Janet Meiners Thaler of NewspaperGirl and a Startup Princess Fairy Godmother has just published her first book on press releases and is giving us a chance to win one here!
I often assume that everyone knows what a press release is. Yet I’m surprised how often people don’t. Most of all, they fail to think of a press release as a marketing tool for their business.
A press release is an announcement to the media that is interesting enough to merit attention. Or, put another way, it’s announcing something new about your business.
But on the Internet a press release is more than that. It’s a way to get traffic to your web site and to get links to your web site that boost your rankings in search engines.
Unless your blog is a “go to” site for news, simply blogging about something that happens in your business is not enough. You need to reach a bigger audience. And like other forms of marketing online, consistency is best. It does happen, but most often one press release rarely makes a big impact. Instead, it’s the cumulative effect.
One of my coworkers used 24-7pressrelease.com about a new product launch. He paid $20 and his news was #1 on the list of sites on Google when someone does a search for the product name. His press release beat out many other tactics and people who spent much more.
Chances are you already have news that you could write about but you just aren’t used to looking. The more you can “talk” about what is happening in your business, the more you can reach new audiences and open up even more opportunities.
Here are some examples of blog posts that could easily be written into a press release – I got them from the Startup Princess Community (these are now past).
* Startup Princess Kelly King Anderson Featured on Cover of Wasatch Woman Magazine, Wish Comes True
* Sarah Jane Studios Illustrates New Book for Nancy O’Dell of Access Hollywood
* VAST Equity fund funds raises money for women-owned or women-run businesses in Utah
* Utah Organizer Vicki Winterton Gives Tips on Padding Time for Murphy’s Law for KSL Studio 5
I just wrote my first book I Need a Killer Press Release, Now What??? with tips and tools to help you write and distribute a press release online. It was written to be helpful whether you’re a beginner or more advanced. I’ve written hundreds of press releases and have been writing both on and offline for over 10 years.
Want to win a copy? Leave a comment and tell me one thing coming up in your business that you could write a press release about. We’ll randomly choose 5 winners and send you a book. Winners will be contacted via email. Deadline is Friday, September 25th 5pm.
We will write two press releases;
1) our new social media strategy
2) how we are employing during the crisis
Ola
.-= Ola Rynge´s last blog ..ScanCord uppdaterar websiten med nya funktioner. =-.
It’s my business’ 1 year birthday mark & I’m writing a press release about it. Sounds like a fantastic book; Janet’s amazing!
I have just started my business and would love to have assistance writing my first press release to tell the world about Glow Baby and our first product “Baby’s First Journal”.
We’d issue a press release about how we’re helping non-profit organizations create beautiful websites that they can successfully manage on their own, without the need for a webmaster!
Those are great ideas on writing a press release! Keep them coming.
Quinn, happy birthday to your business, you’ve done so much in a year!
-Janet
.-= Janet Thaeler´s last blog ..Request a Publisher Put Their Book on Kindle =-.
I am writing press releases on the refocus of my business and being featured in my local newspaper. Thanks for offering such a great resource!
.-= Mary´s last blog ..Making Your First Audition Count =-.
A new e-book about gifts you can craft. I would love to win a copy! Thanks so much for the chance!
.-= Cindy´s last blog ..Make a teacher’s day better with $100 Office Max Gift Card =-.
What a great book. As a holder of a PR degree, I have to say, there are just some things you don’t learn in college. When sitting down to write some press releases I just a brain freeze. We are writing a press release in the near future about how to choose the right internet marketing company, as well as what SEO is, and how it can work for your business. Thank you for the chance to win a copy, love following you on Twitter!
.-= Emily´s last blog ..Threadless Tshirt Giveaway at jaypeeonline.net =-.
I’m basically clueless about press releases, how they work, and how one might use them to grow a business. I’ll hang on for a couple of days to see if I win a book! Then I’ll go buy one (and I might buy one anyway….)
.-= Roland Smith´s last blog ..Notice of Filing Deadline, McCammon Fire District November 2009 =-.
Emily,
I’m so surprised that they don’t teach you more about press releases with a PR degree. I have an intern from a local college. He says that many have boring internships. But I keep him busy. Like you he said the things he’s learning from me aren’t what he learned in school. That’s why I’m hoping to get my book in schools (that’s my wish). It’s not a market I know well.
BTW, I get out of a funk by searching sites like PRWeb or a news site (even the New York Times,Yahoo News, or Digg). See what others write about and how they phrase the news, the quotes, etc. I always find myself thinking, that’s not how I’d say it. Then I start writing. Sometimes it even helps to copy their entire press release and then you’ll have the format. Fill in your info.
I love that the web is an open book – you can see what everyone else is doing and writing.
Thanks for following me!
Janet
.-= Janet Thaeler´s last blog ..10 Benefits of Writing a Book =-.
I would write a press release on the following:
a. Our customers and how they can satisfy even the most demanding request while traveling to their properties here in Mexico.
b. Our company and how we can help hotels, restaurants and destinations to be promoted in th Mexican market to generate more demand to increase revenue and profits.
Looks like we have in Mexico a lot to learn from you.
Many Thanks,
Mauro Juarez
TTF – Mexico
My next press release:
Michelle McCullough is celebrating 10 years since she started Doodads Promotional Products!
I’ve got the outline written, I just need to fill in some holes.
Congrats on your your book, by the way!
Michelle,
That IS exciting! Congrats to you too – hope you have a celebration – you could work in a 10 year anniversary special deal. Make it fun – throw a noisemaker or some pinata candy or something in the shipping box or give away something to every 10th customer.
Janet
.-= Janet Thaeler´s last blog ..10 Benefits of Writing a Book =-.
Mauro -
I suggest making press release detailing the most outlandish or extravagant vacations (almost like a wish) and how you’ve helped plan them. The idea is to give people ideas of what they could do. If possible, get quotes from people about the experience.
I love Mexico and wish you the best in promoting your business there.
- Janet
.-= Janet Thaeler´s last blog ..10 Benefits of Writing a Book =-.
Michelle,
I replied but my message didn’t make it. Here’s what I remember:
Congrats on your 10 years in business! You should combine it with something fun like throw in some candy with orders & a thanks for a good 10 years – see you the next 10 message. Or, give every 10th customer a bonus gift. Put that in the press release.
Mauro – I replied to you too – didn’t make it.
I suggest giving examples of the 5 or 10 most extravagent trips and requests. Highlight the trips and the people. If you can, use video. But definitively tell stories and get quotes about dream vacations.
Janet
.-= Janet Meiners Thaeler´s last blog ..@OnlineprBook Twitter Updates: 2009-09-20 =-.
I would love to get a copy of Janet’s book. I still think it’s insane that I went through four years of college for a Marketing degree without any exposure to public relations and press releases. The next thing we’ve got coming up that I could write a press release about is an SEO workshop we’ll be hosting in October, which we’re really excited about.
Congrats on the book and best wishes!
.-= Scott Cowley´s last blog ..SEO.com Hosts Media and Public at Informational Open House in New Office =-.
Ok. I could easily write a press release on my new book coming out called A CHRISTMAS GOODNIGHT published with Harper Collins Publishers. THe story on how I got the job is a good one in and of itself.
I would seriously love to get a copy. I have SO much to learn when it comes to writing my ownpress releases. I am not good at tooting my own horn, but I need to read her book because that is what NOT to do for a press release. Teach me Janet!
I really hope I win!!!
(PS my blog is currently crashed…FYI)
I am a new business owner and not sure how to do press releases. I could make a press release about KT Naturals’ branch opening in Taiwan.
I just launched my business — Beehive Soap and Body Care LLC! I had my debut at the Herriman Farmers Market on August 29th! I would love to win this book — so that I can get great tips to promote my business locally.
What a great book! I would love to be able to use this book, I am launching a business.
I am an independent distributor for Premier Designs and we are celebrating 25 years on November 5!!! I’d love to be able to write a solid press release about this event. I’ve written event releases – but not general PRs. I’d like to get some structured advice.
Scott, Again I’m surprised that you didn’t get that basic instruction in marketing. It’s so basic! Great idea on sending a press release about your workshop.
Sarah Jane, That’s a great idea for a press release. Tell us all about it. I wonder if Harper Collins sends one out for each book. So I’m not the only “Startup Princess” with a book out. Plus your publisher has a name. Isn’t this your 2nd book? Congrats! Maybe you could do a giveaway on your blog or we could trade books.
Janet
.-= Janet Meiners Thaeler´s last blog ..@OnlineprBook Twitter Updates: 2009-09-20 =-.
We could issue press releases to complement our Facebook news about our company-wide Fieldstone Volunteer Day, when Fieldstone Homes co-workers spend Oct 29 volunteering in our communities in Salt Lake, San Antonio, and Orange County, California.
Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!
My ideas for a press release:
~Ficklets Helps Kids Get Excited About Their Eyeglasses
~Moms Rave Ficklets Is A Self-Esteem Booster
Good luck everyone!
Congrats on your new book, how exciting!! I just sent out a press release last Friday to our local papers announcing that during the month of October, my business, http://www.mom4life.com is donating all our profits to a local pregnancy center. One of the three papers I sent it to, ran the story. I would love to win your book!
I plan to issue a press release about my participation in a Startup Business contest for the book I published in February. Congrats on the new book!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..Prescription Drug Deaths Outnumber Gun-Related Deaths 100,000 to 30,000 Annually =-.
Our new website is growing and your book could not have come out at a more important time for us. We have a few new areas of site content we are working on and content should be ready for me to write press releases within the next month to announce
* “4Moms2Go” Abundant Living mentoring audios for busy moms. snack sized lectures for a snack sized price of .99. 3-9 minute MP3s
* “A Realm of Our Own” our new online “gated kingdom” (online community), with forums, blogs, and groups. Some of the groups in the community include:
“Fit to be a Queen”- health and beauty from the inside out
“Lady of the Manor”-home, time, and resource management
“The King’s Table”- reclaiming family mealtime,
“Victory Ladies”- Focus on the “done list” rather than the “to do list”
and more…
.-= Donna Goff´s last blog ..September 2009 Monthly Princess Circle Liber Tea Luncheon Ideas =-.
Again, great ideas! Launching a new business a great time to write a press release.
Heather – thank you. I love your idea to generate some press and give to a good cause. You either have news or you create news.
Ros, have you checked out Circle of Moms social network? http://www.circleofmoms.com – it’s buggy but it might be a place where you could participate and ask for feedback about your product.
Janet
.-= Janet Meiners Thaeler´s last blog ..Tips for Promoting your Blog =-.
And the winners were…
Sarah Jane
Lindsey
Mauro
Roland
Quinn
Congrats and thank you Janet for sponsoring the giveaways!