April 10, 2008
Three Thoughts on Why Press Releases Rock
Last week, I passed on a Training Center Update that let you know that several press release tutorials had been added. It seems you hear a lot about writing press releases and how it’s a great way to get exposure for your business, but WHY?
Here are just three little thoughts why:
1. Exposure You Receive is Essentially an Endorsement for Your Business: You can buy all the ads you want and run successful campaigns, but when the media features or talks about your business it’s just like a real-live endorsement…and it’s free. Ads are looked upon with suspicion, but interestingly enough, generally people more willingly accept a message coming directly from the media.
2. Link Building: Aside from exposure, a well-crafted campaign also becomes a link building campaign. With online newswires, targeted websites that accept press releases and big online media outlets that might write about your website…there are many, many opportunities to build some serious links.
3. Coverage Leads to More Coverage: As your media exposure grows online and offline, it often leads to even more exposure. Your experience with the media makes you more attractive as an interview prospect. In addition, reporters conduct online research and if they see your name, they may just approach you all on their own (it’s really cool when this happens and how I ended up in this CNN article).
But what if you’re stumped or just don’t want to write your own releases? Hey, that’s understandable and you have plenty of options. You can hire a pricey press release writer or you can simply get a headstart with our press release template packs.
These packs were put together by Shannon Cherry, a PR specialist with over 15 years media experience…so you know they’re good stuff.
To make it even easier for you to get started, here’s a little Sweetie Perk. Enter coupon code: A40CE on the order page and you’ll receive 40% off as many press release packs you want to buy.
Coupon valid until: April 16, 2008.
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would like to talk to alice about my bootcamp account
Hi Susanne, you can reach us at http://www.internetbasedsupport.com or simply log into the Bootcamp account. We’re here for you.
Alice,
Thanks for the great tips on press releases. They are powerful and have worked for me in the past. I think it’s time to start another PR campaign.
Sounds good, Lisa…it’s time!
I’m impressed Alice! Congratulations on the CNN article. You are such an inspiration to so many work at home and stay at home moms like myself. I will keep working to become like you
Here’s my latest press release, let me know what you think.
http://www.sanepr.com/Live-Support-Show-and-Social-Network-Offers-Moms-Expert-Advice-Support-and-Friendship_37224.cfm
Thanks Patty. I really appreciate your kind words.
If you’d like constructive feedback on the press release, here’s a few thoughts:
- Personally, I’d try for a shorter headline. You chose words like “Live Support Show & Social Network” to describe yourself, but to a lot of mainstream media that reaches moms, that isn’t very meaningful. I’d try to think of a concise way to describe yourself that will be understood by everyone.
- Try having a summary. To me, it doesn’t look there is one. The first paragraph seems more like a laundry list, rather than a concise summary of the whole release.
- The release also uses a lot of terminology, while becoming more mainstream, won’t necessarily be understood by all of your target. Ex. blogs, forums, etc. Simplify it.
- Remove the exclamation points from your quotes. They add hype.
- The mention of your other two websites probably isn’t relevant. You can discuss your background, but throwing in more URLs might detract from your message.
- The call to action at the end is pretty good, but you may create confusion by saying to go to a different website and sign up for an ezine that doesn’t even mention Mamas Time Out in the sign up. You’re offering a free gift to building a relationship with your daughter and that might really throw people off. Make a new sign up on the mamstimeout.com domain and keep your traffic going there.
Just a few things…hope that’s what you were looking for in terms of feedback.
Thanks for the constructive feedback Alice!
I will work to improve and make changes for the next time I prepare a press release. I am already thinking of a few ways to change it for the future. I will take note of your suggestions!
Thanks again for your time.
I did a Google search on Press Releases and found your site. What a great wealth of information. Very impressive! Wish I had found this site yesterday - LOL! I will definitely have to check out all your products.
Thanks for sharing your expertise with us!
Hi Leslie…nice to meet you. Glad to be of service!