Blogs and press releases, both have paramount marketing value as content that steals everyone’s attention. However, both of the contents are fundamentally quite different from each other. Whether it is the format or language and tone used in writing; there are several significant differences between a blog and a press release. But it is not rocket science. If you can write attractive blogs, then you will be also able to craft press releases efficiently without leaving any room for error.
If you are wondering how to transform your blog-writing skills into press release writing, here are some effective tips that you need to follow.
1. Make Sure it is Newsworthy
The press release is like news that announces something and it is not guided like the blogs. However, there are a few blog post topics that can be newsworthy enough to make an announcement. Such as,
- New company launch, merging, and partnership
- Clients’ success stories, awards, and other business achievements
- New employees/contributors/hires/investors
- Company milestones and survey results
In case you have no news like information for the aforementioned topics, you create your own like a prediction.
2. Utilize Third Person Voice
One of the reasons why PR is highly appreciated in the market is that it comes with a direct approach without anything underlying. You should keep it that way by using a third-person voice where you use the company name instead of ‘we and I’ and similarly, address the customers in the third person as clients instead of ‘You’. A direct approach is more attractive to readers as they are not required to brainstorm to find the concept.
3. Keep the Headline ‘Picture Perfect’
The headline is the first element that online readers notice the first, A headline is supposed to offer an idea of what the content is all about. However, it needs to be picture perfect as online users are impatient and they are more likely to ignore it if it does not fit right. The PR headline must have relevant keywords to make sure the content reaches the right users. Unlike most blog posts, the press release has a subhead that offers backup to the headline. So, it is highly important to revise the headline and try to,
- Keep the header short (within 70-80 characters with spaces)
- Incorporate high search volume keywords
- Offer a bit of the story while addressing a problem or providing a solution
- Make it subtle and easy to read for everyone
4. The PR should have the Following Elements
While blogs have a more casual structure, format, and appearance; a press release is quite opposite to it. PR is considered the most authentic document in the market that is accepted by journalists and industry experts as well. So, when you turn your blog post into a PR, it must contain the following elements.
- Dateline – PR is time-sensitive and a dateline is a must to ensure its relevance and freshness.
- Lead – The prime section that offers details based on the 5Ws namely who, what, where, why, and when.
- Quote – It is not mandatory but a quote can definitely improve the PR content’s body and make it more attractive. However, do not overuse it.
- Boilerplate – This is a short description of the company that shared the press release, so, it is basically you and your company.
5. Familiarity with AP Style
The AP Style is referred to Associated Press Style which is considered as the writing blueprint for journalism. Press Release is constantly evolving but its traditional format and structure are more or less the same.
6. Take Inspiration from Others’ PRs
The press release is a widely used marketing tool that is heavily used by every other industry and business belonging to it. It is not just you but you will find plenty of other people trying the same. So, you can always get inspiration from other PRs that have performed successfully in the market. If you want something more specific, look for relevant PRs published under your niche industry.
While these aforementioned tips are enough to help you out, you still need some professionals to look at it. If you need any kind of assistance in writing a press release, visit https://www.issuewire.com/writing and contact the experts for better guidance. You can also purchase press release writing packages where you can get your PR written by professionals. So, what are you waiting for? Start your PR today!
