How to write a press release in quick, easy steps

Writing a press release can be such a simple and easy way for your business to get coverage.

However, the mere thought of writing a press release and sending it to a newspaper, radio or TV company is enough to strike fear into most people.

Don't be scared. I've been a journalist for 15 years, working across TV, Radio, Online and Newspapers and every day of my working life I've had to search for content to fill my news bulletins or web pages.

Press releases can lead to thousands of pounds or dollars of free coverage for your business. You can connect with your target audience and also create buzz about your upcoming offers, products and launches in such an easy way.

You can actually distribute your release by hiring press release distribution and circulation outlets and use them to tweak, and submit your press release to all major blogs, content syndication and media outlets.

However, you can also submit your press releases through free distribution channels. I can't stress enough how awesome a press release is for positioning your business so as to get mass exposure. They also make your business seem like an authority in your industry.

You have to make sure though that what you say is interesting; otherwise it will get deleted at the other end.

As a journalist I have been sent thousands of bad press releases over the years which I have binned from my inbox.

Your press release has to grab the journalist's attention.

Here is what makes a good press release:

Date and Time: On top of all your news releases, you should put the date and time, either indicating when the information should be made available to the public, or simply write “For Immediate Release” if you want to make it ready for immediate distribution.

Headline: You have to have a catchy headline. Create the summary of your message or storyline in a few words. The aim of this is to instantly capture the attention of your clients and potential customers.

Subhead: This can be used to give further details on the headline and allow the readers to collect more information about your branding message.

Date: Add the day of release and place of origin of your document (city or state). You can simply add your website address or even include your company’s address.

Introduction: In the first paragraph at the beginning of the press release that should explain the basic elements of the press release such as how, where, who, when, why and what.

Body: Use this to expand on the introduction and dive into your story. Support your assertions with statistics, details and trend information to help you pass your message across. Include some quotes from yourself in the press release or from whoever you are talking about.

Biography of company: Write the background of yourself and/or your company and the services it offers. This would be just a few sentences at the end of your press release.

Closing marks: Make sure you have the word ENDS in block capitals at the end of your press release to mark its conclusion.

Your contact information: You should include your contact information, website URL and any other details people can use to contact you. You would be surprised how many press releases I've received without any contact details on them. All that work gone to waste.

One page: And finally, please make sure your press release is just one page of A4. Us journalists are super busy and we have limited attention spans, so please make your release no longer than one page, otherwise it will probably be overlooked.

No matter what line of business you are in you will have information that will benefit people. Become an expert in your field by submitting regular press releases to the media.

If you don't think your story will appeal to a national TV, radio or newspaper audience then please don't worry as there are so many local newspapers and TV channels that, like me, are always looking for ways to fill their shows, columns and news bulletins.

Don't be afraid to get in touch with the media- it could be one of the best things you will ever do for your business.