press release examples, how to format a press release and all the help you need from Pressbox.
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press release examples, how to format a press release and all the help you need from Pressbox.

Pressbox: press release writing

Writing the Press Release

1. Collate and Organise Your Facts. A simple rule is to find answers to questions pertaining to the who, what, when, where, why or also known has 5 Ws of the event, don't forget 'how' either. Put a date on the release and remember, yesterday's news isn't going to go far.

2. Identify Your Story's Angle. A good story angle must have the following three attributes: · It must be the most important fact in your story. · It must be timely. · It must be unique, newsworthy or contrary to industry norms and trends. This story angle must be presented in the first paragraph as well as the headline of your press release.

3. Create a Catchy Headline. Keep the headline short and simple using less than ten words. It should convey the key point raised in the opening paragraph in a light-hearted manner that catches imagination and there attention. For example: Headline: Press Box Launches Press Release Posting Service. If the release is for immediate release, then say so and make this clear i.e. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. Opening Paragraph: Which then should be followed by details of the story.

4. Writing in Third-Person Voice. A press release must be presented objectively from a third person point of view. Some of the guidelines are listed below: · refrain from using any sales pitch in your press release. · remove "you", "I", "we" and "us" and replace them with "he" and "they". · provide references to any statistics, facts and figures raised in the press release. · refrain from expressing personal opinions, unless they are done in quotes. · draw conclusions from facts and statistics only - not general opinion.

5. Provide "Quotes" From the Newsmakers. Put the most important message down into a quote. Journalists always use quotes from the newsmakers to add an authoritative voice to their reports. If the press release contains quotes that are important and relevant to the story, chances are high that they will be replicated in full in the published article.

6. Provide Additional Background Information. End the press release with an appendix that provides brief background information on the company, newsmakers, as well as who to contact for further information. Summary: The above writing tips are not meant to be an exhaustive guide to writing a good press release. But, it should help you get started on writing a press release yourself. Remember that practice makes perfect and the best way to learn how to write an effective press release, is to observe how business news is reported in the business section of newspapers.


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