Creative ways to compose a press release
If you want to get some media attention for your business, product, or event, you need to write a press release that stands out from the crowd. A press release is a short, factual, and newsworthy announcement that you send to journalists, bloggers, and influencers who might be interested in covering your story.
But how do you write a press release that gets noticed? A suggestion is to write it like a viral content! Here are some creative ways to write a press release that will catch the eye of your target audience.
Use a catchy headline. The headline is the first thing that people will see when they receive your press release, so make it count. Use clear, concise, and descriptive language that summarizes the main point of your announcement. Avoid jargon, clichés, and hype. You can also use a subhead or a deck to add more details or context to your headline.
Start with a strong lead. The lead is the first paragraph of your press release, and it should answer the five Ws: who, what, when, where, and why. The lead should also explain why your announcement is important, relevant, or interesting for your audience. Don't bury the most important information in the middle or at the end of your press release. Instead, use the inverted pyramid structure to present the most essential facts first, followed by supporting details and background information.
Tell a story. A press release is not just a list of facts and figures. It's also an opportunity to tell a story that showcases your brand personality, values, and vision. You can use storytelling techniques such as anecdotes, quotes, statistics, examples, or testimonials to make your press release more engaging and memorable. You can also use emotional triggers such as humor, curiosity, surprise, or urgency to hook your readers and make them want to learn more.
Include multimedia elements. A picture is worth a thousand words, and a video is worth even more. Adding multimedia elements such as images, videos, infographics, or podcasts can make your press release more visually appealing and dynamic. Multimedia elements can also help you illustrate your points, demonstrate your product or service, or showcase your customers or partners. Make sure you use high-quality and relevant multimedia elements that complement your text and message.
Provide a clear call to action. A press release is not just an announcement; it's also a invitation for action. You want your readers to do something after they read your press release, whether it's visiting your website, signing up for your newsletter, downloading your app, or attending your event. Therefore, you need to provide a clear call to action that tells them what you want them to do and how they can do it. You can also include links, contact information, social media handles, or hashtags to make it easier for them to follow up.
Proofread and edit your press release. Before you send out your press release, make sure you proofread and edit it carefully. Check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors. Make sure your press release is clear, concise, accurate, and consistent. Avoid using passive voice, long sentences, or complex words. You can also ask someone else to read your press release and give you feedback or suggestions for improvement.