Packing a punch with the pen takes a fair amount of style –and smarts –to do so. A press-release will either spark a potential customer’s interest or, leave them wanting. You don’t want the latter; you might just lose that customer altogether! Here are a few tips that will get you started in casting that net over your target market and pulling them in for a rewarding ride.
Create a newsworthy topic. Face it –the news is quickly discarded. Something that is nearer to us has more significance and this does not entirely mean geographical distance. This can mean timing: consumers are hungry for the latest updates. Readers also look for something that hits close to the heart and concerns them in an immediate basis. Know exactly who it is you’re talking to, why you are talking to them, and then appeal to them accordingly.
Write a powerful headline. Pack a punch in the beginning. Include your topic’s main points, use a subhead, and appear as professional as possible. Keep it mercifully short. In much the same way a salesperson can reel you in with his or her sales-pitch, so too can your headline harbor your reader’s initial interest.
Create a strong first paragraph. First impressions last and this common phrase applies particularly to your press release. People generally have shorter attention spans if they aren’t enjoying themselves. Add a surprising fact, sprinkle some humor, add a quotation, put in an anecdote…hook your reader in and tickle his fancy. Your first paragraph will act as an introduction and as such, it will speak volumes about the rest of your article.
Incorporate an important business event in your PR. A good story is loved by all. It’s likely that the reader will continue reading if a significant event is added to your piece. And what’s more, if it’s something worth saying, then people would likely spread the word for you. Let your PR work hundred-fold for you: lure your readers to talking about your press release.
Find an angle. The meat of the matter should not only entice people and but should also be timely and relevant. Include recent events, social issues, et cetera. Your angle goes hand in hand with your PR being newsworthy.
Simplicity is a virtue. It will also work wonders for your press release. Anything entirely too complicated will work against you and it will also narrow the extent of your reach. Broadening your audience includes conveying ideas so that all may understand and this is key to good communication.
See to it that you follow all of these tips –and while you’re at it, add your own brand of creativity. Pack that punch, and knock your audience out!
Originally posted on December 26, 2007 @ 10:58 am