Yes, press releases still matter in the digital age. And while SEO helps broaden the digital footprint for your release these days—there are still fundamentals that can NOT be overlooked if you want to see pick up from those who matter. Even so, too many in PR are still sending out releases that miss the mark. Here’s how to make sure that yours never fail to fail:
- APPEAL only to the vanity and ego of your boss/CEO/client, etc.
- NEVER consider your audience—the news media, potential customers, current clients, etc.
- CONFUSE. Right at the start, no reader should have any idea what you’re talking about. This shows profundity and complexity of thought.
- NEVER proofread or use spell-check. Typoes keep the the media on they’re toes. As do bad grammer.
- A “NEWS” release is not a news story; it’s an ad. Brag from start to finish. Avoid information.
- PUMP UP the buzzwords. When you pepper your release with phrases like “end-to-end ROI,” “scale visionary initiatives,” and “drive transparent paradigms,” you’re cookin’!
- INFLATE a brief announcement into 1,000 words. For unusual creativity, shrink an important story into a few opaque sentences.
- NEVER cite objective outsiders like customers, analysts, researchers, etc. Use lots of long, windy quotes from company insiders—from the CEO to the parking attendant.
Read full article via blog.commpro.biz
U.S. companies spent an estimated $67 billion on training in 2011. Some have been more creative ...
Today I listened to part of a Minnesota Public Radio talk show as I was returning from a meeting ...
What can I say? I’ve always advised and taught my journalism and PR students that successf...
I may be sticking my neck out here, but this is an interesting organization from a PR perspective...
According to a news release from Pew Internet, a study being presented the week of Sept. 23, 2005...
My buddy, my pal, communicator guru Shel Holtz, was a guest in my grad school PR classroom last w...
When most people get an interview, the following goes through their heads: -I’m just happy to get...
Don’t have a holiday or awareness week to target with your news? Why not just create your ...
It is my observation that media relations is one of the most misunderstood disciplines in a profe...
In light of the current economic downturn, what new opportunities do you see for public relations...
I frequently post what my University of Maryland University College Students think are some of th...
The February 7, 2005 issue of PR Week included an article on Peppercom’s $27 million campai...
We’ve all heard of the Menu Foods, Inc., pet food recall in March. Studying the players in this ...
As I thumbed through my April 24 Time magazine (with “The Opus Dei Code” on the front...
Late last year, NASCAR lifted its long-held ban on liquor sponsorship, opening the door for Diage...
72andSunny’s mantra is “Be brave and generous.” Since 2004, the company has emb...
As charities face escalating fundraising challenges, the need for corporate sponsorships is like...
As a board member of the Neighborhood Writing Alliance, a Chicago arts and literacy nonprofit, it...
I’ve been paying attention to the things that command attention, both of myself and other...
I’ve been paying attention to the things that command attention, both of myself and others, and ...