I respect publicity do-it-yourselfers. They have the gumption to go it alone. They don’t let small marketing budgets (or the lack thereof) stop them from getting their word out. They are determined to get their message to the media, no matter what. However, there’s one thing that drives me nuts about this persistent group of press-seekers: too many of them fail to use simple tools correctly and effectively.
For instance, we all know that a press release is a very important part of your publicity arsenal, right? But the truth is, if it’s done wrong, it can jeapordize your chances of ever getting covered. Here are three mistakes people make when writing press releases:
1.) They send them at the wrong time – yes, there is a specific timeline you should use for your release depending on what you’re announcing, who your target audience is and what media you’re sending it to…
2.) They fail to follow-up – Too often, people think that by faxing or emailing a press release, it automatically winds up in next week’s edition of the paper. NOT SO. Follow up is key.
3.) They send press releases about things the media would never care about in a million years – As one assignement editor told me, “we are not going to send a camera crew out to cover the ‘annual chili cook-off’ hosted by the local sorority house…” Be purposeful in what you send. Think like a journalist!!!
As a working media professional, I see these mistakes constantly, which is why I wrote the e-book Successful Media Relations Strategies: A beginner’s guide on gaining visibility in the media. I take you step by basic step on how to do it right.
My eyes are getting weary from bad press releases that lack the impact or compelling story that should instantly grab my attention. Today on my BlogTalkRadio Show, I outline 3 other massive mistakes publicity seekers make when writing press releases. Start doing your press releases correctly and you will no longer be frustrated with your lack of publicity!
I hereby declare an end to bad press releases! Start doing them the right way now! Once you master it, you have my permission to start submitting your well-written releases to these free press release distribution sites!!!
Good luck and leave me a comment to let me know how it goes…
1 Comment
August 13, 2008 at 11:58 am
Given that I am new to the publicity world, I found this post very insightful. Thanks.
Iyabo
http://www.AuthenticChangeAgent.com