10 Secrets to Get Your Press Release Noticed by:Shannon Cherry, APR, MA

It's difficult enough running the day-to-day aspects of a business

, let alone trying to drum up new business as you go. But according to Shannon Cherry, APR, even if you have additional staff helping to get the word out about your products and services, location and prices, delivery and sales support, news releases can make your company grow faster.

"A news release is sent to editors and journalists in order to generate a news story in the media," says Cherry, president of Cherry Communications which helps businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations to be heard through marketing communications. "It's one of the easiest and cost-effective ways to get your message out there. If a reporter decides to run your release, your business receives space for free - and more credibility than just running an ad."

Cherry explains that it's critical in today's business world to be seen, a key element in any business plan. She shares her top ten secrets to getting a news release noticed:

Your press release should sound like news, not an ad. You need to make sure your news is newsworthy, so start thinking like a reporter.

You should only send your press release to the media related to the topic of your press release. Don't just send the press release to every reporter you can find.

Keep your press release one page in length. Truth is, most editors will only read the headline and the first line or two of your release.

Your header, contact information and release date should be at the top of your press release.

Use short sentences and double space your lines.

Your headline and first few sentences should grab the reader's attention. Write like the news organizations you are targeting.

You should tell a story and mention your business, product or service in the body of the release.

Proofread your release many times. Look for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Follow up is not only recommended, it is vital. But don't call every other day asking if your release will run. Call once to see if there is any interest, but don't nag.

Stick to the facts. Tell the truth. Avoid fluff, embellishments and exaggerations. tone it down a bit.

And a bonus:

Use active, not passive, voice. Verbs in the active voice bring your press release to life. Writing in this manner helps guarantee that your press release will be read.

About the author

Shannon Cherry, APR, MA helps businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofit organizations to be heard. She's a marketing communications and public relations expert with more than 15 years experience and the owner of Cherry Communications. Subscribe today for Be Heard! our free biweekly ezine and get a free special report: 'Get Set For Success: Creative, Low-Cost Marketing Tips to Help You be Heard.' Go to: http://www.cherrycommunications.com

POST COMMENT

How to Take Your Stalled Projects to the Finish Line by:Cathy Goodwin, Ph.D. Rules for Simplified Employee Pension Plans better known as a SEP Plans by:Daniel Lamaute Internet Marketing: Are You Penny Wise And Dollar Foolish? by:Dean Phillips 4 Simple Steps to Successful Delegation by:Inez O. Ng How To Choose a Great Camera Phone by:Syd Johnson Prepaid cell phone plans: Great option or Last Resort? by:Syd Johnson Getting Pre-Approved for a Home Loan Is One of the Best Ways to Get a Leg Up on the Competition When Shopping for a Home by:Syd Johnson Secondary Mortgage Market Sets the Standards and Practices for Mortgage Lending by:Syd Johnson Where Can I Get a Home Loan? Here Are The Top 5 Mortgage Lending Institutions by:Syd Johnson Your Budget And Taste For Gadgets Will You Determine What Type Of Cell Phone Accessories You Need by:Syd Johnson Save Money on Cell Phone Offers: Beware of Family Plans by:Syd Johnson Free Cell Phone Offers - A Win-Win Situation? by:Syd Johnson Get More Clients From Networking - Follow The Rules Of Dating! by:Alan Matthews