Well hopefully this week’s blog will provide a handy check list for those of you wanting to write and issue your own press release.
A word of warning, a disclaimer if you will – we here at LexRex are not suggesting you should write or issue your own press release. At the end of the day, we’re the pro’s and we’re blummin’ good at our jobs. But, if you insist, these are our handy tips:
- 1. Get your title right. It must be interesting but to the point. Avoid using clichéd terms.
- 2. Get your facts right – there is nothing more embarrassing than grovelling to a busy journalist, begging them to change a spelling or add an extra decimal point. You’ll likely annoy the journalist and look a bit daft in the process.
- 3. Get your layout right – use a simple font, Arial will do. Apply a decent sized text, 12 is fine; and use 1.5 line spacing. It’s just what journalists expect to see.
- 4. A picture says a thousand words – it’s true, a nice image usually goes far. If you are going to send an accompanying pic, have it professionally taken. For the sake of £100 quid or thereabouts, it’s worth it.
- 5. Don’t waffle – keep it to the point, 300 – 500 words is fine.
- 6. Write a quote – and make sure it’s interesting and relevant.
- 7. Include contact details – if the journalist wants more information (generally acknowledged as a good thing), make it easy for them.
Have we missed anything?
By Victoria Moffatt