2 Quick Tips to Make Your Press Release Grab the Attention of the Media
If you are struggling with getting the media to pay attention to your press release, do not fear! Here are two great tips to getting your press release to grab the attention of the busy, inundated producer! 1. Topic Overview Once you have gained attention with your eye-catching headline, topic summary, and talking points, it is time to present your full show idea. It is now time to position you as an expert. Now you are not going to go and write a sales piece here. In the Topic Overview, write your show idea. Make sure to work your name, quotes and book title into this section of the press release. Use the following liberally to build your topic and profile: statistics, testimonials, current facts, specifics from relevant news stories, and professional credentials. Use anything that will interest the producer, the host, and their audience. Keep this section to a page max.
Here is a Topic Overview for a show on pets:
For some people, "cute" is the only criterion they follow when choosing a new pet. But deciding which pet to adopt based solely on the animal's appearance can set new "pet parents" up for disaster. Consider the fact that kitties don't look so cute when they are tearing down the curtains. This leads to 6-8 million unwanted pets ending up at local animal shelters each year. Enter pet expert Dr. Diane Pomerance, author of the new book Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You. As a bonafide animal lover, she wants to help prospective pet owners understand how to make the best decision when choosing a new pet - and to recognize that adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment and responsibility that requires much thought and planning.
"There's no denying the attraction to a cute puppy or kitten," says Dr. Pomerance. "But people need to be fully prepared for what's truly involved in caring for that animal. Realistically speaking, they are bringing a child into their home. Make sure that your pit fits your lifestyle!"
Another important factor that often goes overlooked is how children in a family will interact with a new pet. Pets can be terrific for children across the board. But it's important to determine ahead of time what type of animal best suits the household and what role each family member will take in caring for it.
Money also comes into play when adopting a new pet. Vet bills can be expensive, and upkeep for some animals can be costly if they develop health problems.
"Pets are time intensive and expensive. If you choose to adopt a pet then you really want to make sure that you take the best care of that pet as possible. So understand the responsibilities and cost before you jump in."
5. Biography This is the one piece of the press release that many people omit, play down or play WAY up! Position the author as an expert. Make sure that you talk about all of your qualifications. If the book is about religion, for example, anything the author does that pertains to religion is applicable.
Be very aware not to sensationalize your credentials or simply rehash the other elements of the press release.
If you put lots of work into these aspects of your press release then you will command the media's attention.
Want to learn more about gaining national media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha Friedman would love to help. Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a PR expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .
Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
Published July 1st, 2008