If you\u2019re new to writing press releases they can feel a bit overwhelming. There is a rigid structure to adhere to, and a lot of information to pack into a short piece. You only have between 400 and 800 words to share your message. And the job of a press release is heavy \u2013 you want to attract attention from the media and to grow your business. In order to compete with the thousands of other press releases being distributed on any given day, your release has to be perfect and mistake free.<\/p>\n
Mistake #1 Writing your release in first, or second, person<\/strong> Mistake #2 Not editing your press release<\/strong> Mistake #3 Broken URLs<\/strong> Mistake #4 No real point to the release<\/strong> Mistake #5 Incomplete information<\/strong> Mistake #6 Hype<\/strong> Mistake #7 Ineffective headline<\/strong> Press releases become easier to write with practice, and they\u2019re well worth the effort. In addition to getting the attention of the media, it\u2019s a powerful form of content to brand and promote your business. Take time to avoid common mistakes.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" If you\u2019re new to writing press releases they can feel a bit overwhelming. There is a rigid structure to adhere …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":742,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[95,96,97,98],"class_list":["post-741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pr-writing-tips","tag-press-release-errors","tag-press-release-mistakes","tag-press-release-tips-2","tag-press-releases-mistakes-to-avoid"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nYour press release isn\u2019t a story that you\u2019re sharing, nor is it a letter that you\u2019re writing to a friend. There\u2019s no room for words like \u201cI,\u201d \u201cWe\u201d or \u201cYou\u201d in a press release. A press release is more formal, and therefore it\u2019s important to write it in third person, using \u201cHe,\u201d \u201cShe,\u201d \u201cIt,\u201d \u201cThem,\u201d \u201cThey\u201d and so on.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure that your press release has been reviewed for grammar, spelling errors and for clarity by someone other than yourself. You\u2019ve probably been working on your press release for a while and you know every word by heart; which means you\u2019re not objective. Have someone else look it over before you submit it.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t assume your URLs work. Double check each and every one before you submit your release for distribution. Once it\u2019s out there, you cannot pull it back.<\/p>\n
\nMake sure that your press release focuses on a newsworthy topic and that the body of your press release supports your point. For example, if your headline announces the launch of a new product then the body of your press release needs to talk about the value of the product and any relevant release information.<\/p>\n
\nDon\u2019t forget to include answers to the 5 W\u2019s \u2013 who, what, where, when and why. Make sure information about your business is complete and that you include all relevant contact information.<\/p>\n
\nAny type of formatting to call attention to words and promotional words like \u201cfree\u201d or \u201climited time\u201d are going to be considered hype by the media. This immediately discredits your press release. Keep it professional.<\/p>\n
\nYour headline is perhaps the most important element of your press release. Take time crafting one that grabs attention and is succinct. First impressions matter.<\/p>\n