Press Release Guidelines

 

Elements of press release are:

 

  1. Headline- this is one line of text that touts “newsworthy” benefit.
  2. Synopsis- this is no more than three lines of text that encapsulates the idea behind the press release and provides the URL of the site.
  3. Body- this is no less than 300 words and is the article. The ideal length is between 400 – 600 words. This needs to be written in a “newsworthy” manner. It shouldn’t be just an overt pitch but should speak about why the site is newsworthy. It should contain a quote and mention the site at least once but no more than three times. This should be written in such a fashion that the reporter can simply “lift” the press release and use it as the story without editing. Please look at the example press release. This is regarding a site for sending flowers online. The “newsworthy” benefit is that this site has a new interface that “simplifies” the process. Be sure to spell / grammar checks your work. Have somebody proof read it prior to submission. 
  4. Details- this is no more than three lines and should distill down to the mission / primary benefit and mention the site’s URL. The Details usually go below the Body of the press release but some places have a separate place to paste them in.

After the press release is written, go to each newswire URL provided and submit. With most, you’ll have to create an account. Be sure to use the same password for all. Create your account and follow each newswire’s specific guidelines. The power is behind submitting to relevant newswires services.

 

After you’ve finished submitting to the newswires a good suggestion is to submit your press release to a host of online magazines, journals & blogs that pertain to your subject. In this case it’s: flowers, florists.

 

One should do various searches for: “flowers magazine”, “florists journal”, flowers journal, florist magazine, flowers blog, florist blog, etc… The idea is to find places that will be interested in publishing your press release. Many of these places are actively looking for stuff to publish.

 

You go to their site and look for how to contact their Editor. This can be via email or a form. You send them the entire document: Headline, Synopsis, Body, Details. This is how they want to receive it. You’ll put the Headline of the press release as the Subject.

 

It’s smart to submit several press releases over time. Each press release should highlight a different “story” idea or announcement. They should be spaced at least two weeks apart. But there should be a continual flow of “news” emanating out that draws attention to your site.

If you would like to get a Free Press Release or a Free Business Listing with information on doing online press releases and the best sources for online distribution, click on one of the links above.