Three Quick Tips to Make Your Press Releases Sizzle
Most people seem to believe they can write a press release, mail or email it to a radio or television station, and sit back and wait for the avalanche of phone calls. But as time passes and no producers are beating down the door, they make a few phone calls only to discover that no one even read the release.
The following are components of radio and TV press releases that will make your show idea come to life for producers and hosts, and also position you ahead of the pack.
1. Headline! Headline? HEADLINE!!!
A vital factor of your press release, headlines are such a popular topic that there are classes taught about them. Now, don't let this scare you. You can write a killer headline by simply keeping a concise overview of your topic.
Write down your show idea and look it over. Now look it over again, remembering that it should be an idea for an interview that relates to your book but most definitely not a summary of the book's theme or content.
Ask yourself some questions about your message, if the idea is newsworthy, are there any celebrities that you can incorporate, are there any statistics that are relevant, etc. These answers will help you pull out the hot topics of your message that will make the producers sit up and take notice.
First and foremost, your headline must instantly communicate the topic of the show. The test is, if you can envision what the conversation will be about just from the headline - you've got it! Headlines should be limited to one sentence. Sometimes you need a subhead. If you are using both of these elements, they should work together to form a cohesive view of the show.
Here are two examples of the successful headline and subhead combination:
Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Tough Future of United States Economy
Are Personal Conflicts Damaging Your Life? How to Successfully Remove Squabbles in Everyday Life
2. Topic Summary
This is your chance to present a concise summary of your show topic. It should continue naturally from the headline and expand on it. The headline gets the attention, and the discussion topic gives the reader more.
The discussion topic component of your press release should be two or three sentences, tops. Again, try to tie your topic to current events, big names, big money, or controversy. Don't be worried about repeating yourself in different sections of the press release. After all, you want to get a cohesive point across! Tip: Try writing the headline and topic summary together.
Below is an example of what we have discussed.
Global Economic Chaos? Expert Reveals Predictions on Grim Future of US Economy The United States is about to move into a period of major economic chaos and poverty that will wake up people to overthrow the rule of money in society in a ballot-box revolution. Let an internationally renowned expert reveal predictions on the grim future of our economy.
3. Questions
These are an absolute must for radio and TV because they are the shaping tools that guide the host through your topic. Often, hosts read directly from press releases during an interview. This is their time-saving trick. So why not have them ask you questions you've created, enabling you to get your specific message heard? It is a terrific way to look good and makes your interview even more interesting.
Yet again, you will need to tie in current events and any controversy that will stir interest. Use about 7-10 of these questions. For instance, here are a few questions that were used in a release for a radio show on "How to Find the Perfect Pet for Your Lifestyle":
* What are the primary reasons people decide to get a pet? *Is there a criterion that people should follow when seeing if a pet fits into their lifestyle. *Can families plan ahead for a pet? * How can families prepare children for the responsibility of caring for a pet? *What do people have to consider before they adopt a young animal?
If you do get invited as a guest, your interviews will generally last anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes for talk radio and 3 to 5 minutes for TV. So, concise is a word you should keep in the forefront of your mind.
Focus the questions on the topic of your book, and the audience will get interested in hearing more about it. There you go! Three quick tips to get make your press releases sizzle
If you would like to learn more about gaining national media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Friedman is available to be of service . Feel free to contact her directly at mfriedman@emsincorporated.com or visit her firm online at http://www.emsincorporated.com. As a public relations expert Marsha has the ability to get the media attention that you desire without costly monthly retainers .
About the Author: Marsha Friedman has been a leading authority on public relations for nearly two decades as CEO of Event Management Services, Inc (EMSI). If you would like to receive her free Ebook "How to Be a Great Talk Radio Guest" visit http://www.emsincorporated.com.
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