The first sentence of the press release needs to capture the journalist’s attention, and sum up the story. Focus on a problem you are solving for readers, and make sure you have a brief but attention grabbing headline. Use facts, and cut back on adjectives.
I’ve just stumbled upon a nice little tool from Google to help you with keyword ideas. Have a look what happens when I search on ‘mumpreneur’ here. Instead of getting just a list of results, I get a ‘wonder wheel’. It’s a bit like a mind map: just enter your term, then click on the suggested similar terms to find even more possible keywords.
To find it, do your usual search, then select ‘options’ on the left of the blue bar running across the screen above your results. Then, scroll down to click on ‘wonder wheel’ in the left column. Then, you can have fun looking for new keywords which people might use when searching for your products or services.
Send press releases out 3 months ahead to tie in with key dates for glossy magazines, and 6-8 weeks ahead for local magazines. Newspapers appreciate a couple of weeks advance notice. Here are some upcoming dates for 2009 courtesy of Foresightnews, the UK’s foremost news & current affairs forward planning service. These include the dates of regular UK events, important sporting fixtures and some anniversaries that may be of interest. Foresightnews provides the media with advance information of thousands of important events over the next five years and beyond, together with event synopsis, weblinks and full press contacts. To find out more, please go to http://www.foresightnews.co.uk/
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AUGUST 2009
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Saturday 01 August - Saturday 08 August
National Eisteddfod Of Wales
Tuesday 04 August
US President Barack Obama is 48
Friday 07 August - Tuesday 11 August
Cricket: England v Australia 4th Test, Headingley
Friday 07 August - Saturday 29 August
Edinburgh Tattoo, Edinburgh Castle
Sunday 09 August - Thursday 13 August Read the rest of this entry »
Unless there’s been a burglary or flood at your business premises, the sort of news you’ll be offering is probably ’soft news’. This means that, from the papers point of view. It won’t be essential that they cover it in a particular week or give it the top spot. Journalists get many releases each day, so you have to do some work to make sure it’s your release that captures their attention.
Ten months of FSB data shows small firms are beginning to enjoy an improved outlook. Small businesses which were hit hard by the worst of the credit crunch and the recession nearly a year ago are starting to experience a tentative recovery, according to analysis by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB). A rising number of small businesses are now experiencing an increase in trade, with the latest poll showing 23 per cent of FSB members noticing a rise compared with 16 per cent in February. Read the rest of this entry »
Who do you want to find out about your story? What do they read?
Buy your local papers, womens magazines, parenting magazines or other target publications relevant to your business and have a look at the sort of story they cover.
Research statistics make a good basis for a press release. This could be market research with your customers about the latest style, current news or trends.
Hold a competition, make a donation to charity, get your business doing some community service, or sponsor a local sports team.
Have you heard about the new programme, funded by Business Link, to help female entrepreneurs to become `investment ready’ in order to maximise their chances of successfully raising finance for their business?
If you are the owner of an established business that is based in the South East of England, and you are looking to raise at least £50,000 to grow your business, then this programme will help you.
This free programme provides `Investment Readiness’ assistance over six months to help selected businesses to prepare to raise finance. It includes:
- A female advisor to help you to develop an appropriate funding strategy
- Advice on business planning from a female advisor
- Mentoring to help you to develop key aspects of your business and business plan
- Financial modelling tool to assist you to develop comprehensive financial forecasts to support your business plan
email Julie Crane Julie.crane@financesoutheast.com if you would like an application form and to be considered for this programme.
If you employ a new member of staff, let the local papers know. Highlight their specialist skills or the employment you’re bringing to the area.