Get More Attention for Your Business by Hiring a Press Release Writer

When something huge happens in your life, how do you announce it to people you know? Chances are, you’ll post about it on Facebook or Twitter and wait for a wave of likes and comments or replies. If your business is launching a new product or rebrand, however, a mere post won’t cut. If you want a stronger impact, it’s best to get help from a press release writer. 

According to a survey, 100% of surveyed journalists said news releases were their number one way of finding stories. This number goes to show that, old-school as it may be, it’s still a great tool if you need your story to reach far and wide. 

In this article, we’ll discuss how a press release writer can turn the spotlight on your business. We’ll also delve into the basics of crafting a news release and common mistakes non-professional writers make. So read on as we spill the beans on how a press statement can help you grow your brand.

What is a Press Release?

A press release is basically an official statement that organizations create and distribute to members of the press. Also called a news release, a press statement, or a video release (if in the form of an audio-visual material), it’s typically prepared by the public relations arm of a company.

Though some people think that press statements are only for bigwigs and magnates, it’s a tool for everyone, even small businesses. The process usually goes like this:

• Production. Your writer creates a news release about the matter you’re launching.
• Press release distribution. The organization sends it to various media platforms, which may include print (newspapers and magazines), broadcast (radio and TV), or new media (magazine and news websites, podcasters, bloggers, vloggers, social media influencers, etc.).
• Gatekeeping. The media outfits’ editors or journalism “gatekeepers” goes through the press releases they’ve received. They pick out those they think will be relevant to their target audience.
• Publication. Platforms that find your release relevant runs the story. While some outfits might publish a part of the release as is, most platforms rewrite and angle the story to fit their audience’s taste better.

So, how do you know if something in your business is a good material for a news release? There’s a simple metric, and it comes in the form of a question. Is it newsworthy?

Take in mind that what might be newsworthy to a certain niche might not be so for another. For instance, launching a new line of neon lip colors might sound interesting for a teen blog. However, magazines that target Gen X moms might not find it helpful to their audience. 

That said, it’s crucial to look at media platforms’ audiences before you consider them for distribution.

DIY Press Release and Common Mistakes 

Startups with no in-house writers might decide to craft a news release by themselves. Some might be content with sample press release template documents online. While others may find press release generator apps adequate.

However, these generic templates and formats may not be ideal. For one, being too generic means not creating a strong document. As a result, it might not convince media outfits that it’s worthy of publication.

Press Release Common Mistakes

Here are some mistakes newbies commit when writing a press release:

• Wrong Point of View. If you’re writing the press release using the pronounces we, us, or you, then you’ve already lost the game. Just like any other news piece, a press statement must use a third-person point of view. The only exception is, of course, when you include direct quotations.
• Burying the Lead. This journalistic idiom pertains to starting the piece with info that is of less importance. As a result, the most crucial info is “hidden” somewhere in the middle and isn’t given enough emphasis.
• Sounding Like an Advertiser. Yes, marketing is why you’re sending out a press release in the first place. However, the piece itself shouldn’t sound more like a news article and less like an advertising copywriting material. 

If you aren’t confident that you won’t commit the mistakes above, then don’t do it yourself. Get a writer for hire to be on the safe side.

How a Press Release Writer Gets More Attention For Your Business

Professional writers have enough skills in news and marketing writing, which could be both helpful in creating press releases. 

Here are some of the benefits of turning to a pro when creating a news release:

• Optimized Headline. The headline is the first thing the editor reads. So, you should craft this part to stand out from the rest, even at a single glance. However, it doesn’t mean that you’ll need to deceive readers just to get their attention. 
• Proper Structure. A pro writer is savvy when it comes to a news release’s required parts. Though many newbies might already be familiar with headlines, lead, and body, there are other components needed, such as the release date, boilerplate, and call-to-action.
• Knowledge of the Media Industry. Writing pros know how to craft the document to appeal to a certain market. For instance, writing for the audience of Entertainment Weekly can be so different from writing for Vanity Fair. That said, a writer will tailor-fit the release to make it newsworthy to the audience of the media outfit you’re sending it to.
• Higher Chances of Getting Published. An amateur-looking press release will have little to no chances of getting published. After all, reputable media platforms won’t run a sloppy piece. So, excellent writing skills and proper format will up the chances of having the press statement carried by your preferred channels.

It goes without saying that a news release is a tried-and-tested tool in getting people to notice your brand. You can think of it as an amplifier that enables your brand to reach far beyond your typical audience. So, the next time you need to announce something about your brand, try getting help from professional content writers online. The publicity boost for your brand will surely be worth it.