HOW TO WRITE A PRESS RELEASE IN 6 EASY STEPS.

Summary

In this comprehensive guide to writing press releases, the expert shares a six-point framework (Who, What, When, Why, Where, How) to help businesses craft clear, concise, and effective releases. Emphasizing brevity, clarity, and professional tone, the video covers essential tips like creating catchy headlines, avoiding flowery language and puns, and proofreading. Viewers are encouraged to practice, learn from mistakes, and leverage additional resources like a downloadable cheat sheet. The expert also hints at an upcoming workshop for deeper insights, motivating businesses to take charge of their press release writing with confidence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on the 6-point framework: Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How to ensure clarity in your press release.
• 😀 Keep your press release concise—one page max. Avoid unnecessary details and long-winded sentences.
• 😀 Write in the third person, even if the press release is about your business or service.
• 😀 Your headline is crucial. Make it catchy, concise, and engaging to grab the reader's attention.
• 😀 In the first paragraph, get straight to the point. Include all key details upfront to avoid losing the reader’s interest.
• 😀 Avoid using excessive exclamation marks, puns, and clichés. They can make your press release sound unprofessional.
• 😀 Proofread carefully for spelling and grammar errors. A press release with mistakes can damage your brand’s reputation.
• 😀 Always include important details at the end, such as price, stockists, launch date, and contact information.
• 😀 Use relevant statistics or data to support your story, but ensure they are accurate and from reliable sources.
• 😀 Practice writing press releases. Don’t expect perfection right away, but use the 6-point framework as a guide to improve over time.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a press release?

The main purpose of a press release is to inform journalists, influencers, or the media about news related to your business or brand. It serves as a way to get coverage for your product, service, or event in newspapers, magazines, or on social media.

What are the key elements in a press release framework?

The key elements of a press release framework are the six 'W's: Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How. These elements ensure that all important details about the news story are clearly communicated to the audience.

Why is the 'Why' element so important in a press release?

The 'Why' element is crucial because it connects emotionally with the audience. It explains why the news matters, why people should care, and why the product or service stands out, creating a sense of relevance and urgency.

What should the first paragraph of a press release accomplish?

The first paragraph should immediately answer the 'what' and 'why' of the press release. It needs to capture the journalist's attention and clearly present the key points, so the reader understands the story right away.

How long should a press release be?

A press release should be kept to one page, or roughly 400-500 words. It should be concise, avoiding unnecessary details while still providing all relevant information.

What is the best way to write a headline for a press release?

The headline should be catchy, concise, and intriguing. It must grab attention and make the reader want to open the press release. It's recommended to write the body of the press release first, then come back to craft a headline that sums up the story effectively.

What should be avoided when writing a press release?

Avoid using exclamation marks, puns, clichés, flowery language, and redundant adjectives. These can make the press release seem unprofessional and unoriginal. Stick to clear, direct language that gets straight to the point.

How can you make a press release stand out?

To make a press release stand out, include relevant statistics or data that support your story. Make sure the data is sourced accurately, and also ensure your writing is clean, without unnecessary fluff, to maintain the reader's attention.

Why is it important to check the grammar and spelling in a press release?

Poor grammar and spelling reflect negatively on your brand. They show a lack of attention to detail and can cause journalists to dismiss your press release as unprofessional, reducing the chance of coverage.

What additional information should be included at the end of a press release?

At the end of the press release, include all relevant details like pricing, where the product can be found, the product size, launch date, website, and social media links. Also, provide contact information for further inquiries.