How to Write a Press Release
YOUR TOWN, Your State, Date for Publication – Writing a press release is simple if you follow some basic rules. Below, we’ve supplied some guidelines for you to use when you want to share your news with the media through EXIT Shoptok. Often, press release writers use a “hook” or a creative lead-in to their release. The number one thing newspapers want, however, is not necessarily a clever press release. Instead it’s usable, ready-made copy that informs with the basic information. Here are the top five topics of interest to local media: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Charitable Causes Awards & Recognition Grand Openings Events Real Estate Expertise and Local Trends
Here are some basic rules for writing a press release: 1. EXIT Shoptok provides both template press releases and the ability for you to input your own non-template releases. Either way, it’s important to spell check and grammar check your release - make sure there are no errors. EXIT Shoptok uses AP (Associated Press) Style which is the set of rules newspapers use to determine capitalization, abbreviations and other basic writing rules. 2. Always provide your contact info at the top of the release. Also, include a dateline. This is the portion bolded in the top of this release that indicates the City and State/Province in which your news is taking place, as well as the Date for publication, such as when you are issuing the release. 3. Your headline and opening paragraph should convey all of the basic details about your event or news. If you won an award, if you’re giving an award, if you’re having an open house or any other event that is open to the public, make sure you give the who, what, when and where in the “lead” paragraph. 4. Keep it short and simple. Don’t overwhelm your release with lots of details about your programs or services – a press release is not a place to advertise. Just share your news and include the basic details. Most releases are one to two pages in length. 5. Use quotes as testimonials or convey subjective information. For example: “Writing press releases isn’t nearly as complicated as I thought! This is actually pretty easy,” said , owner of EXITRealty __________ in . 6. Include a photo with your release whenever possible. Note: EXIT Realty Corp. International and eNR Services, Inc. assume you have obtained the appropriate permissions (releases) from people whose images, stories and text you use. You can find a copy of a template release form in the EXIT Resource Center. Keep this signed release for your records
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2007-06-04
Follow-up on your press release is very important. EXIT Shoptok automatically distributes the press release by e-mail, fax or mail, depending on the reporter’s preference. When following up, do not call and ask if they received your release. Ask them instead if they have any questions, or invite them to your event. Reporters are often on tight deadlines, so be mindful of when you call. The best time to reach a reporter or editor is usually between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. In some cases, print reporters will use the press release quote word for word. Broadcast reporters will use the press release as background information, and may want to interview the franchise owner on camera. If that’s the case, simply restate the quote that is in your press release. Check out these other resources: AllBusiness.com – How to Write an Effective Press Release Stetson University – Dr. Randall Hansen’s Guide to Writing Successful Press Releases Need Help? Support is available through eNR Grassroots PR’s Help Desk. If you have any questions, contact a Help Desk representative by: • • Phone: Email: (888) 607-9655 operations@enr-corp.com
If you have questions about the EXIT Resource Center, please e-mail support@exitrealty.com.
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2007-06-04