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Get the word out with a well-written press release

February 16, 2009 By Sandy

It’s “Get the Word Out” week here at the Get Fully Funded blog.  Today’s edition focuses on writing a press release that will get attention.

When writing a good press release, keep your writing simple and clear. Cover the “who”, “what”, “where”, “when”, and “why” questions.  Send the release in plenty of time for reporters to contact you and have time to prepare.  Put your press release on letterhead whenever you can. Spend time building relationships with reporters and assignment editors.  To really make friends fast, take them a plate of homemade cookies!

Over the years, I’ve written lots of press releases and pitched lots of stories to the media.  Here’s a formula that I’ve used for creating a press release:

Date

For more information, contact (your name) at (your phone) or (your email)

For immediate release

Attention-Getting Headline

One-line subhead explaining the headline

(Your city, state).  Main paragraph to answer all the main questions.

Second paragraph with more details.

“qu0te from you or your Executive Director about the content of the release.”

Any remaining details.

For more information about (this content) or (your organization), contact…..

  # # #

 

Here are some tips for writing good headlines.  Click here.

Here’s another good set of tips for creating a press release and working with the media.  Click here.

Here’s some good info from my friend Nancy Schwartz at Getting Attention, including a link to a downloadable guide to creating press releases  Click here.

Here’s an episode of Magic Keys Radio that talks about what works and what doesn’t with press releases.  Click here.

Got a specific question about getting the word out?  Click on the comments link below and post.

Filed Under: Communications/Public Relations Tagged With: , ,

Get the word out!

February 15, 2009 By Sandy

This week, I’ll be posting ideas to help you get the word out about your nonprofit organization and your fundraising events.  After all, people have to know you’re there before they can give to your cause, right?

Let’s start with some basics.

First, put some thought into what message you want to get out and what you want people to remember.  Keep it as simple as possible.  If you’re trying to raise awareness of your organization, you really want to zero in on the main point of your organization.

Create a simple fact sheet with the who, what, when, where, and why.  Stay focused on your reader and why they should be interested as you prepare the fact sheet.  It’s easy to get too focused on small details here.  Remember to keep your eye on the big picture.

Once you have your information ready, here are some strategies for getting the word out:

  • Send out a press release to the local media (Read more about working with the media at the Nonprofit Marketing Guide)
  • Send information to local companies who support you and ask them to post it in their breakroom or put it in their newsletter.
  • Ask local churches that support you to include the information in their bulletin or newsletter.
  • Post the information on your website, blog, and/or Facebook page.

Where have you “put the word out” that has worked for you?  Click on the “comments” link below and post a note to let us know.  I’d love to hear from you!

Filed Under: Communications/Public Relations Tagged With: , ,