Notes

How to Create PR That Grabs Media Attention
There is nothing magical about PR. It just seems that way. Once you know a few tricks of the trade, you, too, can attract the spotlight.

Create News. Journalists cannot possibly collect all the news they need to fill the space they will have. They depend on PR professionals and people in the community for up to 70% of the stories they report on a daily basis. Journalists appreciate your help around you appreciate the coverage they are able to give you.

Find Health Care Costs . Journalists keep their writing clear and interesting by developing fresh angles because of their stories. You need to learn to think such as a journalist. Look at your facts. Is there a way to differentiate yourself from all of those other pack? What do you do that nobody else does? Once you've figured this out, develop your story.

The Agatha Christie Twist. Mystery writers are always stumbling upon new facts. These new fact is often offered up having an interesting twist. This piques the reader's interest. It isn't enough to learn your facts. You must anticipate to present them in a new way that speaks to your intended audience.

Who, What When, Why, and Where. These are the questions you need to answer in your press release. Does your service or product have news value? Is there something about it that'll be helpful or entertaining to an editors' audience? Can be your angle so unique that a national magazine may be interested?

Editors are always searching for a good story. Is yours of local or national interest? As soon as you answer this question it is possible to go directly to the library and consult various professional directories o determine who the proper contact folks are at the publications you wish to target. I suggest the Bacon series. You will also be able to learn how various editors want material submitted there.

Your press release ought to be no more than three pages double spaced. Discover the angle that works for the audience you wish to target. Customize the release for different publications if the angle changes. Write concisely also to the point. What you are writing should look like news.

Form and Style. There are many good books to make reference to for form and style. Buy one for reference or consult on at your local library. Use powerful headlines and sub-headlines to deliver your message. Work with a reverse pyramid -- lead with your most significant information. Maintain credibility and avoid puffery. Proofread to ensure correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Be concise. The very best press releases get to the point. If editors want more info, they will contact you. So be sure you have a contact one who can be acquired to field media responses.

Reporters are Your Friends. Be their friends, too. Being truly a friend does not mean hounding them to accomplish what you need them to do. This means understanding their needs and making an effort to greatly help them with those needs while you address your own. It means being considerate of their deadlines and the demands on their time.

Get Editorial Calendars. Ever wonder how certain issues of a magazine or newspaper cover topics of special interest? Editors develop calendars months in advance that specify what will be dealt with when. Get copies of editorial calendars. This can put you in a better position to pitch reporters with well-timed stories. You'll be delighted making use of their responsiveness!

Build Relationships. Journalists are people. They have feelings. Respect theirs and they're going to respect yours. Inquire further for help if what you're doing is not working. They'll offer you constructive suggestions. So when they've helped you on the path to success, tell them you appreciate their interest and assistance.

PR is a specialized field. It may take years to develop the contacts you have to get the publicity you want. Unless you have years, you may want to get professional help. Don't mind waiting? Then, stick to the suggestions above. A well-written news release in the hands of the proper media can deliver incredible results.

Carol Dunitz, Ph.D. is president of THE FINAL WORD LLC, a communication and creative services company. She is a professional speaker and writer of 'Louder Than Thunder,' a parable about listening and interpersonal communication. Dunitz may be the playwright, lyricist and composer of 'Bernhardt on Broadway,' a musical about Sarah Bernhardt. She could be reached at 312.523.4774, [email protected] or
Homepage: https://youclerks.com/spending-less-on-medical-care-and-saving-hundreds-of-dollars/