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Press releases are an easy-to-use tool to attract media attention for your business and changes or events you are having. Press releases should not be considered advertising and they should be used sparingly and appropriately. You want to attract reporters from local or national media and sending out advertisement style press releases won’t work. Press releases have a purpose and that is to entice reporters with a possible story.

Press releases are not difficult to write but there is a prescribed format for them. You can search online for templates which should include all of your contact information (city and state your business are in, your name, phone, email, etc.), a header and the release content. All press releases are written in the third person voice and should make the story idea clear to the journalist. Look for and present a unique angle to attract more attention.

It is imperative that you have a unique “story” to tell about your business, its history, a new product or how you work with the community. A new application development is a news story, the fact that it is on sale for 25% off is not. Employing a large number of high school students to help your community is a story. A family business that is being revived with technology is a story. Choose your angel wisely and make sure you know what makes you different before submitting to journalists for review.

You can write your releases yourself or outsource it to someone else very affordably. There are inexpensive writing services across the Web. You can find experienced copywriters at Elance.com, Odesk.com or GetaFreelancer.com. Expect to pay from $5-$15 per press release. Ask for samples press releases that your writer has done ahead of time. Again, however, it is fairly easy to write a press release and you can find templates across the Web.

When you are writing your press release, be sure it has plenty of detail but isn’t a marketing or sales piece. The reason for the release should be obvious to a reporter and you should write the release like a potential news story that anyone can read-not one full of jargon or industry language. Don’t make it a product or service pitch. Write the beginning of a story or announcement.

When your press releases are ready, it is time to send them out to be seen. You can do this online. There are plenty of services that will release your items for free or for a fee. Free sites have stipulations about how often you can submit and where they will go so do your research. A simple online search for press release services will offer many choices. Register with several of them and review their requirements.

Press releases should be a staple in your marketing toolbox. Using them effectively can establish you as a leader or expert in your industry. Just be judicious using them and save them for real events, changes or stories within your business. They are not sales pitches. Building a relationship with the media in your area or nationally can be very valuable and it is free publicity. Offer journalists the opportunity to know your story through consistent use of press releases.