The Publicity Hound’s Blog

If you live in Greater Milwaukee, join me on October 31 for my first-ever workshop on how to write powerful press releases.

It will be held at the University of Wisconsin in Washington County as part of its series called “Adding to Your Organization’s Toolbox—Media and Public Relations.” I’ll present that session over a brown-bag lunch, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Even though it will be primarily for nonprofits, anybody can attend.

I’m even asking participants to provide sample press releases that I can rewrite for you. I’ll use the “before” and “after” samples during the class. Cost is only $8 for the luncheon. But I suggest you come for the entire morning.

I’m presenting “Savvy Media Relations: How to Get FREE Print, Broadcast & Online Publicity” from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and it will be followed by a media panel in which reporters and editors will offer their best pitching tips. The morning session is $35. You can register by emailing Dan Anhalt or calling (262) 335-5218.

Hope to see you next month!

Posted In: Business Promotion, Nonprofits, Press Releases/News Releases
posted On: 9/5/2006: 10:45 pm: By Joan
Comments:

2 Responses

Rodney Says:
September 13th, 2006 at 8:30 pm

Your free, on-line press release course is GREAT! I have learned a lot! I’m sure the people in Wisconsin will too.

My question is:

Should I mail out press releases on my fancy stationary, or should I use plain paper for a press release and save the company letterhead for a pitch letter?

I know the most important thing is to keep the readers interests and needs in mind, but how important is it to have a news release that also LOOKS good?

Joan Says:
September 13th, 2006 at 9:59 pm

You should be sending paper press releases only to those media outlets that you know for sure want to receive them that way.

Nine out of 10 media outlets want email releases so they don’t have to take the time to retype the copy.

If you’re sending paper releases, you don’t need to put it on fancy letterhead. As long as you have contact information on the release (your name, email and phone number), the media will know where to find you.

What the release looks like isn’t important. What really matters is that the information is easy to read and includes all the pertinent facts.

Anyone who hasn’t signed up for my free email course can do so at http://www.PublicityHound.com/pressreleasetips.art