Formula For Writing An Interesting Press Release

1. Write descriptive headlines that explain why the story is interesting. If you can't...it isn't! So don't put out a press release.  Make it something you would read if you didn’t know you!
2. Keep it short and factual. 250 words should be the limit.
3. If you have it, include a link to a website that gives more detailed information.
4. Make the first sentence an attention grabber.  The purpose of the first sentence is only to make them keep reading.
5. Always include contact details. Many don't.  How will they find you?
6. If you quote anyone, pick a good quote. Better yet, talk to them yourself and quote right from the horses’ mouth! Customers and independent experts are more interesting that company statistics.
7. Try writing a letter to your grandmother explaining what you want her to know.  That can be your opening paragraph.
8. Stories are interesting too, as a way to grab attention. Remember to answer the questions what, who, where, when, how and why.
9. Try a new medium such as blogs. You can submit them to free press sites online such as www.prweb.com . If nothing else it will give you a break from the tired old press release template.
10. Create press releases at least once a month so you keep your name and company name out there in the media.  It can be a new employee, an award, a volunteer program that your company has adopted…anything. Just make it interesting!
11. Be SURE to write --for immediate release-- at the top if it's a press release versus an article so that publishers know if this is immediate news.   Articles, on the other hand, should be submitted with a note as to why this article might be of interest to their readers.  Does it appeal to a certain sector, geographic region or type of person?   A suggestion that helps the editor determine where it might fit can go a long way in helping you to get published!