12 Steps to Acing PR Writing

A press release, also known as a “press statement,” “news release,” or “media release,” is an important journalistic tool. PR writing offers brands an opportunity to publicize their brand or services to a broader audience, drive traffic to their website, and raise the brand’s Google ranking.

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What is a Press Release?

A press release is an official document that a company releases to media houses intending to distribute information to the general public. This is an important aspect of public relations and media strategy. The critical feature of PR writing is that the company releasing the information can supply its own newsworthy story.

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The steps to good PR writing start even before the actual writing process begins. Let’s look at the 12 effective steps to ace PR writing.

12 Effective Steps to Ace PR Writing

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1. Define the objective

Clarity is particularly important, even before beginning to write a press release. The objective of the written piece is crucial for the bigger picture. The nature of the press release and the PR writing style will depend on the objective. The objective will also lead to the determination of the goal.

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2. Set specific goals

Goals refer to what the brand aims to achieve through the press release. Goals are different from objectives based on how concrete and specific goals are. On the other hand, objectives can be a little more general.

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There are various PR measurement guidelines set up to measure the success of a press release, such as the Barcelona Principles and PESO PR Evaluation Model, based on which such a goal can be set with objectivity. Some metrics to determine your goals include the number of interactions, coverage of the press release’s outreach, long-term impact, etc.

3. Identify the target audience.

Companies that offer press release writing services must know the target audience. Primarily, the target audience includes anyone reporting for television, blogs, radio, newspapers, and social media.

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However, depending on the nature, the press release writing services will also have to investigate the specific factors and determine the final consumer using demographics, behavior, and location.

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4. Focus on a journalistic viewpoint

The press release must meet the journalists’ standards. If not, they will not release it as part of their stories or news. Hence, PR writing must maintain basic journalistic guidelines, styles, and objectives.

5. Tweak the writing according to the publishing channels

Press releases are published on various media platforms such as social media, whitepapers, newspapers, etc. Brands select channels based on their quality and the traction they can provide.

This will affect PR writing, as the writing style will depend significantly on the channel chosen. There may be more than one channel, and the press release format must be adjusted accordingly.

6. Use visual content

It goes without saying that any piece of writing needs to have an attractive visual to have a more powerful impact. Visual elements include infographics, graphs, logos, etc.

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7. Creative guidelines

Creative guidelines are essential for PR writing, primarily if multiple people work on different projects and if the press releases include visuals. Homogeneity always comes across in any form of writing.

8. Establish a timeline

When working on a press release that includes several elements and steps, creating a calendar to keep track of the plan is preferable. Timing is of the essence in press releases that need the information to be made public at once.

9. Good research

Research in PR writing is two-pronged. Research must be done to determine what the product and brand are all about. And then, it is essential to understand which media contacts would like to receive the press release. The best press release must make readers feel that it was tailormade for them.

10. Gather insights

Insights mean valuable information, which can be used to showcase how the content in the press release is credible.

11. Keep the “5 Ws” in mind.

● What: What is the press release about?

● Who: Who are the key players?

● Where: Where does this story come from?

● When: What are the timings of the same?

● Why: Why is this press release important?

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These questions will make the PR writing process easier, and the PR writing services will be able to cover various essential aspects of the press release.

12. Use SEO tools

Using SEO tools for online channels will increase the reach of the release. Deciding on commonly searched for keywords will make the press release more likely to be found in such searches.

The Final Word

What are you waiting for now that you know all about PR writing?

Focus on these 12 principles to ensure that your next press release is powerful, impactful, and gets the desired results.

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