Women Powering Ecommerce

028 - DIY Press Releases: A Step-by-Step Guide for Small Businesses

Written by Suzie Cyrenne | Sep 7, 2023 10:00:00 AM

Are you a small business owner looking to get your company noticed in the media? Perhaps you've considered writing a press release but thought it was too complicated or expensive. Well, fear not! In this blog post, we'll demystify the process of creating and distributing a press release, making it easy for even the most novice entrepreneur to get their message out there.

Step 1: Identify Your News Angle

Before you start crafting your press release, you need to figure out what's newsworthy about your announcement. Is it a product launch, an event, a company milestone, or something else? It has to be something that would interest your target audience and the media.

For example, let's say you have a new product kit you want to announce. This becomes your news angle.

Step 2: Craft a Catchy Headline

Your headline is crucial—it's the first thing people will see, and it needs to grab their attention. It should be concise, clear, and intriguing. For instance, "Zumalka Announces the First-Ever Perfect Kitty Bundle to Celebrate National Cat Day" is a catchy headline that sums up the main point of your announcement.

Step 3: Write a Compelling Introduction

In the first paragraph of your press release, provide the most important details, including the location and date. This is where you set the stage for what's to come. Remember that there is a specific format for press releases that you should follow, which can be found online.

Step 4: Provide Relevant Details

In the following paragraphs, expand on the details of your announcement. This is where you can include quotes from key people, statistics, and any additional context that supports your news. Organize this information in bullet points to make it reader-friendly.

Step 5: Include Background Information

If necessary, provide some background information about your company or the context of your announcement. This helps readers understand the bigger picture of what you're sharing.

Step 6: Add a Company Description (Boilerplate)

At the bottom of your press release, include a short paragraph about your company. This is often referred to as the "boilerplate" and provides basic information about your business.

Step 7: Include Contact Information

Make sure to provide contact details in case a member of the media or anyone else wants to reach out with questions or for more information. Include a name, phone number, and email address.

Step 8: Formatting Matters

Keep your press release clean and easy to read. Follow the formatting guidelines, which typically include placing your company logo at the top. A well-structured press release is more likely to get attention.

Step 9: Distribute Your Press Release

Now that you have your press release ready, it's time to share it with the world. There are several ways to do this:

  1. Email: You can send it directly to relevant journalists or media outlets.
  2. Press Release Distribution Service: Consider using an online service that specializes in distributing press releases. Some offer both paid and free options. EIN Presswire is an example of a platform that provides free distribution services.
  3. Your Own Website: Post the press release on your company's news page or press section. This can help attract media attention.

In conclusion, creating a press release for your small business isn't as complicated as it might seem. Once you know the steps, you can do it yourself. Just remember to keep it concise, informative, and focused on what matters to your audience. By following this straightforward guide, you can confidently share your company's news and get the attention it deserves.

So, if you've been hesitating to create a press release, don't wait any longer. Give it a try, and you might be surprised at how effective and affordable it can be. Your business deserves the spotlight, and now you have the tools to make it happen. Happy PR-ing!