THESE weekly posts aim to help you write copy for promoting your business or service which clients and potential customers will read – and then take action. However, they are not about writing advertising copy, writes Karen Morley-Chesworth.
We want people to read about your business and then come to you for your service. However, to obtain coverage in the news and features pages and post of mainstream media, you need to have a story – and news angle.
What makes an article?
An article contains information, usually a piece of news that will interest your reader. It is a balanced piece containing the information clearly with additional subjective comments through quotes.
The first questions a reporter or news editor will ask when they read your media release is:
1. What is the importance of this article?
2. Why would our readers/followers/listeners/viewers want to know about this?
What is ‘news’?
News is simply telling someone something they didn’t already know. It is also anything people are interested in or has an impact on their lives.
Problems with submitted articles occur when the writer is not aware of the requirements of a news editor. However, by following a few simple tips, you can get your business story published.
3 top tips for a successful media release
Here are three key ways to write a successful media release:
1. Don’t confuse it with advertising copy – you need to have a relevant ‘news hook’ – a story to tell.
2. Include objective facts, and figures and give subjective comments in quotes.
3. Ask yourself – Why would someone want to read this piece of copy?
If you have a communications issue you’d like covering, or have a business story for publication, please email me or leave a message in the comments box below.
And if you want more support promoting your business join our new, free Big Story Media Group where we will be sharing more tips and answering your questions on how to make the media work for your organisation.
