People usually thing of a press release as a bland announcement sent out to newspapers. Some people think it's simply a communication tool that is designed to hype things and consider it a mere formality. What a press release can do is boost traffic, create backlinks and get new customers if it's correctly handled.

The Basics of Writing an Effective Press Release

1. Always remember that a press release is not a sales letter. It is, however, an announcement about the introduction of a new product or service. If you don't have a new product or service, you might want to hold up writing a press release.

2. A good press release doles out valuable information about a product, service, offer or organization. There should be no hype in a press release.

3. The headline is the hook of a press release. Without a good headline, a press release can have great content and be overlooked. There must be an element of drama created in the first paragraph that will cause the person reading to want to read the second paragraph. It must include the what, why, when, where and who in the first paragraph of the press release.

4. The content of the press release must always be newsworthy. This is because it can be picked up even by national media and become a part of a bigger story.

5. The press release must be interesting to read. While it is true that you'd like to glorify your product, it is also true that the reader wants to feast his eyes on worthy content - so, always think like a reader when you draft your press release.

6. Avoid all cliched statements.

7. Avoid stale headlines such as "New Website Offers 10% Off"; instead work around the forte and USP of your product/service and hammer that message in.

8. A good press release explains how a product or a service satisfies a need, and then backs it up with testimonials.

9. A press release must be factual - no more, no less - all fluff and exaggerated blah blah must be completely avoided. Your press release must read true.

10. Use dynamic, peppy language, but don't use slang. The press release must be written in an active voice.

11. Don't make your press release too verbose, just KISS (Keep It Simple & Savvy).

12. Don't use upper case letters and follow the rules of grammar.

13. When writing your press release, keep in mind that you will need to summarize it. All PR websites publish press releases in total, but for their listings use your summary. Be very clear in the summary and push benefits for reading further.

14. Write a strong resource box that talks about your services and website with a link back to an interesting article on your website.

While this only scratches the surface of the press release iceberg, if you follow them, you will have a very good press release that's ready for publication. Good luck.

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