Click Partners

Your business can receive public attention by using press releases. A press release is simply a document that gives media outlets information that they will announce to the public. Such information might include some facts about your business, an explanation of special offers or incentives you are currently featuring, or a description of some special event that your business will be holding soon.

You business will gain lots of great public exposure when it is mentioned in a magazine, newspaper, or other media source that is readily available to the public. Links to online media stories or clippings from newspapers can be integrated into your press kit.

It would be especially advantageous to distribute a press release in conjunction with the scheduling of some special event, like your store’s grand opening, a special deal being offered, or an exciting event taking place.

There is a simple format to use when writing a press release. If your story can be published at any time, the words ‘For Immediate Release’ should appear at the top left hand corner. However, if the information should only be released after a certain date, use the phrase ‘For Release After [insert date]. Under that, include your contact information.

The body of the press release follows. This contains information that you want to make public. Keep press releases at two pages or less. If it does include a second page, make sure that the word “more” appears at the bottom of page one. The press release should end with three pound signs (###).

As you write the body of your press release, keep it focused, clear, and concise. Try to answer the five basic questions who, what, why, where, and when. Who are you, and what, exactly, are you promoting? Why is your target market interested in this? When and where is this taking place?

Once you are finished with your press release, you will want to submit it to the media. This can be to your local media outlets, such as newspapers, regional magazines, radio and television stations, or media outlets in geographic areas that you want publicity in. If you are promoting a event that will happen on a specific day, submit your press release early enough so that it has time to be received and facts can be checked, etc.

Do all you can to make your public exposure complete. That means taking advantage of Internet talk radio programs, newswire services, and other online media outlets.