Northern Michigan Real Estate

When we are compiling a press release for distribution, there are some simple rules that we can follow to give us an advantage in getting our release published.  A well written press release is a great, free way to garner exposure for your business.  They are much easier to get published than a full story.  Typically, they should be 100 words of less and cover the 5Ws and H of writing (who, what, when, where, why and how).  Every press release that you write should contain 3 critical components: 

Newsworthy

The press release must have a news angle and not just a self promoting statement of how wonderful you and your business are.  The news angel could include:  starting a new business, hiring a new employee, moving to a new location, achieving a new designation, sponsoring of an upcoming event.  These are just a few of the items that would be considered news worthy.

If you business is over a year old, most publications will nt publish this.  You have missed your opportunity.  New products or services are viewed as items that you should be paying for ad space for.  Events for profit will probably not be published.

Audience

Make sure that you are sending your press release to the correct target audience.  Don't send a press release announcing your new designation to a male publication if you are a female.  Chances are that they won't publish it due to the fact that it does not fit their target audience.

Guidelines

Make sure you know the publications guidelines before you submit.  If you don't submit per their guidelines, your press release will be tossed aside and not published.  Guidelines would include word count, deadlines and which editor to send the press release to.

Who:  your name and business name

What:  A sentence or two about what your business does

When:  When you opened, will open or when your event it

Where:  Location (leave out state and zip code)

Why:  Why you opened, who you will serve, why having the event

How:  How to reach you (phone, email, website). 

New Designation Example:

Christine Stalsonburg, Realtor at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors in Traverse City, has earned Accredited Buyer Agent (ABR) designation by the National Association of Realtors.  Certification is designed for real estate buyer agents who focus on working directly with buyer-clients.  Christine joined Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors in 2009 and can be reached at 231-944-0854, email  cstalsonburg@charter.net, www.stalsonburg.com