Some people say the press release is dead, but we beg to differ.
When properly written, the press release can be a successful tool to convey news. Conversely, a poorly written press release is cringe-inducing and inevitably lands in the trash bin.
So in this article we present you with the anatomy of a press release – because we want you to succeed and we want to keep journalists happy!
1) First things first – make sure what you’re announcing is actually NEWSWORTHY. What constitutes something newsworthy? Something that hasn’t been previously announced; an event that you’re holding with benefit to the community; a company appointment; etc. Just remember the word “new” in newsworthy.
2) Unless you’re putting an embargo on your release (embargo means you’re asking the journalist to withhold from publishing the release until the date you specify), all press releases start with the words “For Immediate Release” on the top left-hand corner of the document.
3) An image always catches the eye, so be sure to include your logo or letterhead next in the top center of your release.
4) Now that you’ve got your news, spruce it up. Seriously, get creative and come up with a catchy headline. Here’s an example:
For Immediate Release
[LOGO HERE]
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
4) Next up is the subhead. This is your opportunity to further lure journalists into reading your news release. It goes directly underneath the headline and is usually written in italics. Here’s an example:
For Immediate Release
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
5) After that comes the dateline. This includes the date of distribution and the city of origin. Since this news originated in Needham on April 26, it would look something like this:
For Immediate Release
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
NEEDHAM, Mass. (April 26, 2016) –
6) After the dateline comes the body of the e-mail. The first paragraph is of great importance, and should convey the who, what, when, where and why of your release. Let’s take a look at example below:
For Immediate Release
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
NEEDHAM, Mass. (April 26, 2016) – The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) announces its all-new online store featuring stylish merchandise designed by WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore. Go to thewimn.com/shop to visit now.
7) In the body of the press release, you’ll also want to include a quote from someone relevant. In this example, a quote from Laura Whitmore would make the most sense.
8) At the end of the body, you’ll want to include a call to action telling the reader what to do. For example: To learn more information, visit www.thewimn.com.
9) To conclude your press release, include three pound symbols in the center # # # . This tells the editor there is no more content. Take a look below:
For Immediate Release
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
NEEDHAM, Mass. (April 26, 2016) – The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) announces its all-new online store featuring stylish merchandise designed by WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore. Go to thewimn.com/shop to visit now.
“What I had in mind when designing the gear was to appeal to both men and women with empowering imagery that inspires unity and rock ‘n’ roll,” said Whitmore. “Every time someone makes a purchase at the WiMN store, not only are they getting cool swag, they’re also supporting causes that help promote women in music.”
The WiMN hosts events, clinics and workshops such as the Women’s Music Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases, and the She Rocks Awards, all which bring together music professionals and provide a platform for women in music to be showcased. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing.
Featuring everything from totes, to mugs and tops, the WiMN’s online store offers something for everyone, including women, men and even babies, and has gear perfect for Mother’s Day, special occasions, or just because gifts. The designs bear the words She Rocks, making an empowering statement and also making reference to the WiMN’s flagship event, the She Rocks Awards, which honor women in music every year at the NAMM show in Anaheim, Calif., since 2012.
Learn more at thewimn.com, and visit http://www.thewimn.com/shop/ to view the online store and make a purchase.
# # #
9) After your pound symbols, you’ll want to include a boilerplate. A boilerplate is a brief paragraph explaining more about yourself or your company.
10) You’ll want to make sure you include pictures in the body of the e-mail that are also made available for download through an easy-to-use site like Dropbox. If you want bonus points, include, video, too!
11) Lastly, you’ll want to include your contact information so the reporter can get back to you if he/she is interested. This can go on the top left-hand corner of your release under “For Immediate Release,” or at the very bottom. It should include your full name, your company name, e-mail and phone number. See a full release example below:
For Immediate Release
The Women’s International Music Network Launches Online Swag Store
Proceeds from the shop benefit causes supporting women in music
Download high resolution images here
NEEDHAM, Mass. (April 26, 2016) – The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) announces its all-new online store featuring stylish merchandise designed by WiMN Founder, Laura B. Whitmore. Go to thewimn.com/shop to visit now.
“What I had in mind when designing the gear was to appeal to both men and women with empowering imagery that inspires unity and rock ‘n’ roll,” said Whitmore. “Every time someone makes a purchase at the WiMN store, not only are they getting cool swag, they’re also supporting causes that help promote women in music.”
The WiMN hosts events, clinics and workshops such as the Women’s Music Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases, and the She Rocks Awards, all which bring together music professionals and provide a platform for women in music to be showcased. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing.
Featuring everything from totes, to mugs and tops, the WiMN’s online store offers something for everyone, including women, men and even babies, and has gear perfect for Mother’s Day, special occasions, or just because gifts. The designs bear the words She Rocks, making an empowering statement and also making reference to the WiMN’s flagship event, the She Rocks Awards, which honor women in music every year at the NAMM show in Anaheim, Calif., since 2012.
Learn more at thewimn.com, and visit http://www.thewimn.com/shop/ to view the online store and make a purchase.
# # #
About The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN)
Founded in 2012, the Women’s International Music Network unites women who work within all facets of the music and audio industries. With theWiMN.com as its hub, the WiMN provides a community for women within the industry while enriching their careers and musical experiences through networking and sharing. The Women’s International Music Network produces events such as the Women’s Music Summit, the WiMN She Rocks Showcases, and the She Rocks Awards, and is founded by music industry veteran Laura B. Whitmore. For more information, visit www.TheWiMN.com.
For more information, contact:
Pauline France
Mad Sun Marketing
pauline@mad-sun.com
And bingo… you’re all set.
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