How to Write a Press Release

Press releases are a great way to keep your name in front of potential customers and colleagues alike. And they are perfect in these financially uncertain times. Less expensive than advertising and many argue, more effective. Also, well-written press releases are a welcome sight for short-staffed newspapers.

Press releases are easy. First collect the email or mailing addresses of local newspapers and trade publications in your area. Next follow this formula for writing a press release. If you have a great photo, you would be doing the publication a favor by including it, and, it’s a good way to make your news standout.

Remember press releases have to be about news to be published. Topics that are newsworthy include: a new website, a staff promotion, staff training, special website functionality, new location, etc.

Here are the sections necessary for a basic press release:

1. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (in caps right after your logo at the top of the page)
2. "Suggested Title" (In quotes type a suggested title that give s the gist of the release)
3. CITY, ST - (in caps, the city and state then type an em dash)
4. First paragraph should be brief - who, what, when
5. Second paragraph is supporting background information about the company
6. -- 30-- (denotes the end of the release)
7. Add contact information in case an editor wants to know more.
   

Here’s how a final press release might look:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Sunrise Massage Opens a New Massage Studio”

BAINBRIDGE ISLAND, WA – Izumi Stephens of Sunrise Massage recently opened a three-room studio outside her home to create a professional and quiet setting for her clients. The honey-toned colors and woodwork of the entryway, bathroom and message room are at once welcoming and serene.

Izumi worked out of her home for three years before building her studio. Izumi has practiced massage in both a Chiropractic office and Day spa in Bellevue. She graduated Ashmead Massage College. This intensive program demands over 400 hours of hands on practice before a license is granted. Izumi has continued her education by studying Zen Shiatsu at her native Japan.

Sunrise Massage is located at 14924 Sunrise Drive NE, Bainbridge Island. Izumi’s website is bainbridgesunrisemassage.com.

-- 30 --

For more information please contact:
Izumi Stephens, (206) 855-0750