Although my wife and I have been in the sign business since 1981 we are fairly new to our town and have only been in business here for 6 months. We're donating some signs to the park and the Historical Society here and have been asked by 2 local papers to prepare a press release. I've never had a reason to do this in the past and have always had more than enough business without advertising. Our market is much smaller here and I realize how important this might be to getting our name out there. Are there any guidelines to preparing a successful press release? What subjects should be touched on? Company history? Product? Experience? I'm clueless....
Posted by Dan Sawatzky (Member # 88) on :
We've had a great deal of success in the past with stories in the papers. One good story is worth a hundred advertisements any day.
The approach we have always taken is to try and make it personal. We like to tell out story of how we came into business, our background etc. And if the story shows your passion for the work you do and your feeling for your community it will ring true and be effective.
It can be a wonderful opportunity for you.
-dan
Posted by Kristie Byrnes (Member # 3510) on :
HI!
Having had a couple newspaper stories about my business since relocating here, I've found it is a great way to "get your name out there" to the community you live in and other communities in the area. As DAn has said, mention your experience and what type of work you do, be it painting, vinyl, murals, whatever, but I don't feel you need to say anything about products used. Poeple will ask about that when they come to you for business. I mentioned the location of my shop, and referenced some of the work in the area I had done also. And in one article, I also said that aside from my graphics painting business, I am a watercolor artist, too. It is a nice way for people to become aquainted with you and your business and it certainly does pull business your way in a small town. Anyway, it'll be great for you. Have fun! ...Kristie
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Get the book "Get Noticed: Self Promotion for Creative Professionals" by Sheree L. Clark, it explains the process of self promotion and has sample press releases, so you can get an idea, what is in them. Rick
Posted by FranCisco Vargas (Member # 145) on :
Hello Terry, I have had a couple of articles written about myself, here's a link that might give you an idea of what to do, and then maybe not.
Hope it helps it helps you, I know it has helped me more than I can say. Good luck...
Posted by Bob Stephens (Member # 858) on :
Rick Chavez, I can't help but thinking every time I read one of your post that you are a wealth of knowledge. You have some great advice every time you reply. thanks.
Posted by Rick Chavez (Member # 2146) on :
Gorsh Bob thanks, The only thing I can attribute to it, is that I read a lot, and after working at 8 shops, you pick up a thing or two. I also get involved in the design community like the AIGA, SEGD, GAG and others, and hob knob with designers way more talented than me at certain events. But I have to say my weakness has always been a quality crafted sign done by hand. My library stands at around 1200 books, dealing with signage, graphic design, photography, construction and architecture and I subscribe to about 26 magazines right now, though with the business I'm in I get some for free. Well everyone has something to offer, and I have learned a lot here, hoping to hit a meet one of these days, and maybe I can hob knob with the brothers and sisters of the brush too. Rick
Posted by Joe Cieslowski (Member # 2429) on :
Whenever you prepare any press release, the rule is........"Who", "What", "Why", "Where" and "When". These should all be answered in the first sentence. Editors usually chop the crap out of press releases so it's important to get all the important info in up front.....it will also hook your reader.
Also, double space, fill the page (only one) and include all info on how you can be contacted...maybe this will lead to an actual story by the papers staff. Include one or two clear pictures of yourselves...."people" pictures always attract readers attention.....editors like em too!
Hope this helps......
Joe, Makin Chips and Havin Fun!
Posted by Bruce Williams (Member # 691) on :
"We're donating some signs to the park and the Historical Society here and have been asked by 2 local papers to prepare a press release." ---------------- They asked you? Good. Definitely get them a good pic of the sign in front of (or above) some Society officers and yourself.
As a former editor, I'm pretty sure that the shorter press release is still better. These things arrive by the pounds every day. After the who-what-where-when-how-oh yeah and so what, name some local signs that your readers can see. That way, you're giving plugs to your clients, who may also advertise in the papers, and everybody's happy.
I'm aware of the fuzzy line between journalism and advertising. Taste counts. What you're doing is more journalistic than network-TV "news."
Posted by Greg Ludlum (Member # 3725) on :
Short, simple, not overtly self serving and often. Many times the PR's that I send in are one line. Include the following: To: Newspaper, Contact Person PRESS RELEASE Date For Immediate Release Body of Text Separator Line Your name & Phone Number
Get to know who is in charge of that section or department, build a relationship. Always include a photo, even if it is just a head-shot. They only use the pics about 30% of the time, but if it is not there they for sure can't print one!
