How to get the best out of your Press Release?

We have recently sent out our press releases for our Christmas Fayre. We have had great feedback and here is how...

• Include photos. Place the photos at the top of the press release to give the reader an insight as to what the press release is about.
• State important information first. The Date, Time, Audience and Purpose is the first point of sale. The reader needs to know if they can attend the event and if it is of interest to them before they begin to read on.
• Make the content enjoyable. Open your paragraph with the reason for the event and what you hope to gain from the event. For example:

"Adventurous company Experience the Country hosted a handmade and vintage fair in September. They raised £243.00 for Cancer Research! The great success made Experience the Country keen to organise their next charitable event."

1. We have introduced our company. 2. We related to our handmade and vintage fair in September for readers who might remember. 3. We have mentioned we raised money for Cancer Research and 4. We are 'keen' to organise our Christmas event.

• Allow the reader to know when they have reached the end. We use '###' when it is the end of the press release so editors know the next part is for their information only.
• Always include a 'Notes to Editors' section.This section is a great excuse to elaborate on your company, and include any costings of the event, as well as contact details.
• Find your contacts.  Google any local newspapers and in surrounding areas, and phone them to find out the relevant number AND email address for the editor. 
• Use social media. Twitter is a great way to remind/ communicate with your contacts.

To see our latest press release click here

Follow us on Twitter to see who we are tweeting our press release too.

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(Gemma Burnikell)