making it easy to write effective media releases
TRANSCRIPT
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Making it easy to write
effective media releases
October 2019| Connections
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How often do you read an entire webpage from start
to finish?
Fun fact: users will read about 20% of the text on a standard
webpage
Fun fact: users often leave webpages in 10–20 seconds, but pages with a clear value
proposition can hold people's attention for much longer.
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We want to create news!
Think about your target publication. What makes items newsworthy?
News is something new, up-to-the-minute and of interest to the readers.
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Front loading is key to success..
Front loading is putting the most important information for the reader first.
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Front loading is key to success..
The 1st paragraph is the most important.
The 1st sentence in the paragraph is the most important.
The 1st words in the sentence are the most important.
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Discussion: How would you improve this page?
Master Class 4 Jar Spice Set
Size 24cm x 7cm x 11cm
Includes bay leaves, garlic flakes, parsley and cracked chilli
Each jar is labelled with stainless steel screw top lids
Perfect for the kitchen
Price includes FREE worldwide shipping. All items are shipped from the UK. Delivery time is between 6-10 working days.
For Sale: Perfect for the Kitchen!
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The 1st paragraph should be the hook for the journalist
• who• what • when• where• why• and how
…begin with what will mostInteresting to this story
and use the active tense
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Keep it short!
Short sentences
Short paragraphs
Short article
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Plain English - “don’t hurt my brain”
Change This To ThisUtilise UseOptimum BestPerform ?Initiate ?Terminate ?Numerous ?Ascertain ?Substantial ?
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Remember a good quote…
Attribute a quote to one member and think how to make the
statement newsworthy.
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A photo is key
Action photos - cropped photos to hone in on
the action
Plain background
If a small group- <8 provide names
(always mention that you have got permission from everyone in the photo to publish their photo.)
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Lastly…the headline
Catchy, interesting, attention grabbing – but doesn’t need to be super clever
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Media Release Template DATE
HEADLINE - Ensure it’s bolded.
LEAD -Make it is punchy and has the story hook. Check to include: who, what, when, where,
why and how.
BODY - 3-4 paragraphs including 1-2 quotes.
PHOTO
END -The last paragraph may get cut. Include background information about Inner Wheel.
-ends-
CONTACTFor further media information contact: Contact name
Phone number
BOILER PLATE (About Inner Wheel) one paragraph summary of background information about yourself and Inner Wheel. This
information will give the journalist an overview and isn’t necessarily needed in the body of the
media release.
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