I once worked with a man who, over thirty-five years, had built up an impressive resume as a press release writer. He’d written thousands of them over that time and was known for his ability to get press coverage for his clients.
But what made him special was his willingness to share everything he knew about writing effective press releases with others.
He would frequently explain how he did it in detail and offer tips on how others could do the same thing.
However, there was one question he wouldn’t answer: “What makes for a successful press release?” It’s hard to believe that someone so prolific in writing them couldn’t tell us what makes one good enough to be picked up by reporters or editors at major news outlets – especially since they were paid by the number of articles each one generated!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Learn how to elevate your press release writing skills. |
| 2. Gain insights on creating press releases that stand out. |
| 3. Discover strategies for attracting media coverage. |
| 4. Understand the secrets to writing attention-grabbing content. |
| 5. Enhance your ability to communicate effectively through PR. |
Be A Name-Dropper
In the world of press releases, name-dropping is an easy way to get attention. You’ve probably seen this tactic in action at least once: a business owner or CEO refers to another high-profile person or organization, and suddenly everyone is paying attention to what he or she has to say.
It’s the same idea here if you can mention someone famous for their influence over the subject matter at hand (like a politician or celebrity), then it’ll be easier for readers to connect with your press release.
That said, name-dropping isn’t just about getting noticed; it also makes you look more important and knowledgeable than you may be! So how do we go about doing that?
Crafting a compelling press release that captures attention doesn’t have to take hours. Our guide on how to write a perfect press release in just minutes provides efficient techniques for making your news stand out.
Be A Myth-Maker
If you want to be a press release writer, you will have to learn how to make up stories. This is an essential part of the job and one that many people struggle with. If you are not a good liar or storyteller, then this career may not be for you.
The first step in making up stories is figuring out what kind of story you should make up. There are two main types:
The first type is the “too good to be true” story; this type of story involves telling people things they want to hear, but which they know can’t possibly be true (like when someone says they won the lottery).
The second type is the “too bad to be true” story; this type involves telling people things that sound believable and might even happen but are so bad that no one would ever want them to occur (like if someone tells their boss something about themselves that will get them fired).
Be An Extrovert, Even If You’re An Introvert
As I’m sure you already know, being a successful writer means you have to be an extrovert. You can’t be a lone wolf or someone who works best in solitude; if that were the case, being an accountant might suit you better. To be a good writer and get ahead in this industry, you need to be able to talk to people and make them feel at ease around you.
You also need to listen well and not just hear what people are saying but understand what they mean by it (their tone of voice). And when writing the press release itself, try not only describing your product but explaining why it will appeal to readers and solve their problems while staying within their budget range!
You should also always act positive and enthusiastic even if something bad happens (like getting rejected by another client).
Showing confidence is important because people want someone who can stand up for themselves without backing down from any challenge thrown their way! This is especially true when pitching ideas or proposals that may seem crazy at first glance but make sense once explained properly…
Want your press releases to resonate and attract media coverage? Discover the secrets to crafting epic press releases that get you media coverage, and learn how to make your announcements newsworthy.
Be A Celebrity Spokesperson
A good press release is a little like a good book. It’s got a beginning, middle, and end. You want to start with an attention-grabbing hook that leads into the body of your release (the meat of the story). Then at the end, you’ve got a call to action something that tells people what to do next.
In between these two parts is where most writers make their mistakes: they forget about the middle! And yet this is where most of your story lives your characters’ motivations and actions in one scene leading into another until we get to an eventual climax or conclusion.
In other words: don’t be afraid to be a name-dropper; don’t be afraid to be a mythmaker; don’t be afraid to be an extrovert even if you’re an introvert; don’t be afraid (okay this one doesn’t count)
Be A Top-Of-Mind Marketer
If you’re in the business of helping people, then being top-of-mind is important. If your clients don’t know what you can do for them, why would they come to you?
You know how it works: You hire a plumber because your toilet overflowed and flooded your basement; if another plumber had been available nearby, chances are that you would have gone with them instead (or at least given them a shot).
To be top-of-mind as a marketer and writer mean making sure that people know who you are and what you do and that they like what they see. And while this may sound simple enough on its face (and with practice), there’s much more that goes into being top-of-mind than just showing up at every event under the sun.
Be Someone With A Story To Tell
It’s impossible to be a good storyteller without being interesting. And the best way to be interesting is by being memorable, which requires you to think about how your audience will perceive you.
People are more likely to remember someone who stands out in some way, whether it’s because they have a unique style or walk around with a giant purple boa constrictor wrapped around their neck. Why? Because these things are weird and attention-grabbing, people notice them before anything else (which is why I always wear bright colors).
But don’t worry if you don’t have any crazy accessories; there’s still plenty of stuff that’ll make others view you as “other.” You could put on an accent (like Sean Connery did), dye your hair blue and pink like David Bowie in the 1970s, or proclaim yourself king of the world I mean…the press release writer world!
Benefit from the insights of an experienced press release writer. Our article on lessons from an experienced press release writer shares practical advice and strategies for improving your press release skills.
Be Where The Media Goes For Stories
The first step in being a successful press release writer is to be where the media goes for stories. This means you need to know about news as soon as it happens, and that your phone needs to be on 24/7. You also need to make sure you know what’s hot in all different industries so that you can pitch your client’s products or services as soon as they become relevant.
In other words: if something big happens in any industry and no one has written a press release yet (or even pitched their client), then you need to write one quickly so that the media picks up your story instead of someone else’s.
Be The Person Who’s Being Interviewed About The Latest News Or Trends In Your Industry
The best thing about being the person who’s being interviewed is that you’re going to be the one with all of the knowledge. And when it comes to writing a press release, which is just a summary of what’s happened in your industry lately, that can be a huge advantage.
You already know what’s going on and why it matters. That means you’ll have plenty of material for your press release. But if you don’t know much about the news or trends in your industry? Well then, this guide isn’t for you! Get out here!
Be On Top Of Every Trend And Development In Your Business Or Industry
When deciding what to write about, you need to be on top of every trend and development in your business or industry. You should know when the latest news is being announced, and how it will affect your industry.
To do this, you need to keep an eye on the news – both online and offline – as well as read up on any recent reports.
You can also get involved with trade associations that cover your field of expertise so that they provide you with regular updates on new developments within the industry (and they’ll probably give you press releases).
Be Involved In Nonprofit Work
Being involved in nonprofit work is a great way to get your name out there and build your connections. Being involved with a cause or charity will also benefit you in many ways:
- You’ll learn more about the industry and gain valuable knowledge as an expert.
- You’ll get to know people who are passionate about the same things that you are, which can help you find new opportunities through networking events.
- If you run into trouble on any projects, others will be willing to help out if they see how much time went into it and how much passion went into creating something positive for society.
Unlock the potential of your press releases and gain valuable press coverage. Learn how to effectively get press coverage with a press release by leveraging your storytelling and news angles.
You Don’t Need To Be Perfect — Just The Best One
The key to success is to be the best at something.
You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to be better than everyone else at one thing or another. You can’t be the best in every area of your life, but you should aim for being the best in at least one area of your life.
If you’re a great writer and editor, but not so good at marketing and sales then focus on writing and editing first! Focus on becoming an amazing writer that creates amazing content for their clients before worrying about how they will get clients or how they will market themselves as a writer.
Looking for comprehensive guidance on creating a press release that grabs attention? Dive into our ultimate guide to writing a killer press release to enhance your writing skills and make your news shine.
Conclusion
Be the person who’s being interviewed about the latest news or trends in your industry. Be on top of every trend and development in your business or industry, be involved in nonprofit work – whatever it takes to keep you at the top of people’s minds when they think of your industry. Use these tips from this blog post as a guide to get started!
Further Reading
Writing a Press Release: Discover effective techniques for crafting attention-grabbing press releases that capture media and audience interest.
Book Press Release Guide: Learn how to create a compelling press release specifically tailored for promoting your book and gaining media coverage.
How to Write a Press Release Guide: Explore a comprehensive guide on writing press releases, covering key elements, best practices, and tips for success.
FAQs
How do I write a press release that gets noticed?
Crafting a press release that grabs attention involves focusing on a strong headline, clear messaging, and a compelling story angle that resonates with your target audience.
What should I include in a book press release?
When writing a press release for a book, make sure to highlight the book’s unique selling points, author background, key plot details, and endorsements to create a captivating narrative.
What are the essential components of a well-written press release?
A well-structured press release should include a headline, subheadline, dateline, introductory paragraph, body with key details, quotes, contact information, and a boilerplate about your company or project.
How can I make my press release stand out in a crowded market?
To stand out, focus on a newsworthy angle, a unique perspective, and tailor your press release to the interests of your target audience and the media outlets you’re targeting.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when writing a press release?
Avoid using jargon, making the press release too lengthy, and neglecting to proofread. Ensure your press release is concise, accurate, and engaging to increase its chances of being picked up.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.