| Did you know that one of the most under-utilized, and | | | | Create a dateline, which is the first line in the body |
| yet effective promotional methods available is the | | | | of your press release. The dateline includes the city & |
| traditional press release? Many home based business | | | | state where the press release is produced, and the |
| owners don't recognize or utilize the power of this | | | | date of release |
| effective PR tool, because most believe that PR is | | | | Try not to use marketing or promotional language - |
| reserved for large corporations with public relations | | | | the release should contain newsworthy information |
| departments. | | | | that stands on its own merit (e.g., product |
| However, nothing is further from the truth! The U.S. | | | | announcement/company announcement or awards |
| economy is, in many respects, driven by small | | | | recognition) |
| businesses (of which home based businesses | | | | Conclude the release with a "For More Information" |
| comprise a significant portion) and therefore, home | | | | line that includes your contact information again. |
| based business owners have a lot to contribute to the | | | | Center three pound signs (###) at the bottom of |
| business community. What better way to launch your | | | | your page |
| business, announce updates or publicize a new product | | | | Once you have written your release, you'll want to get |
| offering by distributing a press release? | | | | your information in front of editors who may be |
| Self-promotion is critical to your business, and a | | | | interested in your specific niche within the home based |
| well-crafted release can provide your business with | | | | business industry. Press releases can be distributed at |
| visibility among the editorial staff of newspapers or | | | | no cost, however, all of the leg work associated with |
| magazines focused on your specific category or | | | | building a media list, locating the correct business editor |
| industry. | | | | and contact information will fall on you, and this can be |
| But, where do you begin? Here are a few tips when | | | | somewhat time consuming. |
| developing your first release: | | | | For those owners who have PR dollars set aside in |
| Be concise & to the point - a good rule of thumb | | | | their marketing budgets, a good method for distribution |
| for content is approximately 400 words, with 5 | | | | is to utilize a PR services firm. A PR services |
| paragraphs being the maximum | | | | company can help you decide on which distribution |
| Write the words "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE" in | | | | points are best for your particular business niche or |
| the top left-hand section of your paper. These words | | | | product, and can deliver your press release to |
| should be in all caps. This line should be followed by | | | | thousands of media outlets instantly. |
| your contact information (name, title, address, phone | | | | PR service costs vary, and generally depend on the |
| number & email address) | | | | length of the release and the number of distribution |
| Develop your headline, then bold the headline and | | | | points. Among the most well recognized press release |
| leave it left justified on the page. Headlines generally | | | | services companies are PRNewswire.com, |
| include the most significant or important fact in your | | | | PRWeb.com, and Google News. |
| press release | | | | |