Step #1 - Newsworthy Websites Generate Great Press

A successful publicity campaign using a press release requires a good story. You need to come up with something original about your site that will be interesting to the general public and not just to people involved in your niche subject.

Two ways to get interest in your press release are:

1. Relate your press release to a topical issue that has recently had a lot of media coverage. Tie it to anything - as long as it has relevance to your membership site.

2. Tie your press release into a particular event, exhibition or tradeshow that somehow relates to your niche subject.

Step #2 - Follow the Format

Title

Cover the most interesting aspect of your press release in as few words as possible. Make it punchy and attention grabbing, with maximum impact.

Subheading

This is your chance to add some detail about what your press release is about without spoiling the effect of your forceful heading.

Lead paragraph

This will be a factual paragraph giving all the details of your story. It will answer the questions who, what, where, when and how. If the editor has read further that your title, this paragraph will make up his or her mind about whether to use your press release.

Main body of text

The rest of your text will give information to support the story you told in the lead paragraph. Including quotes from your members is often an effective technique in this section, but remember to respect their privacy.

Boilerplate

The final paragraph, known as the boilerplate, will be a few sentences about your membership site, what it is about and what you offer.

End your press release with the word “End”, add your contact information after so the editor can contact you easily to clarify information.


Essential tips for writing your next great press release:

1. Always write in the third person.

2. Keep your press release as short as possible. Edit ruthlessly and get rid of any unnecessary words and phrases.

3. Avoid hype phrases to describe your membership site such as ‘one of a kind’ or ‘out of this world’. Your press release is not a sales pitch.


Step 3. - The path to profitable publication.

If you want to get your press release published offline, here are a few pointers:

Research your publication

Choose a publication that is suitable for your niche subject, and which will be read by your target audience. Read that publication regularly, and get an idea of the kind of articles they print as well as the tone used. Find out who the most appropriate journalist or editor would be for you to approach with your press release.

Make the call

When contacting the editor, your approach will be polite and professional. Always call before you send them your press release; busy people tend to delete unsolicited e-mail.

If you get their voicemail, don’t be afraid to leave a concise message with the main angle of your story and your contact details. Call again if you don’t get a response for a couple of days.

If you speak to them in person, introduce yourself briefly and then check if you are calling at a good time. Offer to call back at a more convenient time if necessary.

Don’t launch into a sales pitch about your membership site. Briefly give the editor the details of your story in a straightforward way.

Follow up - quickly


Have a press pack ready before you contact the editor and send this as soon as possible after you have spoken to them. This will consist of your press release and any appropriate photos etc.

Give the editor a couple of days and call again to follow up.

Jeremy Gislason is a leading expert on membership sites, marketing and online business. Do you want to market and sell all of your products faster? Free how to business and marketing courses at: http://www.MembershipMillionaire.com

ssteven94 writes: Every thing is okay .The only thing is if you provide the process of submitting press releases, it might be very use full for the beginners.

Thanks for the content.

6:46:54 Mon Apr 13 2009 CDT


Lynda writes: This has great tips to follow. I was wondering how to make a great press release and when it would serve its purpose for my biz. Thanks.


11:28:26 Mon Mar 30 2009 CDT


James writes: Great article, it was worth keeping. To bad it was not in a printer friendly format. On my print copy it was so small I couldn't read it unaided.

14:09:11 Mon Mar 16 2009 CDT


Donna writes: Great article. Breaks down the press release process clearly and concisely. This will help many people to promote their businesses and organizations. Well done.

8:57:36 Fri Mar 13 2009 CDT


Donna writes: Great article. Breaks down the press release process clearly and concisely. This will help many people to promote their businesses and organizations. Well done.

8:52:43 Fri Mar 13 2009 CDT


Steve@AVT writes: Great article, thanks for posting it! I am developing ideas for approaching the local media for a press release. My big question was the "WHO do I contact"? Your post helped me with that and I appreciate it!

8:44:12 Fri Mar 13 2009 CDT


Carl writes: So obvious but always useful to be reminded.

2:04:39 Fri Mar 13 2009 CDT


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