2 Quick Tips to Make Your Press Release Grab the Attention of the Media
If you are struggling with getting the media to pay attention to your press release, do not fear! Here are two great tips to getting your press release to grab the attention of the busy, inundated producer! 1. Topic Overview After you have grabbed the attention of the busy producer or host with your headline, topic summary and talking points it is now time to present your show idea. It is now time to position you as an expert. Now you are not going to go and write a sales piece here. Write the show. Work the author's name, personal quotes, and book title into the overview. Use the following liberally to build your topic and profile: statistics, testimonials, current facts, specifics from relevant news stories, and professional credentials. Anything that will interest the producer and their audience should be used here. Keep this section to a page max.
Here is a Topic Overview for a show on pets:
Some people think "cute" is the only thing that is important when it comes to choosing a pet. But deciding which pet to adopt based solely on the animal's appearance can set new "pet parents" up for disaster. Consider the fact that kitties don't look so cute when they are tearing down the curtains. Lack of foresight is one of the top reasons an estimated 6 to 8 million unwanted pets end up at local animal shelters each year. Enter pet expert Dr. Diane Pomerance, author of the new book Pet Parenthood: Adopting the Right Animal Companion for You. As a bonafide animal lover, she wants to help prospective pet owners understand how to make the best decision when choosing a new pet - and to recognize that adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment and responsibility that requires much thought and planning.
"There's no denying the attraction to a cute puppy or kitten," says Dr. Pomerance. "But people need to be fully prepared for what's truly involved in caring for that animal. Realistically speaking, they are bringing a child into their home. If you don't have the temperament, the schedule, or the space requirements to meet those needs, you should consider a pet that does fit your lifestyle."
Another important factor that often goes overlooked is how children in a family will interact with a new pet. Pets make wonderful companions for children and can help teach them compassion, responsibility, and respect for all living creatures, as well as boost their self-esteem. Just make sure that the pet you choose really does fit with the lifestyle of your child and family as a whole.
Money also comes into play when adopting a new pet. Think about all of the veterinary bills as well as all of the day-to-day upkeep.
"Pets are time intensive and expensive. When you love your pet, obviously you want to provide the best care possible. So it is important to understand the costs and responsibilities ahead of time when choosing your pet."
5. Biography This is the one piece of the press release that many people omit, play down or play WAY up! It is important to position the author as an expert. Make sure that you talk about all of your qualifications. If the book is about religion, for example, anything the author does that pertains to religion is applicable.
Two warnings: Sensationalizing and author's credentials will immediately turn producers and hosts off; and simply rehashing a resume with bullet points is an absolute no-no.
If you put lots of work into these aspects of your press release then you will command the media's attention.
Want to learn more about gaining ational and local media exposure for your company, product or service, without the financial burden of monthly retainers, Marsha 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 .
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.
Published July 1st, 2008