-list for press releases
Current thinking among members of the ‘PR-ati’ seems to be that the trusty old press release is in need of a re-brand, but the fact remains that it’s still a vital tool for PRs and businesses trying to get news out. During my years working on newsdesks I rejected thousands press releases after a cursory scan of […]
Is the press release dead?
There’s been a lot of discussion among PRs recently on Twitter and in blogs about whether the press release is dead. With so many new means of communication, issuing a press release could make your organisation seem a tad old fashioned – nowadays the word is it’s basically redundant. However, I’m not convinced. Working last week with a client […]
Why didn't the editor run my story? Here's a clue!
Work for any newspaper, magazine or broadcaster and you soon realise how desperate businesses and organisations are to get their opinions and news covered by the media. The media is overwhelmed with emails, press releases and phone calls. But every day, hundreds end up deleted or in the bin– a wasted opportunity, and a complete […]
Stay in touch: social media