Anatomy of a Press Release

Lately I’ve been busy working on a couple of press releases for the Muslimahs Working at Home website. I’ve written countless press releases for clients, but writing one for your own business is a different experience.  It can be difficult to take an objective stance, which is important since you need to create content  that is newsworthy, not “salesy.”

If you’ve never written a press release before, you may find the idea intimidating. You need to follow the standard style and format in order for reporters and other media reps to take you seriously enough to shine some media coverage spotlight on your biz.

Date Information

If there is not specific date, or deadline, for the release of your press release, then state “FOR IMMEDIATE  RELEASE.”

If you’re preparing for a special event or product launch, and you don’t want media coverage for the event until the date of the actual event or launch, state  “FOR RELEASE AFTER” along with the date you’d like to huave media coverage. This is considered a hold request which may, or may not, be granted.

Headline

Your headline is essentially the title of your press release. It needs to be interesting enough to rouse the reader’s interest to read and find out more instead of simply tossing it aside. Keep it short and to the point, but always leave them wanting more.

Sub-Headline

Sub-headlines are short, descriptive titles that introduce new ideas throughout a press release. They provide some detail about the information that follows, increases reader interest, and they make it much easier for readers to scan the contents of an article.

Sub-headlines are not mandatory, but they can make your release more interesting to read.

Date

This is the date that you choose to have your press release distributed.

Introduction Paragraph

In this paragraph you’ll need to answer the questions: who, what, when and where. The information you provide in this section of your press release needs to make your event or launch sound too exciting and interesting for a reporter to pass up the chance to cover.

Second Paragraph

In this section, your press release will reveal the important details of your announcement. If you’re launching a product or service, you can include a short description.  The same goes for a scheduled event. The information you include must support the importance of your release.

Body

The body includes paragraphs with supporting facts and information.

About You/Your Business

Provide a short bio of sorts about you and your background. If you’re throwing a charity event to support survivors of domestic abuse, mention why you support the cause. Including this kind of information can peak a reader’s interest into learning more about you and your business.

Be sure to also describe your business, the products/services you offer and cover important key points.

Closing

If your press release goes longer than one page, be sure to put the word “more” at the bottom center of the first page. When you reach the end of the document, insert three pound signs (###) and the bottom center of the page.

Press releases can be excellent tools to help you get publicity for your business and build valuable relationships with writers, editors, publishers and other media outlets.

Muslimahs Working at Home was created to provide women with a financial alternative to earning an income outside of the home. Our objective is to share resources and tools necessary to operate a successful, home-based business.